Amanda McMahon Shares Her Story About Dating Chris Watts Before the Murders

Who Is Chris Watts?

Important Background
Chris Watts is a man who committed a terrible crime in August 2018. He killed his pregnant wife, Shanann (34 years old), and their two little girls, Bella (4 years old) and Celeste (3 years old). He admitted he did it and is now spending the rest of his life in prison in Wisconsin, with no chance of ever getting out.

How Amanda Met Chris

Amanda McMahon matched with Chris Watts on Tinder (a dating app) before any of the murders happened. Here is what she has shared about their short time together:

• First meeting: They met in a Chick-fil-A parking lot — a very public, ordinary place.
• What Chris told her: He said he was separated from his wife, Shanann.
• The truth: He was not separated. He was still living with his wife and children.

Red Flags Amanda Noticed

Amanda says that even though Chris could be charming, something felt wrong. She described several disturbing signs:

1. His Kindness Felt Fake

“I could tell any kind of sweetness he had was very fake… he was able to turn on the charm for anything he needed… but something about him felt off.”

2. Scary Behavior During Intimate Moments

• He would suddenly change — like a switch flipped.
• “He had just this animalistic fury come over him.”
• “He just went into like a zone. He just didn’t look the same in his eyes.”
• “He went from normal to crazy, like brutal, almost.”
• Amanda says she was scared to say anything.

3. He Trash-Talked His Wife Constantly

During their time together, Chris said awful things about Shanann:

• Called her a “f—king psycho” and a “gold digger.”
• Said she was “horrible” and “unstable.”
• Complained that he had to support her financially and wished she would work.

Why Amanda Didn’t Tell Everything at First

When police investigated the murders in 2018, Amanda did not share all the details right away. Here is why:

1. She was in a custody battle for her own children.
2. She feared her ex-husband would find out and use her past against her.
3. She worried the situation would “blow up in [her] face.”
4. She called it “reckless sex, reckless behavior” and didn’t want that public.

Key Point
Amanda’s silence was not about protecting Chris — it was about protecting herself and her kids during a very vulnerable time.

What Happened to Chris Watts

• November 2018: Chris pleaded guilty to all three murders.
• Sentence: Life in prison without parole (he will never be released).
• Current location: Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin.

Summary

• Amanda McMahon dated Chris Watts briefly after meeting on Tinder.
• Chris lied and said he was separated from his wife — he wasn’t.
• Amanda noticed major red flags: fake charm, scary personality shifts during intimacy, and constant trash-talking of his wife.
• She was afraid of him and didn’t feel safe speaking up.
• Later, she stayed quiet to police at first because of a custody battle and fear of her ex-husband using it against her.
• Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife and two daughters in August 2018.
• He is now serving life in prison with no parole.

FAQ

1. Did Amanda McMahon know Chris Watts was married?

Yes and no. Chris told her he was separated from his wife. She later found out that was a lie — he was still living with Shanann and their kids.

2. Why didn’t Amanda go to the police sooner?

She was in the middle of a custody battle for her own children. She feared her ex-husband would use her involvement with Chris against her in court. She was trying to protect her family.

3. What did Chris Watts say about his wife Shanann?

He called her terrible names — “psycho,” “gold digger,” “unstable” — and complained about supporting her financially. Amanda says he made Shanann sound like a monster, but looking back, it was likely manipulation.

4. What does “animalistic fury” mean?

Amanda uses this phrase to describe how Chris suddenly changed during sex — like he became a different person. His face and eyes changed, he got extremely rough, and it terrified her.

5. Where is Chris Watts now?

He is in Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. He will never get out.