"Social media lies. So there's Chris Watts, his wife, Shenan Watts, and their two young daughters, Bella, who's four, and Cece who's three. If you were to look at Shenan's Facebook, you would think that they had everything. A happy marriage, a beautiful home, beautiful kid, successful careers..." — Ashley Flowers
"The more I researched, the less I wanted to tell this story. It just-- it sucked, and it's so sad, and I bummed out. So get ready, everybody, to have your week ruined." — Ashley Flowers
"The biggest thing that stuck out to me was that this is literally day one, or his family like one full day when his family's missing, and he isn't wearing a wedding ring." — Brit Praewat
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the horrifying case of the Watts family murders. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and co-hosted by Brit Praewat, the narrative meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to the murders and the subsequent investigation. The episode begins by establishing the stark contrast between the seemingly idyllic life portrayed by Shanann Watts on social media and the grim reality of Chris Watts's emotional detachment and marital dissatisfaction. The hosts highlight how Shanann's extensive social media presence provided a perceived intimacy with the victims, making the tragedy more impactful for listeners. The detailed recounting of Chris Watts's interactions and statements, particularly his press conference and interviews, are analyzed for psychological cues and potential deception. The investigation's progression, from the initial missing persons report to the discovery of the bodies at Chris's worksite, is presented in a chronological and suspenseful manner.
The narrative emphasizes the psychological complexities of family annihilation, referencing a UK study that identified common traits among such perpetrators, including male dominance, age in their 30s, employment, and motivations often linked to family breakdown or financial strain. The episode critiques Chris Watts's fabricated narrative to his father and the police, which attempted to shift blame onto Shanann. This fabricated story is contrasted with the forensic evidence and the eventual confession, painting a picture of a calculated act driven by a desire for a new life, potentially with a mistress. The hosts express profound sadness and emotional distress throughout the episode, particularly when discussing the young daughters' fates and the apparent efforts to conceal the crime.
Towards the end, the episode touches upon the disturbing phenomenon of women writing love letters to Chris Watts in prison, further highlighting the complex and often incomprehensible nature of public perception and perpetrator fascination. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the immense pain and loss experienced by the victims' families and the broader implications for understanding domestic violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs. They also promote the podcast's Patreon and upcoming events, while also featuring a "Puppet of the Month" segment intended to bring levity after the heavy subject matter.