Shivangi Sinha
In August 2018, Shanann Watts and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, went missing from their home in Frederick, Colorado. Chris Watts, Shanann’s husband and the girls’ father, was the last person known to have seen them, but initial evidence did not immediately implicate him. The investigation took a major turn when Nichol Kessinger, who revealed she had been involved in an affair with Chris, came forward to the authorities. She disclosed that he had misled her about his marital status. Netflix’s ‘American Murder: The Family Next Door’ explores the full case and highlights how Nichol’s statements supported the investigation.
Nichol Kessinger Questioned Chris Watts Through Texts Before Going to the Police
Nichol Kessinger was born in Colorado in 1988. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Colorado State University and later completed an Associate of Science degree at the Community College of Aurora. By June 2010, she had joined Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, working in the company’s environmental department. It was the same company where Chris Watts was employed. In a later interview, Nichol explained that she and Chris began talking in mid-June 2018. At the time, he told her he was separated from his wife and that their divorce was nearly finalized. She described him as quiet, attentive, and someone she found herself drawn to early on.
According to reports, Nichol and Chris began seeing each other outside of work in late June 2018. During one of their early meetings, she asked him about his marriage, and he claimed that he and his wife were in the process of a mutual divorce. Nichol stated that their relationship became physical in early July, and they would meet around four to five times a week. Chris had even asked for her help in searching for an apartment, allegedly saying it was for himself and his two daughters. Nichol said she was unaware of the real situation until she saw news reports on August 13, 2018, about Shanann Watts and her two daughters being reported missing. It was then that she realized Chris had lied to her about still being married and the fact that Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant.
That night, Nichol exchanged several messages with Chris, questioning him about his relationship with Shanann and what had happened to his family. She later informed investigators that he had repeatedly lied to her, insisting he had no involvement in their disappearance. She told him she would not speak to him again unless Shanann and the children were found. Doubting his claims, Nichol decided to go to the police the next day. She disclosed the full extent of her relationship with Chris and shared the content of their conversations. Shortly after her cooperation with authorities, Chris confessed to the murders and revealed the location of the bodies.
Nichol Kessinger Keeps a Low Profile Today
Nichol Kessinger did not speak publicly during the initial stages of the investigation, but after Chris Watts pleaded guilty, she gave an interview about her experience in November 2018. In it, she described his actions as a “senseless act” and said there was no logic behind what he had done. She recalled how, during their conversations following the disappearance of Shanann and the children, Chris showed no signs of distress or empathy. She stated that she began to question, “If he was able to lie to me and hide something that big, what else was he lying about?” She said she never doubted that he was responsible for the crimes. Nichol was never asked to testify or attend his court hearings.
Since the conclusion of the case, Nichol has remained out of the public spotlight. Some sources claim she legally changed her name to protect her identity, while others speculate she may have entered a witness protection program. Despite her disappearance from public view, interest in her life has not faded. In August 2024, reports emerged that Chris Watts, in letters to a pen pal, blamed Nichol for the murders, calling her a “harlot” and a “jezebel” and claiming she forced him to choose between her and his family. Watts’ pen pal, Cheryln Cadle, has also alleged that Nichol may have contacted her, though these claims remain unverified.
In April 2025, online true crime forums buzzed with speculation after a video surfaced showing a woman at a funeral in Billings, Montana, with many insisting it was Nichol. However, there has been no confirmed evidence of this. Nichol had previously told law enforcement that she was aware there would be speculation around her and that staying out of the public eye might be necessary for years. It appears she followed through with that. Reports also suggest she once searched for information related to Amber Frey, the former mistress of Scott Peterson, who testified against him in the Laci Peterson murder trial. As of now, Nichol has not made any public appearances or statements.
Read More: Where is Chris Watts Now?
