American Murder: The Family Next Door

"American Murder: The Family Next Door" is a harrowing and thought-provoking documentary that delves into one of the most shocking and heinous crimes of modern times. Through a unique blend of raw, firsthand footage and interviews, the film takes viewers on a gut-wrenching journey into the lives of the Watts family and the devastating events that unfolded on the night of August 13, 2018. The documentary begins by introducing us to Shanann Watts, a 34-year-old mother of two, and her husband, Chris Watts, who appeared to be the quintessential suburban couple with a seemingly perfect life. They resided in Frederick, Colorado, in a beautiful home with a white picket fence, where Chris worked as an oil field worker and Shanann ran a successful business selling nutritional supplements. However, looks can be deceiving, as their family dynamic was plagued by infidelity, financial strain, and a rapidly deteriorating relationship. As the documentary progresses, we see a montage of footage from the family's social media accounts, showcasing their seemingly idyllic life, full of family vacations, and a loving relationship between Shanann and her two daughters, Bella and Celeste. However, beneath the surface, their marriage was on the rocks, with Chris developing feelings for a woman at work, Nichol Kessinger, who would become his mistress. On the night of August 13, 2018, Shanann, Bella, and Celeste vanished, leaving Chris as the only witness. The documentary reveals how Chris initially reported that his family had disappeared, sparking an investigation that would lead to the most shocking and haunting revelation. Through a series of interviews with law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and investigators, we learn about the painstaking efforts to find Shanann and the girls, which ultimately led to a gruesome discovery. As the investigation unfolded, authorities found Shanann's body at Anadarko Petroleum's oil well site in Cresson, Colorado, about 13 miles south of the Watts' home. Tragically, Shanann was pregnant at the time of her death, and her two daughters were still missing. Days later, their bodies were discovered at the same oil site, having been murdered by Chris Watts. The documentary masterfully weaves together a narrative that reveals the dark side of Chris Watts' personality, a charming yet calculating individual who was capable of deception and murder. We see footage of Chris's police interview, where he initially denied any involvement in the disappearance of his family, before eventually confessing to the crimes. Chris's motive, investigators revealed, was his desire to start a new life with his mistress, Nichol Kessinger. As the investigation progressed, experts analyzed the surveillance footage, forensic data, and interviews, ultimately concluding that Chris had meticulously planned the murders of his family. The documentary also delves into Chris's troubled childhood, where we learn about his emotionally abusive environment and how it contributed to his development of manipulative and controlling behaviors. The documentary ends with a haunting reflection on the impact of the Watts case on the community and the family's loved ones. The victims' family members, including Shanann's parents, reveal the overwhelming feelings of loss and grief they endured in the wake of the tragedy. They also share their experiences of grappling with the trauma and the pain caused by Chris's heinous crimes. Throughout the documentary, we see a thought-provoking exploration of the Watts family's story, highlighting the devastating consequences of toxic relationships, manipulation, and mental health issues. "American Murder: The Family Next Door" serves as a poignant reminder that, beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives, dark secrets can lurk, and that nothing is as it appears.