Watts Up? (Chris Watts Family Murder)

On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves—were killed in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, a small college town in the Palouse region not known for this kind of violence. After nearly three years of pretrial proceedings, Bryan Kohberger, a criminal justice graduate student, pled guilty, closing the case without a trial. This episode looks at the timeline of the investigation, what the plea agreement did and didn't address, and why some observers feel the absence of a trial left key questions unresolved. We aim to separate documented fact from online speculation, and to keep the focus on accountability and the victims, rather than sensationalizing the person responsible. This is a sensitive case involving real victims and their families. We approach it with care and encourage listeners to do the same.

A guilty plea ended the case against Bryan Kohberger. It didn't end the questions surrounding the murders of four University of Idaho students. We look at what we know — and what we still don't.  On November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves—were killed in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, a small college town in the Palouse region not known for this kind of violence.After nearly three years of pretrial proceedings, Bryan Kohberger, a criminal justice graduate student, pled guilty, closing the case without a trial. This episode looks at the timeline of the investigation, what the plea agreement did and didn't address, and why some observers feel the absence of a trial left key questions unresolved.

The truth is often stranger than fiction. And this seems to be true in this case of Mackenzie Shirilla, the young woman who crashed her car into a brick wall at nearly 100mph. This feels like the kind of case MADE for Netflix, made for content creators to discuss, dissect, parody, and analyze with a multitude of interpretations. I cannot say with certainty what happened that fateful morning. There were 3 people in that car. Only 1 survived and she claims she does not remember. In a case like this, do we ever actually get to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but??? OR is it simply the eye of the beholder? 

This case is unbelievably crazy. It makes NO sense and seems just cruel for crueltys sake. While I hold out hope for Nancy, Savannah and family after a few deadlines that have passed I cannot say it looks good. But will see. What a world!!! We need some good news.

In just a few weeks it will be 7 years since the Watts tragedy that took place August 13th 2018. Where on earth does the time go? Why does it go by so fast??? Within the past 7 years people have searched high and low for NK and many have claimed they've seen her at the gas station, 711, the mall, the beach and shared pictures to prove it. But all of these were like Elvis sitings. Total nonsense. They were merely women with long dark brown ponytails.  But a few weeks ago approaching the 7 year anniversary since the tragic killings of Shanann, Bella, Cece and Nico there WAS what at least appeared to be a legit sighting and receipts to prove it. Did NK actually come out of hiding?

It's unlikely that there is anyone on earth who by now has not heard the name Gabby Petito. This heartbreaking tale captured the world's attention and through her van life journey and social media posts and the latest Netflix documentary the world got to know and fall in love with her.Gabby was the all American girl who seemed to fully embody all the traits that people admire and aspire to; pure joy, endless smiles, a gentle soul, a kind spirit, adventuous, exuberant and a zest for life and living to the absolute fullest. She was an artist from the very beginning and seemed to want everything to align with her vision of creating a beautiful life from a boyfriend who she adored, the trip of a lifetime and a budding career as a creator which would allow her to incorporate all of these. If not for the tragedy that befelled her most of us would never have known Gabby. The world got to see a snapshot of her life. But I think it's fair to say had we had the chance to know Gabby we all would have loved her. 

The case of Ellen Greenberg is a mystery wrapped in a riddle. The complexity seems on par with Jonbenet or other cases that baffle the public for decades. Like so many other incredibly high profile cases that get massive media attention Ellen also was extremely pretty and seemed to have it all. While it's already been 14 years since the incident the case was recently back in the news with a bombshell triggering a resurgance of attention, unanswered questions and interest in this case. Will this mystery ever be solved?  Spoiler Alert. Ellen was stabbed 20 times to the back of her neck and head, but somehow this was ruled a suicide. Huh? What? Really? "surely you can't be serious". "I AM serious, and don't call me Shirley". 

Sarah Boone was sentenced to life in prison without the eligiblity of parole. This after being offered a 15 year plea deal for which she would have gotten credit for time served and released in only a few more years. While that may have seemed like a raw deal for Sarah and nothing she wanted to seriously consider, an aquittal was highly unlikely. She rolled the dice and lost.  Did Sarah get what she deserved? Was this intentional? Malicious? Or was it merely a tragic accident in the throws of alcohol induced mayhem? And if so should she pay for this with the rest of her life? I suppose the question of whether it was intentional or unintentional holds the key to that unanswered question. Did she mean to do this? it reminds me a lot of the OJ book, attempting to say "I didn't do it, but IF I did do it....". Sarah is the only one who knows what she intended. But whether she meant to kill him or not the outcome is the same. 

Sarah Boone's trial has wrapped up and she has been sentenced. This after turning down a gift of 15 years (with time served) believing that she could somehow beat the charges and show the judge, jury and the court of public opinion that it was actually SHE who was the true victim (not the guy who was suffocated in a suitcase while she told him he should probably STFU). Sarah's story is one that even the most talented and creative screenplay writers could not possibly make up. People have used many adjectives to try and characterize Sarah from diva, narcissist, sociopath, but to me the one word that I feel best captures the essence of Sarah is hubris. 

Case closed on Watts. No new updates, but will revisit as needed. This episode if you care to hear about sometihing other than Watts; is about one of the most bizarre and chilling stories I've ever heard. If you are unaware/unfamiliar, on February 24th, 2020, Sarah Boone and Jorge Torres, a couple who lived together were supposedly playing around, having a good time and enjoying each others company, though at some point Jorge ended up locked in a zipped up suitcase unable to break free while Sarah who did or did not purposely arrange this ("I fell asleep", "unintentional!") drunkenly chastised him while he was gasping for air begging to be let out. I'd say this was the plot of a horror movie, but this actually happened.  

It's now been 4 years since that dreaded morning. Like all terrible true crime tales one can wonder how things might have been averted. Was this just inevitable or was there something that could have stopped the Titanic from hitting the iceberg? One wonders how this lovely picture perfect family fell so far so fast and whether this was going to happen no matter what. In this episode I explore some of the what ifs and how things might have potentially gone differently under different circumstances.

The Watts story from the beginning.

In this very special episode I was joined by some incredible new friends and followers of the podcast. Thank you so much Romina, Faith, Drew, Erica, Susan and Marcy. It was great having you join!!!

Part 2 of 2 Part Anniversary special commemorating the 3 years since the tragedy. Special guests join this episode where we discuss many aspects of this case and all aspects of this story.

Part 1 of 3 Year Anniversary Part 2 Will be Released tomorrow. This episode includes special guests and friends including a longtime friend who was an investigator for over 20 years and has incredible insight and experience with similar crimes. we do a general overall discussion of the case.

Please check out the upcoming 3 year anniversary episode to be released very soon. This is a very special and LONG episode where i have a few very special guests joining me in a very thorough conversation about the Watts case. This episode was initially meant to come out on August 13th to commemorate the anniversary of the Watts Tragedy, however there was a bit of a delay due to unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your patience. This will be released very soon!!!

Breakdown of the Lifetime episode of Cellmates Secrets featuring who else??? Watts, of course. The episode depicts the perspective of those who got to know him behind bars and a snapshot of the man behind this infamous tragedy. Does it make you like him more/less? Does it make you more sympathetic towards him? Humanize him? Have compassion for him? You decide.

There is a "5 page letter" circulating online which is allegedly writting by Chris. The recipient is unknown. The idea that any words, written or spoken by Chris are perceived as sacred or holy, as though he is unveiling some sort of great truth to be bestowed upon us makes me roll my eyes in the biggest way imagininable. In any case in this episode I discuss this letter and it's contents and give my two cents.

Had a great chat with Anita; another dedicated follower of the Watts case. We covered all the basics.

A quick thank you to listeners of the podcast.

When did Chris and Nicole first meet each other? We undersatnd the conventional story that they met through work in or around May/June 2018 so why is there an entry on the timeline search of NK's phone in 2017?

There was a recent article published by the Daily Mail where former inmate in the Dodge Correctional facility (now released) was friendly with Chris and Chris supposedly confided in him sharing all kinds of details about NK as well as the "the big WHY" (as in why'd he do it?). Whether you believe his credibility or that of the article is up to you. I break it down in this episode. You be the judge.

According to several sources the 35C (post conviction relief attempt) has been cancelled. It's over and done! Whats next???? For weeks there had been talk of a 35C and a team of people on Team Chris to expose "the truth" (whatever that is) and find out what REALLY happened and get Chris's some overdue justice??? Why was the 35C cancelled? What's the big news about to drop in the Watts case? Could it be the thing that followers have salivated over for the past 2.5 years???

I have heard people relentlessly go off on Nicole K. So much so that it almost felt as though people were more upset with her than Chris, who confessed (multiple times). Why??? Why is SHE perceived as somehow equally as bad, if not worse? Is she bad because people are certain she was involved and got off easy OR is it because they perceive her as a homewrecker or destroyed a family (even though Chris was the one cheating)? Or both???

There is an ongoing effort to get Chris a 35C (post conviction relief). Numerous parties are vigorously working towards this potential reality. Is this what the world wants, needs, can even fathom???

The majority of what I have seen, read and oberved points to clear and obvious pre-meditation, but I've never been certain of this. While I believe there was SOME plan ahead of time how far in advance this was seems somewhat debateable. On one hand all the signs point to a pre-set plan, but if that is indeed the case why such a mess???

The kids went to the upscale dayschool Primrose Academy and after a 6 week Summer break were scheduled to return the morning of August 13th. They never showed up. A few people called up the school to address this. This raised alarm bells. Who called the Primrose Academy that morning and why???

One of the creepest and most talked about aspects of this bizarre tragedy is the video displayed on next door neighbor Nate's secruity camera. It was a video from the show American Horror Story (Apocolypse). Was this simply a coincidence or a message from the beyond?

Was Chris hiding a secret identity that no one was able to see? Why was it only AFTER the tragedy that there is the big reveal? Why is it no one came forward to say "knowing him one could have predicted this. There were obvious clues"? Was there ANY way for anyone within these families to have seen what was about to happen? Could anyone have intervened? Were there clues that went ignored? Or was he just an expert at presenting to the world a nice guy image so that this was just imperceptable and only AFTER the fact did things come clear?

This story seems to be a bottomless pit of theories, conspiracies, and scandal. There seems to be a new one born every day. One of these claims Chris is actually innocent and that the only person Chris murdered was Shanann, but did so heroically defending his kids from their mother who was supposedly "strung out on Oxy and booze". This NOT MY theory. This of course doesn't explain why he then took his beloved children he cared so deeply for and discarded their bodies by shoving them into oil tanks. But YOU decide what's true and what isn't.

I have talked about this story for over 2 years and have had bent the ears of friends and family and anyone willing to listen! Today I welcome a longtime friend who I can talk about ANYTHING with. She is smart, insightful, interesting and hilarious. In the 20+years we've known each other this is just one of many great conversations that we normally have privately but today we are happy to discuss the Watts case and share our collective insights with those following the podcast. Our initial idea was to chat for 40 minutes-an hour, but whenver me and Theresa talk these tend to be marathon conversations as we have so much fun talking. Happy to welcome her to the podcast.

Why do people sympathize with Chris? Even NOW? Why? Why are there those who give him the benefit of the doubt? Why are there those who know what he did and acknowledge it fully and still give him a bit of sympathy? Does he deserve this???

There are no shortage of conspiarcy theories in this country and surrounding this case. It seems as though this will likely drag on for decades. It's a game of Clue or a whodone it even though we all know who did it!!! If you take the bait you can believe just about anything, as long as the person telling you is persuasive enough. What do YOU believe???

From only a few short hours after the murders Chris NOW had to meet with the Frederick police already inside his house thanks to the quick action of Nicole (Shanann's good friend) who was deeply concerned she had not heard from her friend and was unresponsive. From this point onward Chris had to put on a major game face and try desperately to convence investigators, who at this point were only doing a wellness check and it had not yet evolved into a murder investigation that all was well, nothing was amiss and even if it were HE surely had nothing to do with it. While his poker face was not very good at all it is astonishing how he was able to maintain this for days.

What did Chris and Nicole talk about for almost 2 hours on that fateful night/morning??? More curious why doens't she remember what was discussed. Why does she refer to their conversation as less than memorable and instead explains it as "so much random stuff". To this I say really?

Shanann and NK could NOT be more different. One was glamorous, while the other was outdoorsy and seemingly unconcerned with trivial things like material goods. Chris found both women very appealing for different reasons. While NK seemed to project confidence was she simply jealous of Shanann?

This episode is not about Chris Watts, but just a quick thank you and shout out to everyone who has been kind enough to listen and all your feedback. It is sincerely appreciated. Thank you!!!

Was Chris a monster? Was it all about a financial meltdown?

Chris and Shanann HAD planned for a 3rd baby and both seemed very happy to be having a boy, though wanting something and then getting it can be two very different things. After learning his wife was expecting her 3rd child Chris realized his affair with Nicki would be in jeapardy. Was THIS the jenga piece that caused everything to come tumbling down?

Chris HAD to get into Shannan's Lexus even BEFORE he went into his house to pretend he was looking for his wife. WHAT was in her car? Why was it SOOOOO urgent that he made this TOP priority to do this immediately upon arriving home??? He did this in full view of the police though no one SAW what he retrieved from the car. What was it and why did he feel this above all else was something he simply HAD TO DO????

Both Sandi Rzucek and Nicole Atkinson both seemed to have a very strong intuition that something criminal had happened. HOW did they know this? Was it just mothers intuition or a friend being a great friend???

Would NK have gotten involved with Chris if her hadn't told her he and Shanann were separating? At which point, if any did she start to see through his lies?

Chris loads a red plastic container of gasoline into his truck the morning he is loading up his family into his truck. Why did he do this???

The Watt's had a bed in the basement of their house. Was Chris sleeping in this bed and why?

In his interview with FBI Special Agent Graham Coder, CBI Agent Tammy Lee and Frederick Police Department Detective Dave Baumhover Chris reveals one of THEE most chilling details of the crime.

Were Chris and Shanann headed for divorce? Was the trip to NC a trial separation or just a summer vacation?

Part 4 and final part of the summary of the Netflix Documentary

Part 3 of 4 part summary of Netflix Documentary

2nd of 3 part summary of the Netlfix Documentary. Of course the Netflix doc. was done in 1 piece, but for the sake of the podcast not being too long i divided up into 3 parts. I will post part 3 soon!

Part 1 of a 4 part summary of the Netflix documentary covering all the details.