Carl Eugene Watts

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Carl Eugene Watts 2004

Carl Eugene Watts (November 7, 1953 – September 21, 2007), also known by his nickname Coral, was an American serial killer responsible for the murders of numerous women in the United States during the late 20th century. Watts is believed to have killed over 80 women; however, he was officially convicted of 13 murders. His crimes, which spanned from 1974 until his arrest in 1982, were characterized by the brutality and randomness of his attacks, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.

Early Life

Carl Eugene Watts was born in Killeen, Texas, to Richard and Dorothy Mae Watts. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother in Detroit, Michigan. Watts exhibited signs of antisocial behavior and intellectual difficulties from an early age, including torturing animals and displaying a lack of empathy. Despite these early warning signs, his criminal behavior escalated in adolescence and adulthood.

Crimes

Watts began his criminal career with burglaries and assaults but quickly escalated to more violent crimes. His first known murder occurred in 1974, but it was not until 1982 that he was apprehended for his crimes. Watts primarily targeted young women, employing various methods of murder, including stabbing, strangulation, and drowning. His attacks were often spontaneous, and he selected victims at random, making it difficult for law enforcement to connect the crimes and capture him.

Watts operated in several states, including Michigan, Texas, and Ohio, exploiting the lack of communication between police departments at the time to evade capture. His ability to move across state lines and change his modus operandi contributed to his long period of undetected criminal activity.

Arrest and Conviction

Carl Eugene Watts was arrested on May 23, 1982, after a failed attack on two young women who managed to escape and provide a description to the police. Following his arrest, Watts confessed to multiple murders in exchange for immunity from the death penalty. This controversial plea agreement allowed him to be charged with only burglary with intent to kill, resulting in a 60-year sentence rather than capital punishment.

Death

Watts died of prostate cancer on September 21, 2007, in a Michigan prison hospital. At the time of his death, he was suspected in over 80 murders, but the exact number of his victims remains unknown.

Legacy

The case of Carl Eugene Watts highlights significant issues in the criminal justice system, including the challenges of interdepartmental communication and the controversial use of plea bargains. His ability to evade law enforcement for nearly a decade underscores the importance of advancements in forensic science and data sharing among police departments.

See Also

• Serial killer
• Forensic science
• Plea bargain

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