Shivangi Sinha
A pivotal moment in the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste Watts was Chris Watts’ confession. Just two days after they were reported missing, he admitted to killing his wife. Tammy Lee, an agent with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, played a key role in securing the confession and administering the polygraph test that Chris failed. Netflix’s ‘American Murder: The Family Next Door’ includes real footage from the interrogation, showing Lee managing the conversation with composure and professionalism throughout.
Tammy Lee Was Firm and Direct While Interrogating Chris Watts
Tammy Lee, an agent with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, was brought in to assist the Colorado Police Department during their probe into the disappearance of Shanann Watts, who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time. Shanann and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, had been reported missing on August 13, 2018, and a search of their home was conducted that morning. Within two days, attention turned to Chris Watts (Shanann’s husband and the father of the children) as a primary suspect. He claimed to have left for work early that morning, making him the last known person to see them. When he agreed to take a polygraph test, Lee’s role became central to the investigation.
Lee approached Watts with patience and professionalism, speaking to him in a calm and respectful tone throughout the polygraph session. She gave him space to collect himself when needed, but remained firm when addressing difficult questions. Once the test results were analyzed, she returned with a local officer and informed Chris that he had not passed. Although he initially continued to deny any involvement, Lee calmly urged him to be honest and told him the truth was now evident. Eventually, Chris confessed to killing Shanann, though he claimed she had harmed their daughters first. Lee’s involvement proved to be a critical point in the investigation, ultimately leading to the recovery of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste’s remains.
Tammy Lee is an Important Part of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Tammy Lee maintained a respectful silence around the Chris Watts case and refrained from engaging with the media, recognizing the delicate nature of the situation. When the interrogation footage became public, reactions were mixed. While some praised her composed handling, others criticized her approach. Despite the attention, she chose not to respond to public commentary. It wasn’t until 2022 that Lee publicly addressed the case during the Northeast South Dakota Family Violence Prevention Conference in Aberdeen, where she appeared alongside FBI Special Agent Graham Coder. Speaking to an audience of over 200 professionals, including social workers, prosecutors, educators, and healthcare workers, Lee discussed the widespread reality of domestic violence and emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs.
Footage of Lee’s interrogation of Watts has been featured in several television programs, including ‘Prime Crime’ and ‘Cellmate Secrets.’ According to an exclusive report, Lee later shared that the case had a profound personal impact on her. She reportedly felt a deep sense of grief over the loss of the Watts children and expressed being “disgusted” by Chris and his actions. Known for her discretion, Tammy has largely remained out of the public spotlight. As of 2025, she continues to serve with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, currently holding the role of Agent in Charge of the Cold Case Unit. Her dedication and integrity remain evident in the work she continues to do.
Read More: What Happened to Chris Watts’ Parents?
