WELD COUNTY – Chris Watts, the Frederick man accused of killing his wife and their two daughters, appeared stoic and calm as Judge Marcelo A. Kopcow formally advised him of his charges in Weld County District Court Tuesday.
Watts visibly sighed when Kopcow began reading the charges, but calmly replied, “Yes, sir” in response to the question of whether he understood each count:
Five counts of first-degree murder. Three of the counts allege that he killed his wife and each of his daughters after deliberation. The other two counts allege that he killed each of his daughters, that each was under the age of 12, and that Chris Watts was in a position of trust.
One count of unlawful termination of pregnancy. That count alleges that in killing Shanann Watts he ended her pregnancy.
Three counts of tampering with a deceased human body.
Kopcow also said during the advisement hearing that he was denying Watts’ bail.
Shanann’s father, Frank Rzucek Sr., was present at the hearing and visibly sobbing as the judge advised Watts of the charges.
Watts claimed that he killed his pregnant wife in “a rage” after he realized that she had strangled their two daughters – a shocking twist outlined in court documents made public late Monday afternoon.
