Chris Watts Charged With First Degree Murder Of Wife, Daughters

FREDERICK, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Frederick have arrested Chris Watts, the husband of a pregnant woman who disappeared with their two daughters on Monday. Investigators were seen taking evidence out of the family's home which included a truck.

Investigators held a news conference Thursday morning.

Watts was booked into the Weld County Jail overnight. He is facing six charges, three for first degree murder and three for tampering with evidence. He is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court at 2:30 p.m.

Investigators have not yet detailed what Chris Watts reportedly confessed to them. However, the family of Shanann Watts has also been told that Chris Watts has agreed to bring officers to the location of the bodies, so they may be recovered.

One of Shanann's friends posted on Facebook saying she left her phone, purse, car seats and children's medicine at home early Monday morning.

Shanann's family provided a statement to CBS4, saying "It is with deep hurt, confusion and anger to confirm our beautiful cousin Shanann Watts, her unborn child, and her two angelic daughters, Bella (4), Celeste (3) were viciously murdered by husband Chris Watts; who confessed to the killings. Please keep Shanann's parents and brother in your prayers."

A man who says he is Shanann's brother called Chris Watts a "heartless psychopath" in a Facebook post.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered Missing Alert for Shanann Watts and her daughters, Bella and Celeste, on Tuesday afternoon.

Police passed out flyers to passing motorists in Frederick on Wednesday afternoon in hopes of more information from the public.

Watts is an employee of Anadarko Petroleum. The company issued a statement saying "We are heartbroken by this, and our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones and friends of the Watts family. We will continue to support law enforcement in its investigation."

In:
• Shanann Watts
• Weld County
• Chris Watts