There have been several tragic cases throughout history where fathers have taken the lives of their own families. These crimes often shock communities and leave behind haunting questions about the motivations behind such acts. Here are a few notable cases:
- Chris Watts (2018, USA)
Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste, in Colorado. He initially pretended they were missing before confessing to strangling Shanann and smothering the girls. His motive was allegedly to start a new life with his mistress. Watts is now serving multiple life sentences in prison.
2. Chris Benoit (2007, USA)
Wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and son before taking his own life in a murder-suicide. It was later revealed he suffered from severe brain damage, possibly from years of wrestling-related head trauma, which may have contributed to his actions.
3. Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès (2011, France)
Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès allegedly murdered his wife and four children before vanishing. The bodies were found buried under their house in Nantes, but Xavier was never caught. His whereabouts remain unknown.
4. Ronald DeFeo Jr. (1974, USA – The “Amityville Murders”)
Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed his parents and four siblings in their home in Amityville, New York. He claimed he heard voices telling him to commit the crime. His case later inspired the “Amityville Horror” franchise.
These cases, though different, often involve financial struggles, mental illness, relationship issues, or personal crises. They are deeply tragic and leave lasting scars on the families and communities affected.