American Murder: The Family Next Door is a true crime documentary on Netflix that has been making waves since its release. The film tells the story of the 2018 Watts family murders, which took place in Frederick, Colorado. The documentary uses archival footage to showcase the events leading up to the murders and the aftermath, leaving viewers with many unanswered questions.
One of the most common questions viewers have after watching American Murder: The Family Next Door is, “Where are they now?” This question refers to the surviving family members and the other individuals involved in the case. While the documentary provides some information on this topic, there are still many unknowns. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the current whereabouts of the Watts family and the other individuals involved in the case.
By examining the various interviews, court documents, and media coverage surrounding the case, this article will attempt to piece together what has happened in the years since the murders. It will also explore the impact that the documentary has had on the case and the discussions that have arisen as a result. Lastly, the documentary will explore the multitude of theories and speculations presented by both the public and law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- The current whereabouts of the Watts family and the other individuals involved in the case are largely unknown.
- The documentary has sparked discussions and theories about the case, but many questions remain unanswered.
- The impact of the documentary has been far-reaching, with many people questioning the ethics of true crime media.
The Watts Family: Where Are They Now?
Chris Watts: Life in Prison
Chris Watts is currently serving five life sentences without the possibility of parole at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. He pleaded guilty to the murders of his wife Shanann and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste, in August 2018. Since then, he has been behind bars and has not made any public statements about the crime.
In 2020, reports indicated that Watts had been relocated to a different facility over safety concerns. Currently, he is reportedly situated in an undisclosed out-of-state location. The reasons behind his relocation and the precise location of his current detention remain unclear.
The Watts family murders shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on the community of Frederick, Colorado. Shanann’s family has since started a foundation in her honor, while the community has come together to remember the victims and support their loved ones.
Despite the tragedy, the Watts family has continued to come together and support each other. In the aftermath of the murders, Shanann’s brother Frankie Rzucek spoke out about the importance of family and forgiveness. He has since become an advocate for victims’ rights and has shared his story with others.
Overall, the Watts family is still dealing with the aftermath of the murders and trying to move forward as best they can. While Chris Watts remains in prison, the family continues to honor the memory of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste and work towards healing and recovery.
The Documentary: American Murder
“American Murder: The Family Next Door” is a true crime documentary film that premiered on Netflix on September 30, 2020. Directed by Jenny Popplewell, the film tells the story of the 2018 Watts family murders that took place in Frederick, Colorado. It uses archival footage including social media posts, law enforcement recordings, text messages, and home video footage to depict the events that occurred.
Behind the Production
The production of the documentary was authorized by the victims’ family, and it took a less sensational approach than news reports, providing a haunting and searching look into the tragedy. The film was produced by Raw TV and premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The trailer for the documentary was released on September 15, 2020, and quickly gained attention on social media.
Public Reception
The documentary received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The New York Times called it “an effective, if often difficult, piece of filmmaking,” and praised its use of social media and home video footage to tell the story. The documentary also sparked discussions about domestic violence and the criminal justice system.
“American Murder: The Family Next Door” is a powerful and thought-provoking true crime documentary film that sheds light on a tragic event. It is a must-watch for true crime fans and anyone interested in the criminal justice system.
The Case: In-Depth Analysis
The Investigation
American Murder: The Family Next Door is a true crime documentary that focuses on the 2018 disappearance of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters. The documentary uses archival footage, social media posts, and police footage to reconstruct the events leading up to the murders and the investigation that followed.
Shanann Watts was a pregnant wife and mother of two who lived in Frederick, Colorado. She was reported missing by her friend Nickole Atkinson on August 13, 2018, after she failed to show up for a doctor’s appointment. The police conducted a welfare check at her home and found no signs of foul play.
During the investigation, the police discovered that Shanann’s husband, Chris Watts, was having an affair with a co-worker named Nichol Kessinger. They also found evidence that Chris had searched online for topics such as “how to delete text messages” and “when to say I love you for the first time in a new relationship.”
The police interviewed Chris several times and administered a polygraph test, which he failed. Chris initially denied any involvement in the disappearance of his wife and children, but eventually confessed to killing them. He pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawful termination of a pregnancy.
The Confession
In his confession, Chris Watts claimed that he had strangled his wife in a fit of rage after she had killed their two daughters. He later admitted that he had killed all three of them. He said that he had disposed of their bodies in an industrial oil field where he worked.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation later released a report that contradicted Chris’s version of events. The report stated that Shanann and her daughters had been killed inside their home and that Chris had transported their bodies to the oil field.
The motive for the murders remains a mystery. Some have speculated that Chris was driven to kill his family because of financial problems or because he wanted to start a new life with Nichol Kessinger. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these theories.
The Other Individuals: Their Stories
Nichol Kessinger: The Mistress
Nichol Kessinger was the mistress of Chris Watts. She worked at Anadarko Petroleum, where Chris was employed. Nichol said that she had no idea about Chris’s family until the news of their disappearance broke out. She cooperated with the police and provided them with information about her relationship with Chris.
Nichol conveyed that Chris informed her about his separation from his wife and their ongoing divorce process. However, she later found out that he was still living with his family. Nichol received a lot of backlash from the public and had to change her phone number and move to a different state.
Nickole Atkinson: The Friend
Nickole Atkinson was a friend of Shanann Watts and was the one who first reported her missing. She went to the Watts’ house on August 13, 2018, after Shanann missed her doctor’s appointment.
Nickole immediately sensed that something was wrong and contacted the police. She also helped the police in their investigation and provided them with information about Shanann’s life. Nickole was devastated by the loss of her friend and attended the court hearings of Chris Watts. She also received a lot of support from the public for her role in the investigation.
The Aftermath: Impact and Discussions
Public Reaction
The release of the true-crime documentary “American Murder: The Family Next Door” on Netflix in 2020 sparked widespread public reaction. The documentary, which focuses on the 2018 murders of Shanann Watts and her two daughters by her husband Chris Watts, has been the subject of numerous news reports, headlines, and social media discussions. The case has also reignited discussions about domestic violence and the dangers of ignoring warning signs.
Many viewers of the documentary have taken to social media platforms, such as Twitter and Reddit, to express their shock and horror at the events depicted. Some have also expressed their fascination with true crime and the psychology behind such heinous crimes. The documentary has sparked a true crime obsession among some viewers, leading to discussions about the ethics of armchair detectives and the impact of such media on the families of the victims.
Social Media Discussions
Social media has played a significant role in the discussions surrounding “American Murder: The Family Next Door”. The documentary features social media posts by Shanann Watts, which numerous platforms have extensively circulated. These posts serve to underscore the indicators of domestic violence and emphasize the necessity for heightened awareness and assistance for victims.
The documentary has also led to discussions about the use of social media in criminal investigations. The use of Facebook and other social media platforms by law enforcement to gather evidence has been a controversial topic in recent years, with some arguing that it infringes on privacy rights and others arguing that it is a necessary tool for solving crimes.
Theories and Speculations
Popular Theories
Since the release of American Murder: The Family Next Door, armchair detectives and Reddit users have come up with various theories and speculations about the case.
One of the most popular theories is that Chris Watts was having an affair with a co-worker and that Shanann Watts had found out about it, leading to the murders. Supporters of this theory point to the fact that Chris had deleted all of his messages with his co-worker and that he had lied to Shanann about his whereabouts on the day of the murders.
Another popular theory is that Chris Watts was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the murders. Supporters of this theory point to the fact that Chris had lost a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time, which could be a sign of drug use. They also highlight his peculiar behavior during his police interviews, which could be attributed to being under the influence.
Debunked Theories
While there are many theories and speculations surrounding the case, some have been debunked by evidence presented in the documentary. One theory was that Shanann had killed her daughters and that Chris had murdered her in a fit of rage. However, this theory was debunked by the fact that Chris had confessed to murdering all three of them.
Another theory suggested the involvement of the Watts family in a cult or Shanann’s engagement in witchcraft. Nevertheless, no evidence backs these assertions, leading to their dismissal as groundless speculation.
Despite the many theories and speculations, the mystery and tension surrounding the case remain. The documentary has sparked a renewed interest in the case, and it is likely that more theories and speculations will continue to emerge in the future.
Chris Watts: Other Documentaries and Films
Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer
In addition to the Netflix documentary, “American Murder: The Family Next Door,” there is another documentary that covers the Watts family murders. “Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer” was released in 2020 and directed by Michael Nankin. The film features dramatized reenactments of the events leading up to the murders and the subsequent investigation. It also includes real-life footage of Chris Watts’ interrogation and confession.
The documentary focuses on the psychological profile of Chris Watts and his motives for committing the murders. It also delves into his troubled relationship with his wife, Shanann, and his extramarital affair with a coworker. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the performances of the actors and others criticizing the dramatizations as unnecessary.
Other Related Films
While there are no other documentaries specifically about the Watts family murders, there are several true crime films that cover similar cases of family annihilation. One such film is “The Act of Killing,” directed by Joshua Oppenheimer and released in 2012. The film explores the 1965 Indonesian genocide through the eyes of the perpetrators, who reenact their crimes in a surreal and unsettling manner.
Another film that deals with infidelity and murder is “Shadow Dancer,” directed by James Marsh and released in 2012. The film follows a young woman in Northern Ireland who is recruited by the British intelligence services to spy on her own family. When she falls in love with a member of the IRA, she is forced to choose between her loyalty to her family and her feelings for her lover.
Overall, while there are no shortage of true crime films and documentaries, “American Murder: The Family Next Door” and “Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer” stand out for their intimate and emotional portrayal of a family tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Shanann Watts’ family?
Shanann Watts’ family is still grieving the loss of their loved ones. They have chosen to keep a low profile and have not made any public statements recently.
What is Chris Watts doing now?
Chris Watts is currently serving his sentence at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin. He is not eligible for parole and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
What was the sentence given to Chris Watts?
Chris Watts was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of his wife, Shanann, and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste.
What happened to the house of Chris Watts?
Chris Watts’ house went up for auction in 2019 following the bank’s foreclosure on the property. In April 2019, the house was successfully sold for $645,000.
Who are the current owners of the Watts house?
The public is unaware of the current owners of the Watts house. A real estate agent managed the house’s sale, and the new proprietors have opted to keep their identity confidential.
Conclusion
American Murder: The Family Next Door is a true-crime documentary that has captivated audiences with its chilling account of the Watts family murders. The documentary has brought to light the horrors of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on families.
Since the release of the documentary, there have been no major updates on the case. Chris Watts is currently serving multiple life sentences in prison for the murders of his wife and children. The Watts family home has been sold, and the new owners have renovated the property.
Shanann Watts’ family has set up a foundation in her name to raise awareness about domestic violence and support victims and their families. The foundation has received overwhelming support from the public and has raised thousands of dollars in donations.
The documentary has sparked important conversations about domestic violence and the need for more resources to support victims and their families. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on families and communities.
Overall, American Murder: The Family Next Door is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on a tragic case. While there may not be any major updates on the case, the documentary continues to raise awareness about domestic violence and the need for more support for victims and their families.