Before Watts received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, his parents’ attorney read a letter from them stating, “We are not here to ask for leniency and are not in any way condoning or tolerating the crime that has occurred or the pain that has been caused.”
Wattspleaded guiltyon Nov. 6 to first-degree murder in theAugust killingsof his pregnant wifeShanann Watts, 34, and their daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3. He avoided the death penalty in exchange for his guilty plea.
The letter from Watts’ parents thanked Shanann’s parents for not seeking the death penalty and added that the murders “should never have happened. This is something we will never get over.”
Watts’ father, Ronnie Watts, told him, “The Bible says if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us. Chris, I forgive you and your sister forgives you and we will never abandon you.”
Watts was seen crying when his parents addressed him.
RELATED VIDEO: Shanann Watts’ Father Calls Chris Watts a ‘Monster’ at Sentencing
Both of Chris’ parents said they were struggling to comprehend his actions.
Ronnie said, “I believe he loves his girls. … I know he does.”
Cindy said, “I am still struggling to understand how and why this tragedy occurred,” and added, “I have watched you grow from a sweet and curious child who Bella reminded me so much of.”
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When she was killed, Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant with a boy to be named Niko. Chris also pleaded guilty to two counts of murdering a child, one count of unlawful termination of a pregnancy and three counts of tampering with a deceased human body.
At Monday’s hearing, Shanann’s parents and brother read a series of emotional statements mourning the loss of her and her girls and excoriating Chris for his crimes.
“What kind of person slaughters the people they love the most?” Frankie Rzucek, Shanann’s brother, said in a statement read on his behalf.
Said Sandra Rzucek, Shanann’s mother: “I have no idea who gave you the right to take their lives, but I know God and his mighty angels were there in that moment to bring them home to paradise.”
Shanann’s father, Frank Rzucek, repeatedly referred to Chris as a monster and an evil person.
Adam Carlson
source: people.com
