A man described as an "evil monster" has been jailed for the murder of his wife and children by a court in Colorado.
Christopher Watts was having an affair at work and tried to frame his wife for murder suicide - before he eventually confessed.
At an emotional court hearing on Monday (local time), Watts was given three consecutive life sentences without parole for the murders of his wife Shanann, their unborn baby son, and daughters Bella and Celeste.
He was also sentenced to 48 years' prison for the unlawful termination of pregnancy.
According to Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke, Watts strangled his wife and smothered his two daughters. He then buried his wife and dumped his daughters' bodies in crude oil tanks.
After the disappearance of his family, Watts publicly pleaded for their safe return, telling reporters he wanted "everybody to just come home."
But his story crumbled after it was revealed he had lied to investigators about having an affair with a co-worker.
"[Watts'] motive was simple, your honour: He had a desire for a fresh start," Mr Rourke told the judge.
Watts did not speak during the hearing, although his lawyer said he was "devastated" and "sincerely sorry".
But his father-in-law, Frank Rzucek, called Watts an "evil monster" and said that "prison is too good for you".
"You thought you would get away with this. You carried them out like trash," he said.
"I hope you enjoy your new life - it's nothing like the one you had out here. May the courts have no mercy on you."
Newshub.
