Chris was home with the children.[5] Later that day, Shannon and the two children were reported missing by Atkinson, who had become concerned when Shannon missed a scheduled OB-GYN appointment and failed to return text messages. After Shannon missed a business meeting, Atkinson went to the Watts' home at approximately 12:10 p.m.[6][7] When the doorbell and knocks went unanswered, Atkinson notified Chris and called the Frederick Police Department. Officers arrived to conduct a welfare check at about 1:40 p.m.[8] Chris, who had arrived home from work, talked with the officers and discussed ways to locate his missing family.[9] During the welfare check, Chris gave the police permission to search the house, but none of the family were found.