He Called Family's Vanishing a Nightmare. Then He Was Arrested

Chris Watts' wife, two young daughters have been missing since Monday
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 16, 2018 2:40 AM CDT
Updated Aug 16, 2018 6:40 AM CDT
Husband Arrested in Missing Family Case
Police released this photo of Shanann Watts.   (Town of Frederick)

Authorities say the husband of a missing family in Colorado has been arrested in connection with the case. The Frederick Police Department says Chris Watts was taken into custody, reports the AP. Watt's pregnant wife, 34-year-old Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste, were reported missing Monday. In the aftermath, Watts told reporters he was in a 'nightmare' he couldn't wake up from. Now, 9News reports its law enforcement source says Watts confessed to killing his wife and girls. It adds a man who said he was Shanann's brother had this to say on Facebook: "That piece of s--- may he rot in hell. He killed my pregnant sister and my two nieces. Her husband Chris Watts."

Police tweeted early Thursday that Chris Watts will be held at the Weld County Jail. He has not yet been charged. Chris Watts spoke previously with The Denver Channel and pleaded for his family's safe return. The FBI and Colorado Bureau of Investigation are also investigating. Authorities did not release any information on the whereabouts or conditions of Shanann or her daughters. A news conference is planned for 10:30am local time.

(More Colorado stories.)

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