Chris Wattshas agreed to pay $6 million to theparentsof Shanann Watts, the pregnant wife hemurderedlast year, multiple outlets report.
Now, in closing the civil case, Watts, 34, has reportedly agreed to pay the family for the damages: $1 million for each death plus $3 million for emotional distress, with an 8 percent annual interest rate, according to theDenver Post.Court documents, according to the outlet, say the family suffered serious emotional trauma from the crimes.
“The Rzucek family has not been the same since August 13, 2018,” the documents read,the Postreports. “They have suffered with anger, loneliness, sadness, and depression. For a substantial period of time following the discovery of their daughter and grandchildren’s murders, they were unable to work, leave the house, or even eat.”
Sandra Rzucek speaks at Chris Watts’ sentencing.RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty
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The document in which Watts agrees to pay the family acknowledges his involvement in causing his in-laws’ emotional trauma.
“The Defendant stipulates that the death of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste was a tremendous loss to Plaintiffs Franklin Rzucek and Sandra Rzucek and that they have suffered extreme emotional stress and damage as a result of such loss,” reads the documents, per theDenver Post.
It was reported in February that Watts wouldnot fight backagainst the wrongful death lawsuit.
RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty
On August 13, 2018, the Colorado dadkilled his 15-weeks-pregnant wifeand their two young daughters. He first strangled wife Shanann, who was carrying the couple’s third child. Then, with her body in the back of his truck, he drove to aremote oil work sitewith his sleeping girls —Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3— in the backseat.
Before burying Shanann in a shallow grave, Watts said he smothered Celeste in the backseat, right next to Bella. After dumping Celeste’s body in an oil tank, he returned to smother Bella, who begged for her life. He then stashed her body in another oil tank.
Another sourcetold Peopleat the time that the surviving family members continue to grapple with the murders.
“It’s all the family thinks about,” the source said. “This has changed their lives forever.”
source: people.com
