November 17, 2004

            LANSING – Admitted serial killer Coral Eugene Watts, who was slated to be released from prison in 2006, was found guilty today of first degree murder, Attorney General Mike Cox announced today.

            "Today, justice has prevailed and Coral Eugene Watts will spend the rest of his life in prison," Cox said. "Through outstanding efforts from my office, as well as local and state law enforcement, Michigan will be a safer place to live."

            Watts had been serving a 60-year sentence in Texas after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary in 1982. When pleading in 1982, Watts confessed to killing 13 women to Texas and Michigan authorities, including two victims from Michigan. In addition, Watts is suspected of 26 murders and has claimed to have killed more than 80 victims. 

            Through unusual circumstances, credits for good behavior while in jail, and automatic sentence reductions in the Texas parole system, Watts was scheduled to be released in May 2006.

            The latest charge against Watts stemmed from the resurfacing of an eyewitness in the 1979 murder in Ferndale of Helen Dutcher. In January, the eyewitness called the Attorney General’s office the morning after Cox discussed the Watts’ case on a national cable television show. Watts was extradited to Michigan in April to stand trial, which began last week.

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For further information contact: Randall Thompson
517-373-8060 (Office)
State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General