Shivangi Sinha
Chris Watts was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste, in 2018. In the aftermath, his parents, Cindy and Ronnie Watts, also came under public scrutiny, especially regarding their relationship with Shanann and their role in Chris’s life. They were speculated to be important in understanding the family dynamics leading up to the crime. Netflix’s ‘American Murder: The Family Next Door’ includes real footage of Ronnie speaking to Chris during police custody, offering insight into the family’s reactions and interactions during the investigation.
Cindy and Ronnie Watts Were Not Very Close to Shanann Watts
Cindy and Ronnie Watts brought up their son Chris Watts in Spring Lake, North Carolina, leading a seemingly typical family life and providing him with a stable upbringing. However, their relationship with Shanann Watts was reportedly strained. When Chris and Shanann got married in November 2012, his parents did not attend the wedding. According to some of Shanann’s friends, Cindy and Ronnie allegedly believed she was having too much influence over Chris, particularly after the couple moved to Frederick, Colorado, to begin their new life. The documentary also shows Shanann visiting North Carolina with Bella and Celeste in July 2018. During a family visit, an incident occurred where Cindy allegedly gave Celeste ice cream containing an ingredient she was allergic to.
This led to tension between Shanann and Cindy, with the former asking Chris to address the issue with his mother. The situation escalated, resulting in a major argument. Cindy and Ronnie did not attend Celeste’s birthday party afterward, and Shanann confided in friends that she no longer wished to see her in-laws. It’s unclear whether any reconciliation took place when Chris later joined his family in North Carolina. On August 13, 2018, after Shanann and the two girls were reported missing, Cindy and Ronnie traveled to Colorado to support their son. However, as the investigation progressed and Chris failed a polygraph test, detectives brought Ronnie in to speak with him. It was during this conversation that Chris initially admitted to his father that he had killed Shanann and eventually confessed the same to law enforcement.
Cindy and Ronnie Watts Gave Public Statements After Their Son’s Sentencing
In November 2018, when Chris Watts received his sentencing, his parents, Cindy and Ronnie Watts, were present in court. Both were given the opportunity to deliver victim impact statements. They expressed shock and deep sadness over the events, acknowledging the pain caused to Shanann’s family as well. While they made it clear that they were not requesting leniency, they stated that they had chosen to forgive Chris. They also thanked the prosecution and Shanann’s family for not pursuing the death penalty. Just a week later, Cindy and Ronnie gave another public statement.
When asked whether they believed Chris had been coerced into accepting the plea deal and admitting guilt in the murders of his wife and children, both said they weren’t certain. They expressed concerns that the full truth may not have come out and that they still had unanswered questions. Ronnie referenced Chris’s original allegation that Shanann had harmed the children, and Cindy added, “He’s not a sociopath. He’s not a psychopath.” The couple conveyed that they were still searching for clarity and felt that the decision to settle the case before trial left them without crucial answers.
Since the sentencing, both Cindy and Ronnie have largely stayed out of the public eye and have not issued any formal statements. There were unconfirmed reports suggesting that Cindy was working on a book to share the family’s perspective on the events, but no official confirmation or release has followed. Alleged excerpts claiming to be from such a book briefly circulated on social media, but these were never verified, and no credible sources have substantiated their origin or authenticity. The couple has maintained their privacy amid continued public interest in the case.
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