NORTH CAROLINA -- The parents of Chris Watts, the man admitting to killing his pregnant wife and two daughters in Colorado, are defending their son.

Watts grew up in Fayetteville.

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He pleaded guilty to first degree murder of his wife Shanann and two young daughters, Celeste and Bella.

His parents say he changed once he met Shanann.

"What happened to that kid from Pine Forest High School? He met Shanann. That's what happened to him because that boy, he knew what he wanted to do. He went to NASCAR Technical Institute. It has been a nightmare. A complete nightmare," said Watts' mother.

Watts pleaded guilty to all nine charges in order to avoid the death penalty.

His parents say they did not know about the plea deal.

Shanann and her two daughters were laid to rest in Southern Pines.