Infamous Colorado house where Chris Watts killed his wife finds a buyer

The infamous house in Colorado where Chris Watts who strangled his pregnant wife has finally found a buyer after several months on the market and two price reductions.

The Frederick, Colorado, home that was the subject of the 2020 Netflix true-crime documentary “American Murder: The Family Next Door” was originally listed for $775,000 in April — a nearly 30% premium over its last sale in November 2022 for $600,000, according to data from Realtor.com®.

Today, the house is listed for $749,500 and, after some concessions, the sale is still pending: in late April, the price was reduced to $750,000 and in May by another $500. The listing notes that the seller also offered the buyer $15,000 in exchange for the interest rate.

Built in 2013, the house is highly praised in the description: “Wow, this is a beautiful house! There is nothing like it for sale in the area at this price.”

Details have yet to be disclosed, including the final sale price and the identity of the buyer. The property’s agent declined to comment.

The house was the centre of a tragedy – here Watts killed his wife, Shanann Wattsduring an argument on August 13, 2013. He had told her that he wanted a divorce and confessed to having had an affair with a colleague. He then suffocated the couple’s children Bella4 and Sky blue3, in his car.

Chris Watts dumped his wife’s body in a shallow grave and placed his daughters in oil tanks at Anadarko Petroleum, where he worked. He received multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.

When the property last came on the market, Randall Bell told Realtor.com that it would be difficult to sell such a house.

“It’s a gruesome crime and a lot of people don’t want to go home and relax with that story,” said Bell, CEO of Landmark Research Group, which specializes in properties affected by tragedy or disaster. “The unwanted notoriety is upsetting and can last for years.”

The new owners owned the property for just under 18 months before putting it up for sale. Neighbors previously told Realtor.com that people drive by the house or stop to take photos on weekends. There have even been attempted break-ins, likely by people intrigued by the crime.

The home is nearly 6,000 square feet. It has a three-car garage, an open floor plan, and a commercial kitchen with granite countertops and double ovens. There is a gas fireplace and walk-in closet in the master bedroom. Homeowners association fees are $70 a month.

While the ad boasts of “new exterior paint” and “views of our beautiful Colorado mountains,” there is no mention of the murders that captivated the nation. However, the description does say, “Please do not take photos or videos inside the house.”

The owner had previously declined to speak with Realtor.com.

According to Realtor.com data, the Wattses purchased the spacious home in May 2013 for just under $399,954.

After the murders, several liens were placed on the house, delaying a sale. Shanann’s parents, Sandra and Franklin Rzucekwon a $6 million wrongful death lawsuit against their son-in-law. The HOA also had liens on the property after fees were not paid. These debts were transferred to the property in the form of liens.

According to land records, it appears the Rzuceks gave up their liens when the house was finally sold in late 2022.

Clare Trapasso contributed to this report.