Mom and Teen Son Plead Guilty to Beating Wheelchair-Bound Man to Death

A tragic and harrowing incident has come to light in South Carolina, where a disabled man was brutally beaten to death by a mother-son duo, leaving the community in shock. Corey Adam Soles, aged 29, found himself at the mercy of 42-year-old Samantha Watts and her 18-year-old son, Payton Watts, in a horrific assault that lasted for two days, resulting in his untimely demise. The Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office revealed that Soles was wheelchair-bound due to a prior attack by Payton, who had broken his leg in a separate altercation.

The disturbing events unfolded at the Watts family residence in Aynor, South Carolina, where Soles was subjected to relentless violence, culminating in fatal blunt force trauma to his head on January 8 and 9, 2023. Samantha Watts, described as the mastermind behind the brutal attack, orchestrated the assault using her son as the enforcer. Prosecutors outlined that Samantha, known for her involvement in a drug distribution business, directed the violent acts against Soles, highlighting his vulnerability as a wheelchair-bound individual.

The gravity of the crime is further underscored by the involvement of other members of the Watts family in the assault. Two adult children of Samantha Watts also faced charges in connection to the murder. Her 23-year-old daughter, Amber Watts, admitted guilt to being an accessory after the fact, resulting in a five-year probation sentence. Meanwhile, her 21-year-old son, Jonathan Watts, was sentenced under the Youthful Offender Act, receiving credit for time served.

The motive behind the vicious attack remains murky, with authorities indicating Samantha Watts’ domineering influence over her family as a key factor. Soles, who was acquainted with one of the adult children residing in the household, became a target of the violent outburst orchestrated by Samantha. Despite the severity of his injuries, no one in the household sought medical intervention for Soles, leading to his tragic death shortly after the assault.

The South Carolina community was rocked by the disappearance of Soles on January 10, 2023, only for his lifeless body to be discovered six days later in the Galivants Ferry area of Horry County. The shocking revelation of the circumstances surrounding his demise has left many reeling, as the extent of the violence inflicted upon him sheds light on the darker facets of human nature.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that exists in society and the devastating consequences it can have on the lives of individuals. The criminal proceedings against Samantha and Payton Watts, along with their accomplices, underscore the necessity of justice for the victim and accountability for those responsible. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the memory of Corey Adam Soles remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the imperative of safeguarding the vulnerable from harm.