Colorado killer Chris Watts was sentenced Monday to life in prison for murdering his pregnant wife and their two daughters.
The 33-year-old felon was handed three consecutive life sentences with an additional 12 years tacked on to each sentence for tampering with the bodies, according to NPR.
Speaking during his sentencing, Sandra Rzucek, the mother of Watts’ slain 34-year-old wife, Shanann, explained why she did not want her convicted son-in-law to face the death penalty.
“I didn’t want death for you because that’s not my right,” she said. “Your life is between you and God now, and I pray he has mercy for you.”
Shanann Watts’ father, Frank, was not as restrained. Speaking about Chris Watts, he said, “This is a heartless monster. I trusted you to take care of them, not kill them. Then you take them out like trash. You monster.”
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Chris Watts’ mother, Cindy, spoke through tears, telling her son, “I hate what has happened. But we will remain faithful as your family. We love you and we forgive you, son.”
Judge Marcelo Kopcow, for his part, described Chris Watts’ crimes as “perhaps the most inhumane and vicious” over which he’s ever presided.
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Chris Watts pleaded guilty earlier this month to strangling his wife, who was 15 weeks pregnant, and their two daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste. He then dumped their bodies in an oil field owned by Anadarko Petroleum, Watts’ former employer.
The convicted murderer, who was having an affair before killing his family, did not speak at the sentencing, though his attorney spoke on his behalf, expressing her client’s regret. Chris Watts has not, however, given a full confession.