CHRIS WATTS REPORTEDLY FINDS LOVE BEHIND BARS — AND IS NOW SEEKING TO MARRY

WISCONSIN — Eight years after the murders that shocked the United States, convicted killer Chris Watts is reportedly preparing for a remarkable new chapter of his life: marriage.

Watts, 41, is serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin after admitting to killing his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste, in Colorado in 2018.

Now, according to recent reports, Watts has developed a relationship with Lizzie Henderson, a 39-year-old woman who reportedly relocated from Ohio to Wisconsin to be closer to him.

The couple has reportedly applied to marry through the Wisconsin prison system.

A RELATIONSHIP THAT BEGAN BEHIND BARS

Henderson has confirmed that she is in a relationship with Watts, although she has remained largely private about how the two first met.

When asked about the origins of their relationship, she reportedly said that it was between “me, him and God.”

Reports say Henderson visited Watts numerous times and eventually moved to Wisconsin.

She has also reportedly applied for a confidential legal name change, with court records indicating a request to use the surname Watts. The details of that proceeding remain sealed.

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE PRISON

The extraordinary circumstances surrounding the relationship have fueled intense public reaction.

Watts is not awaiting release.

He is serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 2018 murders of Shanann, Bella and Celeste.

That means any marriage would take place entirely within the restrictions of the prison system.

According to reports, the couple is waiting for approval of their marriage request.

THE CRIMES THAT MADE WATTS INFAMOUS

On August 13, 2018, Shanann Watts and her daughters disappeared from their Colorado home.

Shanann was pregnant with the couple’s third child.

Watts initially appeared on television pleading for his family’s return, presenting himself as a desperate husband and father.

But investigators soon uncovered evidence that contradicted his public account.

Watts eventually confessed to killing his wife and daughters and pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder.

He was sentenced to multiple life terms without parole.

WHY THE RELATIONSHIP HAS CAUSED OUTRAGE

Watts’ reported relationship has triggered strong reactions because of the extraordinary circumstances of his crimes.

His case has remained one of America’s most closely followed family-murder cases, with documentaries, interviews and extensive true-crime coverage keeping the story in the public eye.

Since his incarceration, Watts has reportedly received letters from women who became interested in him after learning about his case.

The reported relationship with Henderson has now taken that phenomenon considerably further, with the couple allegedly seeking to formalize their relationship through marriage.

HENDERSON ACKNOWLEDGES THE CONTROVERSY

Henderson reportedly understands that outsiders may find the relationship difficult to comprehend.

She has nevertheless maintained that her feelings are personal.

When questioned about Watts’ crimes, she declined to provide extensive details about her views, instead emphasizing the private nature of their relationship.

Her decision to remain with Watts has reportedly drawn criticism from members of her own family as well as the wider public.

A MARRIAGE IS NOT YET CONFIRMED

Despite headlines suggesting Watts has already married, that has not been established.

The available reporting indicates that the couple has submitted or pursued a marriage request, but approval and an actual wedding have not been confirmed.

That distinction is important.

For now, the story is about a convicted murderer serving life in prison who has reportedly found a romantic partner willing to build a relationship with him despite his crimes.

AN UNEXPECTED NEW CHAPTER

Chris Watts’ life changed forever in August 2018.

His wife and two young daughters were killed.

He was exposed as the person responsible after initially portraying himself as a grieving husband and father.

Today, he remains behind bars with no possibility of parole.

Yet according to recent reports, he is now planning a future of sorts with another woman.

A prison cell. A life sentence. And a reported marriage proposal.

The circumstances surrounding Watts’ new relationship are likely to remain controversial—but one fact is certain:

Whatever future he builds, it will be lived entirely behind prison walls.

This article distinguishes confirmed facts from recent reports. Watts’ convictions and life sentences are established; the reported relationship and marriage application have been reported by multiple outlets, but a completed marriage has not been confirmed.