Photo: Shanann Watts /Facebook
Colorado fatherChris Wattsfaces nine charges in the triple slaying of hispregnant wife and their two young daughters, prosecutors announced on Monday.
Chris, 33, is further charged with unlawful termination of a pregnancy in the first degree, because Shanann, 34, was15 weeks pregnantwhen she was killed.
Chris Watts.Joshua Polson/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Rourke did not elaborate on that charge at Monday’s news conference, beyond restating the statute.
Chris also faces three counts of tampering with a dead body as authorities believe he concealed the remains of his alleged victims on the property of an oil and gas company where he was working.
One thing authorities would not discuss is whether they would seek the death penalty against Chris if he is convicted. D.A. Rourke said it was “way too early” in the process for such a question.
Speaking more broadly about the case — which is still unfolding but has so far included allegations of rageful strangulation and infidelity — Rourke said it had “been a long week.”
Shanann’s fatheralso spoke at the news conference. In a voice choked with emotion, Frank Rzucek Sr. thanked both law enforcement for their work and Shanann’s many supporters for “all your prayers.”
“They are greatly appreciated,” Rzucek said, adding, “Keep the prayers coming for our family.”
While several key details about the homicides remain unclear, such as cause of death, an arrest affidavit for Chris that was unsealed Mondayshows that he claimed he killed Shanannafter watching her strangle one of their daughters.
Shanann Watts /Facebook
The affidavit also states that, before he made this startling allegation, authorities confirmed Chris was “actively involved” in an affair with a coworker. (Investigators have not commented on what they suspect to be the motive for the murders.)
Chris had reportedly worked at an oil and gas company until Wednesday, the day of his arrest. It was his employer’s property where he stashed the bodies of this three victims, previous court documents in the case allege.
He is due to return to court on Tuesday. He has not entered a plea and his attorney did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
source: people.com
