Frederick Couple Faced Economic Pressure, Had Filed Bankruptcy

FREDERICK, CO – Christopher and Shanann Watts appeared to their neighbors in Frederick's Wyndham Hill neighborhood and on social media to be going through a period of financial success, but court documents show the couple had faced economic pressures.

The couple moved from North Carolina to Colorado in 2012, where they lived for a year in Broomfield, then purchased a newly constructed five-bedroom, 4,177 sq. ft. home at 2825 Saratoga Trail for $399,000.

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

In June, 2015, the couple filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, saying their year-to-date income in 2015 was $40,491. The filing listed debts more than $400,000 including a mortgage of $378,000. Other debts totaling more than $70,000 included miscellaneous credit card charges in 2015 totaling more than $44,569, and 2015 purchases from Nordstrom for a credit card balance of $3,038, and Macy's for a credit card balance of $1,301. The couple also declared student loan debts of $11,000 and had medical bills for around $2,500.

In 2015, the couple claimed assets of personal furniture and jewelry plus a 2006 Ford Mustang with milage of 97,000 miles, valued at $8,275.00 and a dog, which they valued at $5.

In 2015, the couple listed Anadarko Petroleum Company as Christopher's employer and said Shanann worked for Colorado Children's Hospital in Aurora.

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

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

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

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

But on Facebook in 2017 and 2018, it appeared the family's fortunes had turned. Shanann Watts, bragged about luxury vacations taken by the family, paid for by nutrition company Le-Vel. According to her social media pages, Shanann had been successful at her job selling the Thrive nutrition patch, and was a member of the company's "$80K Club."

“We have qualified for so many amazing trips in two years that we never otherwise would have been able to visit,” The AP reported that Shanann had posted social media. She mentioned visits to "New Orleans, Toronto, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Las Vegas and San Diego. ...All inclusive, no work, all fun vacations …”

Still, Shanann said in an article for her company that she worked 65-hour weeks selling the Thrive products and was worried about the struggles.

I've been blocked; I've been criticized; I've been rejected I've been the expense of negative DS comments; I've been laughed at I've been eye rolled I've been told "you're crazy"

BUT. I've also been befriended, accepted, praised, recognized for my success, cried on, shared laughs, gained allies, been an inspiration to many and changed my life forever. There will always be someone waiting in the corner to hate on what you do. Don't pay them attention. Be confident in what you do, put yourself out there and live a life of service. Seek to bless not impress. With the right mindset, you will see your business change for the better

Le-Vel responded Thursday to reports that Shanann was found dead:

"Shanann was an amazing woman, mother, friend, and overall person. She lit up every room and was a joy to be around," the company posted on Facebook. "Our love, prayers, and support go out during this devastating time to her family, friends, and to all Thrivers who had the great fortune of knowing Shanann and her two beautiful daughters. Shanann and her children will be dearly missed. We honor them on this sorrowful day."

The couple was sued in Weld County District Court by the Wyndham Hill Master Association for fees of around $1,000 in July of this year. Neighbors told TV interviewers the couple had talked about selling their home before Shanann went on a six-week trip back to North Carolina to visit family.

Other neighbors opined that the home should be torn down.

Next door neighbor Bette Marcoux told the Longmont Times-Call that she was surprised such an incident would happen in a quiet town like Frederick.

"I don't understand someone's mindset, to do such a horrific act," she said. "They oughta just tear down the house."

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