To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Netflix's Family Next Door Left Out Key Details About Horrific Murders

Netflix's Family Next Door Left Out Key Details About Horrific Murders

Chris Watts is serving life in prison for murdering his family

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

American Murder: The Family Next Door tells the shocking story of Shanann Watts and her two daughters, Bella, four, and Celeste, three, who were murdered by husband and father Chris. But the heartbreaking documentary leaves out some important details surrounding the brutal murders.

Family and friends have long wondered what the motives were surrounding Watts' actions, with some pointing to jealousy.

The couple filed for bankruptcy in 2015, with court documents showing that Watts was then the main source of income for the family, the Independent reports.

However, in an effort to support the family financially and pay off a number of debts, including student loans and medical bills, Shanann took on a sales job - and soon became a success.

The doc does explain, however, how Shanann - who was pregnant at the time of her death - received a company car package and would often go on work trips as well as holidays to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

And while Watts did sometimes accompany his wife, he often stayed at home with their daughters.

Chris Watts murdered his wife and two daughters.
Netflix

Also, though viewers are only shown a brief segment of the polygraph test that Watts underwent during questioning on 15 August 2018, it actually lasted for around five hours.

Watts received a score of -18, with -4 being the standard for a suspicion of guilt, and it was a key moment in getting him to confess.

According to reports, during the test, the dad-of-two also referred to his children in the past tense - again something that is not included in the documentary.

Since it landed on Netflix, the film has brought many of those who have seen it to tears.

The story is told only through first-hand footage including police interview tapes, social media posts, text message conversations and bodycam recordings.

Watts' polygraph test lasted a number of hours, during which he referred to his children in the past tense.
Netflix

After watching the uneasy documentary viewers took to social media, with one saying: "I just watched American Murder: The Family Next Door on Netflix. It was an absolute emotional roller coaster. I followed the case but this got me. I'm in total tears at this point. Rest in peace all victims of domestic violence."

Another said: "In absolute tears at American Murder: The Family Next Door. How anyone could do that to their wife and babies is just traumatising."

A third viewer added: "Why did I decide to watch American Murder: The Family Next Door at 1.00 am? Now I cannot sleep, have an unsettled feeling in my gut, and have work tomorrow."

After initially alleging that he murdered Shanann after discovering she had killed their daughters, Watts admitted his guilt as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in November 2018.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: Documentaries, US News, crime, Netflix