Updated: August 12, 2026
Eight years after Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife Shanann and their two young daughters, the man serving multiple life sentences without parole has a new woman in his life. Her name is Lizzie Henderson, now proudly going by Lizzie Watts. The 39-year-old realtor from Ohio has moved closer to his Wisconsin prison, applied to marry him, and already wears rings on her wedding finger. This development has left many people stunned, confused, and deeply unsettled.
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Who Is Lizzie Henderson, Now Known as Lizzie Watts?
Lizzie Lee Henderson is a licensed realtor who previously lived in the Cleveland, Ohio area. In recent months she relocated to Wisconsin specifically to be near Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, where Watts, 41, is housed. Family members have confirmed the relationship is serious. Court records show she filed for a confidential name change in September 2025, and she has already begun using the surname Watts in everyday life.
Prison visitation logs reveal she has visited him more than 20 times over the past year, including Christmas Day 2024. Some visits lasted up to three hours. When reporters contacted her, Lizzie acknowledged the situation might seem “weird” but declined to explain how they met beyond saying it was “between me, him and God.” She also stated that Watts knows how she feels about his crimes and that she wants to respect everyone involved.
The Path to a Prison Wedding
Wisconsin prisons allow inmates to marry under strict conditions. The couple must receive approval from the warden and meet specific criteria. According to family, Chris and Lizzie have already submitted their application. Photos obtained by media show Lizzie wearing what appear to be wedding bands. While no conjugal visits are permitted, limited physical contact is allowed at the start and end of visits.
This is not Watts’ first prison romance. Over the years he has maintained correspondence with various women, but Lizzie appears to be the first to relocate and pursue a formal marriage.
Key Facts About Chris Watts and Lizzie Watts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Chris Watts Age | 41 (born May 16, 1985) |
| Lizzie Henderson Age | 39 |
| Original Profession | Realtor (Ohio) |
| Current Location | Near Dodge Correctional Institution, Wisconsin |
| Relationship Status | Applied to marry; she uses “Lizzie Watts” |
| Visits Logged | 20+ in past year (some reports say 23 in 15 months) |
| Name Change Application | Filed September 12, 2025 |
| Watts’ Sentence | Five consecutive life terms, no parole |
| Original Crime Date | August 13, 2018 |
Why This Story Continues to Fascinate and Disturb
True-crime followers have long followed the Watts case. Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant when she was strangled in the family home. Their daughters Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3, were smothered and their bodies placed in oil tanks. Watts initially lied to police and the public before confessing. Many still struggle to understand how someone capable of that level of violence can attract a partner years later.
Lizzie’s decision raises difficult questions about forgiveness, boundaries, and personal choice. Supporters of second chances point to claims that Watts has found religion behind bars. Critics argue that the victims’ memory deserves greater respect and that a marriage under these circumstances feels deeply inappropriate.
A few points stand out clearly:
- Lizzie has made a major life change by moving states to support the relationship.
- The couple faces a formal approval process that could take considerable time.
- Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing disbelief.
- Watts remains ineligible for parole and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Conclusion
The story of Chris Watts and Lizzie is the latest chapter in a case that refused to fade from public memory. While Lizzie has chosen to build a future with a man convicted of one of the most shocking family murders in recent American history, the victims—Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and the unborn son—can never share in any new beginning. As the couple waits for prison approval, the conversation continues about justice, redemption, and the limits of personal freedom. Whether their marriage ultimately takes place or not, the questions it raises will likely linger far longer than any wedding day behind bars.