Blair Watts found guilty of first-degree murder of Jennifer Brown
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Blair Watts was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury in the homicide trial of his business partner, Jennifer Brown, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said on Wednesday.
On day two of deliberations, the jury found Watts guilty of first-degree murder, which carries an automatic life sentence. His sentencing came right after the victim impact statements.
But Watts said nothing until he was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs.
"I didn't kill Jennifer Brown," he told CBS News Philadelphia as he walked into an elevator.
The search for Brown, a Limerick mother whose name was all over social media and news media after she was reported missing in January, lasted more than two weeks.
Relatives and members of the community banded together to hand out flyers and participated in search parties. More than two weeks later, investigators found Brown's body wrapped in plastic and partially buried at an industrial complex at 5th and Chestnut Streets in Royersford.
Investigators said the motive was greed and that Watts used Brown's phone to transfer money into his own account. The forensic pathologist also detailed that Brown was smothered.
About three weeks later, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced charges against Watts. Investigators believed Watts killed Brown and disposed of her body.
Pieces of a black and white hair clip were found embedded in the carpet at Brown's home, and those matched up with other pieces of plastic found at the scene in Royersford.
"That became significant to say this likely happened in her house and then she was taken to this shallow grave," Steele said in February when charges were announced.
Brown's aunt couldn't hide her smile walking out of the courtroom.
"I feel amazing today. Justice was served for my niece Jennifer Brown. It will never bring her back, but at least I know he will never walk out and hurt another family again the way he has destroyed ours," Brown's aunt told CBS News Philadelphia following the release of the verdict.
Other family and friends said their hearts go out to Brown's two sons, one of whom has special needs, who will have to go on without their mother.
Investigators said Watts was Brown's business partner and friend. The two planned on opening a restaurant called "Birdie's Kitchen" in Phoenixville at the end of January.
Brown and Watts entered a business partnership together in late August 2022.
In 2022, Watts spoke to CBS News Philadelphia about the comfort food he was cooking up.
