By Faith Eze
In a story that has stunned people around the world, convicted killer Chris Watts has reportedly found romance behind bars. Nearly eight years after committing one of the most infamous crimes in modern American history, Watts is planning to marry a 39-year-old woman named Lizzie Henderson while serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. News of the relationship broke through media reports and court records, sparking intense public debate and widespread outrage online. Many people are asking how a man who committed such horrible acts could attract a romantic partner from outside prison walls. The development has brought the tragic 2018 murders back into the international news spotlight, raising difficult questions about prison relationships, public fascination with violent criminals, and the legal rights of incarcerated offenders.
To understand the intense shock surrounding this story, one must look back at the horrific crimes Chris Watts committed in August 2018. Living in Frederick, Colorado, Watts appeared to have a peaceful, suburban family life with his 34-year-old pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters, four-year-old Bella and three-year-old Celeste. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly picture-perfect life, Watts was secretly engaging in an extramarital affair with a female coworker. In the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, after a heated argument about divorce, Watts strangled his pregnant wife to death inside their home. He then drove her body, along with his two young daughters, to a remote oil facility operated by his employer, Anadarko Petroleum. At the oil field, he smothered both little girls and discarded their bodies inside massive oil storage tanks, burying his wife in a shallow grave nearby.
Initially, Watts attempted to portray himself as a desperate, grieving husband and father, giving live television interviews pleading for his family’s safe return. However, law enforcement officers quickly noticed inconsistencies in his story, and a failed polygraph test forced him to confess his involvement. To avoid the death penalty, Watts eventually pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and tampering with deceased human bodies. He was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 84 years for related offenses. Following his conviction, authorities transferred him to the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin, due to security concerns in Colorado. Since his transfer, he has been serving his life sentence isolated from the general public, yet his name has remained prominent in true-crime documentaries, books, and social media discussions.
Despite the heinous nature of his crimes, Watts has reportedly received a steady stream of fan mail, letters, and visits from women across the country. His current romantic partner, Lizzie Henderson, is a 39-year-old licensed real estate agent who previously lived in Ohio. According to reporting by major news outlets, Henderson became so devoted to Watts that she uprooted her entire life, moving from Ohio to Wisconsin to be closer to the prison facility where he is housed. She currently works at a local grocery store while taking care of her mother, all while keeping up a regular visitation schedule with Watts. Relatives and acquaintances confirmed that Henderson and Watts have been in a personal relationship for well over a year, speaking regularly over the phone, exchanging letters, and spending hours together during official visitation sessions.
Prison visitation records obtained by journalists reveal the extent of the connection between Henderson and the convicted killer. Records indicate that Henderson visited Watts at least 23 times over a 15-month period, with each contact visit lasting up to three hours at a time. Eyewitnesses visiting the correctional facility reported seeing the couple display affection during their visits, including embracing and kissing in the visitor room. Furthermore, public legal filings show that Henderson submitted an official application to legally change her last name to “Watts”. Photos published by news outlets showed her wearing rings on her left ring finger, signaling a serious commitment. When approached by reporters regarding her relationship, Henderson confirmed the romance, stating that the beginnings of their bond were between her, Watts, and God, while describing the past murders as something harsh for anyone to experience.
News of the relationship has created severe strain and shock among Henderson’s own family members, many of whom were completely unaware of her partner’s identity. Her sister publicly criticized the romance, stating that individuals who commit such terrible crimes should not enjoy the privilege of romantic relationships behind bars. Her former stepfather admitted that he was aware of the connection and confirmed that the couple had actively discussed marriage. Meanwhile, her brother—who is currently incarcerated in Ohio—mentioned that Henderson had described Watts as someone serving time for murder, but had minimized the nature of the crime during their discussions. The revelation that she left her home state to support a man who took the lives of his wife and young children has left her family and the public bewildered.
Psychologists and crime experts point out that romantic attraction toward violent offenders is a known phenomenon often referred to as hybristophilia. People who form romantic bonds with imprisoned criminals are often drawn by the illusion of absolute control, as the incarcerated partner cannot leave, betray, or engage in everyday relationship conflicts. Additionally, high-profile media coverage surrounding infamous murder cases often creates a warped sense of intimacy for pen pals who write to prisoners. In the case of Chris Watts, his clean-cut appearance prior to the murders and his soft-spoken demeanor in prison interviews have led some individuals to project feelings of sympathy onto him, ignoring the dark reality of his actions. Experts note that these relationships thrive in isolated environments where real-life daily responsibilities do not interfere with romantic fantasy.
Under Wisconsin state law, incarcerated individuals do have the legal right to request marriage while serving a sentence. However, obtaining approval for a prison wedding involves a strict formal process managed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The prison warden must carefully evaluate the marriage request, considering facility security, inmate conduct, and administrative guidelines before granting permission. Even if the warden approves the marriage, a prison wedding is a brief administrative ceremony conducted under heavy security, with no special privileges or conjugal visits granted afterward. Watts will remain serving his consecutive life sentences without parole regardless of his marital status, meaning he will spend the rest of his natural life behind bars.
The news of Chris Watts’ plan to marry in prison has caused deep distress among true-crime followers and members of the public who remember the tragic deaths of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and unborn baby Nico. For many observers, it is painful to see a man responsible for destroying his own family living comfortably enough in prison to start a new romantic chapter. However, legal and corrections officers emphasize that prison regulations exist to maintain order rather than grant personal happiness. As Lizzie Henderson and Chris Watts move forward with their legal marriage application, the story serves as a tragic reminder of the 2018 devastation, showing how the painful legacy of violence continues to ripple through public consciousness years later.
