Chris Watts is back in the headlines eight years after murdering his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters. The convicted killer has reportedly applied to marry Lizzie Henderson, a 39-year-old woman who has moved from Ohio to Wisconsin to be closer to him while he serves his life sentences.
The news has understandably left many people struggling to understand the relationship. How does someone decide to marry a man who brutally killed his own family? And with a history that includes the murder of his pregnant wife and two young children, questions about Henderson’s safety and what she sees in the relationship are bound to come up.
Watts remains behind bars for one of the most widely known family murder cases in the United States, making the reported marriage plans particularly difficult for many people to process. Henderson has reportedly taken steps towards changing her surname to Watts and has moved closer to the prison, although the couple still has to complete the required process before they can legally marry.
Whatever Henderson’s reasons may be, neither she nor Watts has publicly explained the relationship in enough detail to answer the questions surrounding it. For now, the reported plans have once again brought the Watts case back into public conversation, along with renewed interest in Henderson and the unusual relationship she has chosen to pursue with the convicted killer.
Who Is Lizzie Henderson?
Lizzie Henderson is a 39-year-old licensed realtor who has been identified as Chris Watts’ current partner. She previously lived in Ohio but reportedly relocated to Wisconsin, where Watts is serving his sentence at Dodge Correctional Institution.
Henderson has acknowledged that she is in a relationship with Watts but has kept many details about their connection private. She has reportedly visited him numerous times and has taken steps suggesting that she views the relationship as serious.
Is Chris Watts Getting Married?
Reports indicate that Watts and Henderson have submitted a request to marry through the Wisconsin prison system. However, the reported application does not mean they are already legally married, as prison officials must approve the request before the ceremony can proceed.
Henderson has reportedly filed paperwork connected to a surname change and has been seen wearing rings on her left ring finger. There is currently no confirmed public wedding date, so the couple should not yet be described as husband and wife.
How Did Chris Watts Meet Lizzie Henderson?
The exact circumstances surrounding Watts and Henderson’s first meeting have not been publicly explained in detail. Henderson has acknowledged their relationship but has chosen not to reveal how it began, saying that the circumstances are private.
Their relationship reportedly developed while Watts was serving his sentence. Henderson later began visiting him in prison and eventually moved closer to the facility, making it easier for the pair to maintain contact.
Why Did Lizzie Henderson Move to Wisconsin?
Henderson reportedly moved from Ohio to Wisconsin so she could be closer to Watts. The decision has attracted considerable attention because Watts is serving multiple life sentences and is expected to remain behind bars for the rest of his life.
Reports indicate that Henderson now lives in Wisconsin with her mother, whom she also helps care for. Although she maintains an active real estate license, she has reportedly been working at a local grocery store.
How Often Has Lizzie Henderson Visited Chris Watts?
Prison visitation records reportedly show that Henderson visited Watts more than 20 times during 2025. Her frequent visits have become an important part of the recent reports about their relationship because they suggest that the connection has continued over an extended period.
The visits take place under the rules governing Wisconsin correctional facilities. Watts remains incarcerated in a maximum-security environment, meaning his interactions with visitors are subject to strict institutional regulations.
Who Is Chris Watts?
Chris Watts is a Colorado man who became internationally known after killing his pregnant wife and their two young daughters in August 2018. The case initially attracted attention as a missing-person investigation before authorities uncovered evidence pointing toward Watts.
Watts eventually admitted responsibility and pleaded guilty to the killings. He received multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole and remains incarcerated in Wisconsin.
What Happened to Shanann Watts and Her Daughters?
Shanann Watts was pregnant with the couple’s third child when she was killed. Their daughters, Bella and Celeste, were also killed, turning the case into a major national news story.
Watts initially attempted to distance himself from the disappearance of his family. Investigators later uncovered inconsistencies in his account, and he ultimately confessed to the killings before entering guilty pleas.
Where Is Chris Watts Now?
Chris Watts is currently serving his sentence at Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin. He received multiple life sentences without parole following his guilty pleas, so he is not expected to return to ordinary life outside prison.
His name has continued to appear in true-crime coverage over the years. Documentaries, books and renewed reporting have kept public interest in the case alive, while the latest marriage development has introduced a completely new reason for people to search for his name.
What Was Chris Watts’ Sentence?
Watts pleaded guilty to several charges relating to the deaths of his wife and daughters. He received five life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with additional prison terms.
The plea agreement removed the possibility of the death penalty. His sentence means that even if his reported marriage to Henderson goes ahead, Watts will remain incarcerated.
Why Is Chris Watts Trending Again?
Chris Watts is trending again because of reports that he has found a new romantic partner and is seeking to marry her while serving his life sentence. The development has generated intense curiosity because it comes years after he was convicted of killing his pregnant wife and two daughters.
The story has also shifted attention toward Henderson. People are now searching for information about who she is, what she does for a living, how she met Watts and why she decided to relocate to Wisconsin.
Did Chris Watts Find Love in Prison?
According to current reports, Watts developed a relationship with Henderson while incarcerated. Their relationship reportedly progressed through prison visits and continued despite the restrictions surrounding his imprisonment.
Watts has also previously received letters and romantic attention from women while behind bars. His case has attracted an unusual level of fascination from true-crime audiences, making his personal life a recurring subject of public interest.
What Happened to Chris Watts’ First Family?
The 2018 murders made Watts one of the most notorious family killers in recent American history. Shanann was pregnant at the time, while Bella and Celeste were only four and three years old.
The case received extensive media coverage because Watts initially appeared publicly as a concerned husband searching for his missing family. His eventual confession completely changed the investigation and shocked people who had followed the disappearance.
Chris Watts and American Murder: The Family Next Door
The case later became the subject of the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door. The documentary examined the disappearance and murders using material from the investigation, including social media content and other records connected to the family.
The production introduced the case to a new audience and contributed to the continued interest in Watts. Years after his conviction, the documentary remains one of the best-known productions about the case.
What Is Chris Watts’ Net Worth?
Chris Watts’ exact net worth is not publicly known. Since his imprisonment, he has not maintained a conventional career or income comparable to someone living outside prison.
Various websites may publish estimates about his finances, but there is no reliable public figure that confirms his current wealth. It is therefore more accurate to say that his net worth has not been independently established.
Is Lizzie Henderson Chris Watts’ Wife?
No. Henderson is reportedly Watts’ partner and the couple has applied to marry, but there has been no confirmation that they are legally married.
The reported marriage request still has to go through the applicable prison procedures. Until that process is completed, Henderson should be described as his girlfriend or reported fiancée rather than his wife.
What Is Next for Chris Watts and Lizzie Henderson?
The immediate development to watch is whether their reported marriage request receives approval from prison authorities. If approved, the ceremony would take place under the rules governing marriages involving incarcerated people.
For now, Henderson appears committed to maintaining her relationship with Watts despite the intense public reaction. The unusual circumstances surrounding the relationship will likely continue generating interest as more details emerge.
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Conclusion
Chris Watts has returned to the headlines for a development far removed from the original investigation that made him infamous. Eight years after killing his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, he has reportedly applied to marry Lizzie Henderson while serving multiple life sentences in Wisconsin.
Henderson’s reported move from Ohio to Wisconsin and her frequent visits to Watts have added another layer to the story. While the marriage application has not yet resulted in a confirmed wedding, the development has already renewed public interest in Watts, his prison life and the woman who reportedly wants to become his wife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chris Watts?
Chris Watts is a convicted murderer serving multiple life sentences for killing his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste.
Who is Lizzie Henderson?
Lizzie Henderson is a 39-year-old licensed realtor who has been identified as Watts’ current partner. She reportedly moved from Ohio to Wisconsin to be closer to him.
Is Chris Watts getting married?
Reports say Watts and Henderson have applied to marry through the Wisconsin prison system, but the marriage has not yet been confirmed.
Did Chris Watts apply for a marriage license?
Reports indicate that Watts and Henderson have submitted a request to marry while he is incarcerated.
Where is Chris Watts now?
Watts is serving his life sentences at Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin.
How old is Chris Watts?
Chris Watts was born on May 16, 1985, making him 41 years old in 2026.
Why is Chris Watts trending?
He is trending after reports that he has applied to marry Lizzie Henderson while serving his life sentence.
Who was Chris Watts’ wife?
Shanann Watts was Chris Watts’ wife. She was pregnant when Watts killed her in August 2018.
Does Chris Watts have children?
Yes. Watts had two daughters, Bella and Celeste, who were also killed in 2018.