Molly Watson Obituary, Death Cause: A Bride-to-Be Murdered by Her Secretly Married Fiancé

Molly Watson was a 35-year-old mother, daughter, sister, and aunt who loved spending time with her family. She was also a behavioral center employee who worked with children with special needs. She had a bright future ahead of her, as she was planning to marry her fiancé James Addie, whom she had dated for seven years.
But just two days before their wedding, Molly was found shot to death on a rural road in Monroe County, Missouri, on April 27, 2018. Her killer turned out to be none other than James Addie himself, who had been leading a double life and was already married to another woman for 23 years.
How James Addie Lied to Molly Watson for Years
James Addie, 56, was a corrections officer who met Molly Watson online in 2011. He told her that he was divorced and had two children from his previous marriage. He also said that he lived alone in a house in Mexico, Missouri. Molly believed him and fell in love with him. They soon became engaged and set their wedding date for April 29, 2018.
However, James Addie was lying to Molly about everything. He was not divorced, but still married to Melanie Addie, whom he had wed in 1995. He also did not live alone, but with his wife and their two children, Emma and Ben, in a house in Audrain County, Missouri. He had been leading a double life for years, juggling between his two families and lying to both of them.

James Addie managed to keep his secret by using different phones and email accounts for each of his relationships. He also made up excuses for his absences, such as work trips or outings with friends. He even took Molly Watson on vacations to Florida and Mexico, where he pretended to be her husband. He also bought her an engagement ring and a wedding dress and rented a venue for their wedding.
| Victim | Molly Watson, 35, a behavioral center employee, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt |
| Killer | James Addie, 56, a corrections officer, Molly’s fiancé, and Melanie’s husband |
| Date of murder | April 27, 2018 |
| Location of murder | Route M in Monroe County, Missouri |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound to the back of the head |
| Weapon used | .40 caliber handgun |
| Motive | To cover up James Addie’s double life and prevent Molly Watson from finding out or exposing it |
| Date of arrest | April 28, 2018 |
| Date of conviction | April 29, 2021 |
| Charges | First-degree murder and armed criminal action |
| Verdict | Guilty on both charges |
| Sentence | Life in prison without parole plus 10 years |
How James Addie Killed Molly Watson to Cover Up His Secret
James Addie’s secret life began to unravel when he realized that he could not go through with his wedding to Molly Watson without exposing his lies. He decided to kill her instead of telling her the truth or breaking up with her. He lured her to a secluded spot on Route M in Monroe County, Missouri, where he shot her in the back of the head with a .40 caliber handgun. He then left her body outside of her car and drove away.
Molly Watson’s body was discovered by a passerby around 10 p.m. on April 27, 2018. The police were alerted and launched an investigation. They found an empty box of ammunition at the crime scene that matched the brand of bullets found in James Addie’s home. They also found tire tracks that matched the tires of James Addie’s car.
The police tracked down James Addie and arrested him at his workplace on April 28, 2018. They also visited his home and informed his wife Melanie about his arrest and his affair with Molly Watson. Melanie was shocked and devastated by the news, as she had no idea that her husband was cheating on her or that he had another family.
James Addie was charged with first-degree murder for killing Molly Watson. He pleaded not guilty and claimed that he was innocent. He said that he loved Molly and that he was planning to divorce his wife and marry her. He also said that he had no motive or opportunity to kill her.
However, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence against him at his trial in April 2021. They showed that James Addie had lied to Molly Watson for years about his marital status and his living situation. They also showed that he had killed her in a cowardly way by shooting her at close range from behind. They argued that he had murdered her to prevent her from finding out about his secret life or exposing it to others.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding James Addie guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action on April 29, 2021 – exactly three years after he was supposed to marry Molly Watson. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 10 years on July 16, 2021.
How Molly Watson’s Family and Friends Remember Her
Molly Watson’s family and friends were devastated by her death and outraged by James Addie’s betrayal. They described Molly as a loving, caring, and generous person who always put others before herself. They said that she was devoted to her son Declan, who was nine years old when she died. They also said that she was excited about her wedding and looking forward to starting a new life with James Addie.
Her family and friends paid tribute to her at her funeral on May 5, 2018. They also shared their memories of her at James Addie’s sentencing hearing on July 16, 2021. They said that Molly Watson’s death had left a huge void in their lives and that they missed her every day. They also said that they hoped that James Addie would suffer for what he had done to her and to them.

Molly’s son Declan wrote a letter to the judge that was read aloud at the hearing. He said that he loved his mom and that he wished she was still alive. He also said that he hated James Addie for killing her and that he wanted him to go to jail forever.
Molly’s father Tim Watson said that Molly was his pride and joy and that he was proud of everything she had accomplished. He also said that he was angry and disgusted by James Addie’s actions and that he hoped that he would never see the light of day again.
Molly’s brother Tim Watson III said that Molly was his best friend and his role model. He also said that he was heartbroken and furious by James Addie’s lies and violence and that he hoped that he would rot in prison.
Molly’s mother Sandi Watson said that Molly was her angel and her miracle. She also said that she was shattered and betrayed by James Addie’s deception and murder and that she hoped that he would suffer as much as they had.



