Shanann Watts’ husband, Chris Watts, confessed to killing Shanann and their two daughters Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3, as part of a plea deal to avoid the death sentence. He also pled guilty to the unlawful termination of Shanann’s pregnancy; the death of their unborn son. Watts will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Chris Watts lied to law enforcement and placed the blame of the events that fateful night on Shanann, but investigators never believed Chris Watts’ story.
I truly expected Chris Watts to lie and place the blame on his wife. I hear countless abused women speak about how their husbands blame their abusive behaviors on the wife and/or children while denying any responsibility. I see this type of behavior play out over and over in court when domestic abuse is involved. I long for the day that the family court system understands abusers and their tactics; especially when cluster B personalities are involved. Cluster B’s are dramatic, emotional, and erratic. They include:
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
If Chris Watts fell into one of these disorders, specifically narcissistic personality disorder, then it could be safe to assume that when “Watts’ voice was shaking, and he could occasionally be heard sniffing after each of the nine times he said ‘guilty’ in response to Judge Marcelo Kopcow’s reading of each charge against him” he wasn’t crying because he felt sorry for what he did. If he has narcissistic personality disorder his shaking voice and sniffles were because…”When a narcissist is exposed, their horror is about the damage it will do TO THEM to be accused and they believe that others are failing THEM by getting in the way of their ability to live out their specialness.” ~Diane Langberg, PhD
I bring up personality disorders because we need to understand there is more than one way to look at and understand a person. Usually no one other than the immediate family members knows something is not right with the person. Abusers can be kind, thoughtful, humorous, concerned and engaging in a setting such as work or church. When they are within the confines of their vehicle or home with family members they can turn to moody, mean-spirited, argumentative, demeaning and controlling individuals who enjoy picking a fight, or gas-lighting about any given subject.
Witnesses have come forward; two women and one man claiming to have had affairs with Chris Watts.
I stick by my original statement; he didn’t just snap, he was an angry and controlling husband, was unfaithful, and viewed his wife as an object. It also proves my point that abusers aren’t scary, dirty looking men; they look like your neighbor, friend, or co-worker. Abusers are often charismatic, well spoken, with a charming smile to the outside world while they secretly despise their wife and/or children.
I’m yet to hear or read of such an abuser who didn’t have a hidden sexual addiction.
Chris Watts looks like a text book abuser.
It took me 9 years to start cluing in that I was married to such an abuser. The last two nights I lived with him I thought I might not wake up alive. I stayed too long, but thankfully I made it out alive. He’s now in prison where he belongs…for sex crimes against very young children.
My heart breaks that Shanann and her children didn’t make it out alive.
If you question the safety of your living arrangements (or work place) please take the free Mosaic threat assessment found in the margin of this website.
For further reading on the Shanann Watts case:
The Shanann Watts case: My observations.
Shanann Watts case: 20 reasons abuse stays hidden and can lead to death
This is such a chilling story. The world needs to wake up to disordered personalities. I was involved with a man with narcissistic personality disorder. They are very good at leading a double life, that some people think they are good Samaritans. However, behind closed doors, they are dangerous and destructive.
Yes, they are good at leading double lives. It’s not fun or bearable to live with someone who had a personality disorder, especially NPD. I’m glad you used pass tense when talking about the man you were involved with. That must mean the relationship is over.
Yes, the relationship is over I have now been 10 months No Contact!
This is such an important issue. My father has Borderline Personality Disorder and I wish more people knew about the darkness that it brings.
Yes, I wish society understood how many people with personality disorders are walking around, living next door to them (or in their house with them, or working with them. It’s alarming!