Just 31 years old, Shanann Watts appeared to be an energetic mom who was in love with her husband, Christopher Watts (the couple is pictured, above). On social media, she frequently gushed about Watts, a 33-year-old employee in the oil and gas industry, and often shared photos of the couple with their daughters in Frederick, Colorado.

But something went terribly wrong — and the unfolding murder case has gripped the country.

On Thursday, three bodies believed to be those of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters were discovered, officials said.

The adult woman’s body was found on the property of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. The company said Christopher Watts had been employed there, but declined to note when that employment ended. Two children’s bodies were found “in close proximity to the other body, whom officers strongly believe is Shanann’s,” authorities said.

Watts was arrested on Wednesday night, charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of tampering with evidence. Prosecutors said Friday that the mother and her girls were killed inside the family’s home.

Shanann Watts, 15 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on Monday along with Bella, four, and Celeste, three. The family appeared loving and stable, and Shanann Watts’ posts are especially poignant in light of the tragedy. She even posted a heartfelt tribute to her husband on his birthday.

Today I celebrate you! Chris, you are absolutely the BEST thing that ever happened to me in 2010! That year you were…

Posted by Shanann Watts on Wednesday, May 16, 2018

“Today I celebrate you! Chris, you are absolutely the BEST thing that ever happened to me in 2010!” she wrote.

“That year you were placed in my life when I was at my worst! I was just diagnosed with lupus and fibro [fibromyalgia] and I felt like my world was crumbling around me! Then I met you!” she continued.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

“We have so many incredible memories these past 8 years, two beautiful girls, moved halfway across the world, sold house, built our home for our family and you constantly do for us! You work your a** off, you’re an amazing husband and an even better dad! You are the blessing I’ve been looking for my whole life!” she gushed.

Today I celebrate you! Chris, you are absolutely the BEST thing that ever happened to me in 2010! That year you were…

Posted by Shanann Watts on Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Shanann Watts also included her young daughters’ sentiments about the supposedly loving husband and father on Facebook. “The girls want to wish you a happy birthday! They have the best daddy in the world!” she wrote.

“You do so much every day for all of us and you come home and play and read to them. They love you so much,” she added.

Strewn among Watts’ posts promoting energy supplements like Thrive, a high-caffeine and -taurine product, and Burn, a weight-loss supplement and appetite suppressant, are several remarks about her husband’s lifestyle changes while using the products.

I love my sexy man! He keeps asking for things to do since he started #Burn! ??? He’s getting his tan on for San Diego he said. ?

Posted by Shanann Watts on Saturday, June 16, 2018

“I love my sexy man! He keeps asking for things to do since he started #Burn!” she said. “He’s getting his tan on for San Diego he said,” she added.

Chris, just said he’s been more talkative since he started #Burn! Talking to random strangers. #Hesaintrovert

Posted by Shanann Watts on Friday, June 15, 2018

“Chris just said he’s been more talkative since he started #Burn! Talking to random strangers #Hesaintrovert,” she wrote.

Shock waves rippled through the Frederick, Colorado, community when the pregnant mom and her young daughters were believed to be found dead, and the lead suspect in their murders reportedly became clear quickly: Chris Watts.

In a disturbing interview conducted by ABC7 Denver, Chris Watts stood on his porch and discussed his missing wife and children (see video, below).

Law enforcement authorities were drawn to consider him a suspect because of his “cavalier” attitude in interactions with the FBI, which has been assisting with the high-priority investigation.

The motive for the murders is currently unknown.

One event of note was the couple’s abrupt departure from their previous home in North Carolina to move to Colorado. The Watts family had a history of financial troubles as well, having filed for bankruptcy in 2015.

A judge ordered Chris Watts be held without bail and told prosecutors to file charges by Monday afternoon, so that a hearing could begin Tuesday.