Chris Watts Claims Spiritual Awakening in Prison After Family Murders

Chris Watts, the man convicted of murdering his pregnant wife and two daughters in August 2018, has claimed to have undergone a spiritual transformation while serving his life sentence in prison. In letters sent to a female pen-pal from the Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, Watts expressed that he has found God and feels he has been forgiven for his heinous crimes.

In the handwritten correspondence, Watts described himself as a “new man,” stating that he has taken full responsibility for the murders of his wife, Shanann Watts, and their daughters, Bella, who was four, and Celeste, known as Cece, who was three at the time. He confessed to strangling Shanann, who was 15 weeks pregnant, before suffocating his daughters and disposing of their bodies in oil drums.

Watts, now 40, wrote, “I know that God does not see me as a sinner who killed his family; he sees me as His child. I have confessed my sins. I am forgiven.” His letters also included references to the biblical passage from 2 Corinthians 5:17, which states, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” He proclaimed, “That’s me. I’m a new creature.”

Controversial Claims and Past Actions

While Watts has sought to redefine his identity in prison, he has also attempted to shift some blame onto his former mistress, Nicole Kessinger, describing her as a “wicked woman” who misled him. Despite his claims of transformation, the details surrounding the murders remain chilling.

On August 13, 2018, in their home in Frederick, Colorado, he murdered Shanann after asking for a divorce. He later claimed that she had killed their daughters, prompting him to react violently. However, evidence presented during the investigation contradicted his account. After initially denying knowledge of his family’s whereabouts, Watts ultimately confessed to the killings when confronted with evidence of his affair.

His actions have gained significant media attention, including the release of a Netflix documentary titled American Murder: The Family Next Door, which explores the events leading up to the tragic murders and the circumstances of the Watts family.

Life Sentences and Public Reaction

On November 6, 2018, nearly three months after the murders, Watts was sentenced to five life sentences without the possibility of parole. The case has sparked widespread outrage and discussion regarding domestic violence and mental health issues.

Despite the gravity of his crimes, Watts’ recent claims of finding peace and forgiveness have reignited interest in his case. His letters depict a man attempting to reconcile his past actions with a newfound faith, though many remain skeptical of his sincerity.

As Watts continues to serve his sentence, his alleged transformation raises questions about accountability and the complexities of human behavior in the context of severe crime.