In the summer of 2018, the quiet town of Frederick, Colorado, became the center of a national tragedy when Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. But behind the headlines and courtroom drama, one name kept surfacing—Nichol Kessinger. Her involvement with Watts, both personal and professional, played a key role in the case. So, who is Nichol Kessinger, and what happened to her after the story broke?
For many people who came across the story through news outlets or true crime podcasts, Nichol Kessinger became a figure of fascination and controversy. Her affair with Watts, which began while he was still married, sparked public outrage and raised questions about the role she played in the events leading up to the murders. Yet, despite the intense media attention, Kessinger has largely kept a low profile since Watts’ guilty plea in November 2018.
As the dust settled, many were left wondering about the aftermath of her involvement. Did she face legal consequences? How did the public scrutiny affect her life? This article dives into what we know about Nichol Kessinger, her connection to Chris Watts, and her life since the case shook the nation.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Nichol Kessinger
- Personal Details & Background
- Affair with Chris Watts & Role in the Case
- Life After 2018
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Nichol Kessinger
Nichol Kessinger is a former co-worker of Chris Watts, the man convicted of murdering his wife and two children. Her connection to Watts brought her into the spotlight during the investigation and trial, even though she was not directly involved in the crimes. At the time, she was employed at the same company as Watts and reportedly began a romantic relationship with him in the weeks leading up to the murders.
The affair became a key part of the narrative when investigators looked into Watts’ motives. According to statements he made to investigators, Watts believed he had to choose between his family and Kessinger on the night of the murders. He reportedly referred to her as “the forbidden fruit,” suggesting that his emotional entanglement with her played a role in his decisions.
Personal Details & Background
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the case, very little is known about Nichol Kessinger’s personal life. Below is a summary of publicly available information:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nichol Kessinger |
| Age (as of 2025) | Estimated mid-30s |
| Occupation | Former employee at Anadarko Petroleum (same company as Chris Watts) |
| Location | Colorado (exact city not disclosed) |
| Public Status | Kept mostly out of the public eye since 2018 |
The Affair with Chris Watts and Her Role in the Case
In the months before the murders, Chris Watts had been growing increasingly distant from his wife, Shanann. According to court documents and investigative reports, he started a relationship with Nichol Kessinger, who worked at the same company. This affair became a central element in understanding Watts’ mindset leading up to the crime.
Watts reportedly told investigators that on the night of the murders, he felt torn between Kessinger and his family. He described her as “Jezebel” and “the forbidden fruit,” suggesting that his feelings for her were intense and conflicting with his role as a husband and father. This revelation helped paint a picture of a man caught in a personal crisis, one that ultimately led to a horrific act.
Kessinger cooperated with authorities, giving statements and participating in interviews that contributed to the timeline of events. She also spoke with the Denver Post in November 2018, offering insights into her relationship with Watts and the emotional toll the case took on her.
What Did Kessinger Say in Her Interview?
In that Denver Post interview, Nichol Kessinger described the emotional turmoil she faced. She admitted that the affair was wrong, but also shared that she felt manipulated by Watts. She claimed she had no idea he was capable of violence or that he would take such a drastic step as to kill his own family.
Some critics viewed her statements as an attempt to distance herself from the tragedy, while others saw her as a victim of Watts’ deception. Either way, the interview was one of the few public moments where she spoke about her experience.
Life After 2018: Where Is Nichol Kessinger Now?
Since Chris Watts pleaded guilty in November 2018 and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Nichol Kessinger has largely disappeared from public view. There have been no confirmed reports of legal action taken against her, and she has not been charged in any aspect of the case.
According to available information, Kessinger has not given any interviews or made public appearances in recent years. Some sources suggest she may have moved out of state or changed her name to avoid media attention. Others believe she is simply trying to live a normal life away from the shadow of the tragedy.
Still, the case continues to be revisited in documentaries, podcasts, and online forums, and with each new retelling, her name resurfaces. This ongoing interest has made it difficult for her to escape the past completely, even if she has chosen to remain out of the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Nichol Kessinger have any legal consequences?
No, Nichol Kessinger was not charged in connection with the murders. She was a witness and cooperated with investigators but was not considered an accomplice or legally responsible for the crimes.
What did Chris Watts say about Nichol Kessinger?
Watts told investigators that Kessinger told him to choose between her and his family on the night of the murders. He referred to her as “Jezebel” and “the forbidden fruit,” indicating that his relationship with her was a significant factor in his emotional state.
Has Nichol Kessinger spoken publicly about the case?
Yes, she gave an interview to the Denver Post in November 2018. In it, she discussed the affair, her feelings about the case, and how it affected her life. Since then, she has not made any public statements.
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