From: jcs
During an interrogation concerning the disappearance of his family, Chris Watts was subjected to various psychological techniques and a polygraph examination.
Initial Interrogation Techniques
Early in the interview, Chris was asked what is known as a “behavior-provoking question” by the interrogator: “When we find the guy who took him, what do you think we should do?” [00:00:28]. An innocent person would typically give a “draconian response,” while a deceptive individual might offer an “equivocating response,” fragmenting and diverting from the question [00:00:29]. Chris’s answers were somewhat evasive, initially saying “they’re going to come home safe correct” [00:00:53], and later suggesting “life in prison” [00:01:02], then expressing uncertainty about the death penalty in Colorado [00:01:21].
The interrogator also inquired about Chris’s marriage and potential infidelity [00:02:16]. Chris denied cheating, stating, “I have never cheated on my life” [00:02:22] and “fully suspect she has never done that to me” [00:02:26]. However, the interrogator was already aware that Chris was having an affair with a woman named Nicole Kessinger [00:02:30]. Chris had provided his phone earlier, believing it was to search mutual contacts for suspects, and likely deleted his correspondence with Kessinger [00:02:34]. Unbeknownst to him, the FBI possesses programs capable of recovering deleted digital exchanges [00:02:51].
The interrogator continued to pressure Chris, highlighting discrepancies in his story and the police’s suspicions:
“Nothing you’ve told me tonight makes sense, nothing you’ve told me tonight feels like the truth.” [00:06:16] “When you walk out of this room, there’s nothing I can say to a room full of police officers that’s going to convince them that you have nothing to do with this.” [00:04:26]
Before ending the initial interview, the interrogator aimed to amplify Chris’s anxiety for the upcoming polygraph test [00:07:19]. He predicted Chris’s racing thoughts that night and encouraged him to call if certain thoughts arose [00:07:43].
The Polygraph Examination
The polygrapher began the session by using what is described as “psychological pressure disguised as reassurance” [00:10:30]. This technique is often used when a suspect’s guilt is nearly conclusive [00:10:39]. The polygrapher stated that she has the best training and would use validated testing methods to determine if Chris had nothing to do with the disappearance [00:10:15].
Polygraph Test Procedure and Psychology
The polygrapher explained there are two ways to fail the test:
- Failing to follow instructions (e.g., sitting still, answering questions) [00:10:58].
- Choosing to lie [00:11:08].
She emphasized that it would be “really stupid” for Chris to take the polygraph if he had something to do with Shanann and the girls’ disappearance [00:11:14].
The polygrapher also obtains the examinee’s version of the facts regarding the issues under investigation [00:12:09]. Chris recounted vague possibilities for his family’s disappearance, expressing his hope for a phone call or for them to “just running” through the door [00:12:34]. He spoke of missing his children and wanting them home safe [00:12:48].
Another psychological pressure tactic, disguised as routine questioning, involved asking Chris to describe ways someone could “make someone disappear” through murder [00:14:06]. Chris listed various methods, including stabbing, shooting, hitting with a blunt object, strangulation, drowning, electrocution, or burning someone alive [00:15:17]. The polygrapher clarified that the test would ask if he “physically caused her disappearance,” which includes murder or kidnapping [00:17:21].
Directed Lie Polygraph Explained
The test Chris took was a “directed live polygraph,” where he was instructed to lie on specific questions [00:18:04]. The directed lie test has three types of questions:
- Known Truth Questions: Easy questions (e.g., “Are you sitting down?”) that establish a baseline for truth-telling and disconnect thought patterns between questions [00:18:18].
- Control Questions: Questions explicitly designed for the examinee to lie to (e.g., “Before 2018 did you ever lose your temper with someone you cared about?” with a required “no” answer) [00:18:44].
- Relevant Questions: Questions specifically about the crime being investigated, where the examinee is expected to answer truthfully [00:19:01].
A guilty subject shows a stronger reaction to relevant questions than to control questions, even when lying on both, due to the immediate threat of the relevant questions [00:19:07].
Polygraph Results
After the initial phase, the polygrapher complimented Chris for being a “really bad liar” [00:20:17], noting his significant reaction when he lied, which indicated he knew it was wrong [00:20:37]. This was framed as a positive sign, suggesting that if he lied about significant matters concerning his wife, the reaction would be “10 times more amplified” [00:20:56].
After the full test, the polygrapher revealed the results:
“it is completely clear that you were not honest during the testing and I think you already know that. Um he did not pass the polygraph test, right?” [00:23:32]
Chris denied lying, stating, “I didn’t, I didn’t lie to you on that polygraph, I promise” [00:23:48]. However, the interrogator firmly stated, “Chris I, I’m, I’m dressed up, it’s time, all right, just stop for a minute, take a deep breath” [00:23:52], indicating the denial was futile.