Colo. Girls May Have Been Strangled, Court DNA Filing Suggests

FREDERICK, CO – A motion filed Friday in Weld County District Court by public defenders for Christopher Watts may suggest that strangulation was the manner of death of his two daughters, Celeste Watts 3, and Bella Watts, 4.

Related: WATCH: Vigil For Slain Pregnant Frederick Woman, 2 Girls

Judge Marcelo Kopcow denied the motion to preserve "touch DNA" samples from the bodies of the deceased children and their mother Shanann Watts, 33. The bodies of the girls were recovered from oil tanks, where they had been dumped, possibly to hide the smell, sources told Denver7.

ALERT: Watts Told Police He Strangled Wife After She Strangled Daughters

In the document, controversial DNA expert Richard Eikelenboom wrote:

“This DNA can be retrieved with a double swab technique. DNA scientists are familiar with this technique and an experienced person should take this samples. In my opinion the presence of oil will not destroy the DNA. The hands wand nails of the mother should be sampled as well. After samples are taken the nails should be cut preserved. I have a lot experience taking samples from dead bodies getting good results after strangulation. The hands of the children should be sampled as well.”

Even though the motion was not considered by the court, it gives some hint of the circumstances of the deaths of the three Watts family members. More details on the case are still unknown, because the District Attorney's office asked that the arrest affidavit for Watts be sealed. District Attorney Michael Rourke said the office would likely be filing formal charges Monday.

Christopher Watts, 33, was arrested Wednesday and appeared in bond court Thursday before Judge Kopcow, accused of killing his wife and daughters and hiding their bodies. Watts, who was an employee of Anadarko until Wednesday, is being held on no bond.

Neighbors and friends plan a candlelight vigil for Shanann and her daughters on Friday in front of the family home at 2825 Saratoga Trail.

At Thursday's hearing, prosecutors hinted that they believed Christopher Watts killed his wife and two young daughters in their home, but did not elaborate why, Denver7 reported. Christopher Watts is being held in Weld County Jail facing three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of tampering with physical evidence.

Friends told 9NEWS that Christopher Watts had stayed at their home after his wife disappeared. Amanda Thayer said Shanann had confided to her that she feared her husband was cheating.

In a press conference earlier Thursday in Frederick, the Frederick police lead investigator, and representatives of the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the FBI confirmed that Watts and her daughters were dead. They did not specify at which Anadarko location the three bodies were found.

Related: WATCH: Vigil For Slain Pregnant Frederick Woman, 2 Girls

Related: Frederick Couple Faced Economic Pressure, Had Filed Bankruptcy

Related: Christopher Watts Was "Smartest Student:" Former NC Teacher

Related: Bodies Found On Anadarko Property May Be Missing Children, 3, 4

Related: 5 Fast Facts About Homicide Of Shanann Watts And 2 Daughters

The case turned Wednesday night when police announced Christopher Watts had been arrested.

On Monday, a friend of Shanann's contacted police after Shanann did not show up for a doctor's appointment. Frederick police swarmed the neighborhood and issued alerts for Shanann and the girls, saying they might be endangered. On Wednesday morning, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the FBI announced they were assisting with the search.

Christopher Watts issued an emotional plea for their return on multiple television stations, before allegedly confessing to killing his three family members, Denver7 reported.

"I just want them back. I just want them to come back," he told the station. "If they're not safe right now, that's what's tearing me apart right now."

According to sources, Shanann Watts was away in Arizona for a business trip, leaving the girls with their father for the weekend. She arrived home around 2:30 a.m. from the airport, Christopher Watts told multiple television stations. He claimed he last saw his wife and the girls around 5:30 a.m., when he left the home.

Investigators would not speculate publicly Thursday whether Shanann died at the same time as her daughters, or if the girls had died earlier, while their mother was away. They did not confirm that he had confessed, nor would they comment on whether he was cooperating with authorities.

On Facebook, Frankie Rzucek, identifying himself as Shanann's brother living in North Carolina, used Facebook to criticize Christopher Watts and the police.

"I just want to know why," Rzucek said. "My precious family, my one and only sibling, my sister, Shanann, 2 adorable nieces Bella and Celeste and her soon to be found out unborn son, Niko. I just want 30 seconds alone with that heartless psychopath.

"May Satan have mercy on his soul. The cops drug their feet," he added. "He was the only one with them and backed his truck into the garage. Doesn't take a genius to know who was suspect. My blood is boiling and the pain and anger and sadness I have in my heart. Nothing absolutely nothing would get in my way of taking away his life like he did mine and my ENTIRE FAMILY."

A statement released by the family of Shanann Watts said: "It is with deep hurt, confusion and anger to confirm our beautiful cousin Shanann Watts, her unborn child, and her two angelic daughters, Bella and Celeste, were viciously murdered by husband Chris Watts; who confessed to the killings," according to CBS. "Please keep Shanann's parents and brother in your prayers."

On Tuesday and Wednesday, before being taken into custody, Christopher Watts gave interviews with multiple news stations. He said Shanann and his daughters had disappeared with his wife leaving her purse and keys on the table.

"I walked in the house and nothing. Just vanished. She wasn't here, the kids weren't here," he told Denver7. Watts claimed he and his wife had "an emotional conversation, I'll leave it at that."

The family had moved to Colorado from Moore County, North Carolina, according to television reports.

Police declined to say if they know the motive for the killings, saying the investigation is ongoing.

Public records showed the family had financial difficulties, including a bankruptcy in 2015, when the couple reported they were $448,000 in debt. They were also sued by their homeowner association, Wyndham Hill Master Association Inc., in July, 2018.

Shanann Watts said on her Facebook page that she was originally from Passaic, New Jersey.

Related: Pregnant Mom, 2 Daughters Killed In Colorado Had Strong NJ Ties

Chris and Shanann Rzucek Watts were married in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on Nov. 3, 2012. Shanann was previously married and used the name Shanann King.

About 10 months ago, Shanann Watts posted a loving video on Facebook for the couple's anniversary. She posted a slideshow of the couple and a paragraph declaring her love for her husband.

"7 years ago I️ fell in love with you, 5 years ago I️ married my best friend, my soul mate, I️ married you!! Chris these have been the best years of my life! Our love just grows strong everyday! We have two beautiful little girls that call us mommy and daddy! We sold a house, moved to Colorado 5 years ago and built a home for our family! You make me a better person, you believe in me, we have dreams and goals together, you understand me, you put up with me!I️ love you more than words can say and God placed you in my life at the right time! I️ couldn’t imagine life without you! Happy Anniversary! #WeddingAnniversary #Love #Family #Dreams #Goals #Marriage #Bestfriend #Ourfutureisbright #Big #Passion #soulmate #ourweddingsong

Law enforcement agency agents at the press conference said the local police, CBI and FBI had worked well together, although the outcome of the investigation was tragic.

"This is heartbreaking for the Frederick police who have poured their heart and soul into this investigation," Frederick police Sgt. Ian Albert said.

Watch Chris Watts interviewed by Denver7 about his wife and daughters' disappearance:

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Photo credits:

Image 1: Ashley Bell, left, is consoled by her husband, Steven, and 4-year-old daughter Liberty as the woman places a tribute outside the home where a pregnant woman and her two daughters lived Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Frederick, Colo. The woman's husband has been arrested in the disappearance of the woman and children. Authorities say that they have found the woman's body and believe to know the whereabouts of the two girls. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Image 2, 3, and 4: Tributes grow outside the home where a pregnant woman and her two daughters lived Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Frederick, Colo. The woman's husband has been arrested in the disappearance of the woman and children. Authorities say that they have found the woman's body and believe to know the whereabouts of the two girls. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Image 5: A pump jack sits near the home where a pregnant woman and her two daughters lived Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Frederick, Colo. The woman's husband has been arrested in the disappearance of the woman and children. Authorities say that they have found the woman's body and believe to know the whereabouts of the two girls. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Image 6: Christopher Watts glances back at a Weld County Sheriff's Deputy as he is escorted out of the courtroom at the Weld County Courthouse Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Greeley, Colo. Watts, of Colorado, whose wife and daughters disappeared this week was arrested on suspicion of killing them. (Joshua Polson/The Greeley Tribune via AP, Pool)

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