Chris Watts ordered to pay $6M to murdered wife's parents

Thursday, December 12, 2019
DENVER -- A judge ordered Christopher Watts to pay $6 million to the parents of his wife whom he murdered in 2018.

The ruling, which was made in November, marks the end of the civil case against Watts.
[Ads /]
SEE ALSO: 'Daddy, no:' Chilling new details emerge from Chris Watts prison interview tapes

Attorneys said it is unlikely that Shanann Watts' parents will ever see any money from the lawsuit. However, the lawsuit keeps Watts from profiting on the murders.

Officials say Watts never fought the lawsuit.

SEE ALSO: Chris Watts murders turned into Lifetime movie that will air in January
[Ads /]
Authorities say the figure includes $1 million for each of the deaths (his wife and two daughters), $3 million for emotional pain and is expected to grow at an 8% annual interest rate.

Chris Watts is serving a lifetime prison sentence for his crimes. He confessed to the murders and accepted a plea deal that kept the death penalty off the table for his sentencing.

SEE ALSO: Women are sending love letters to convicted killer Chris Watts

Chris graduated from Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville in 2003. Shanann was from Moore County and attended Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines. Her family still lives in North Carolina.
Copyright © 2024 ABC11-WTVD-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved - The Associated Press contributed to this report.