Brutal Murders Leave Community in Shock
A tragic case from South Carolina has revealed a disturbing series of events leading to the death of 29-year-old Corey Adam Soles. Reports indicate that Soles, already in a wheelchair due to a previous injury, was violently attacked and ultimately killed at the hands of 18-year-old Payton Watts and his mother, 42-year-old Samantha Watts.
According to the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Soles was staying at the Watts family home in Aynor when he was beaten over two days in January 2023. The attack was described as severe, with Soles suffering blunt force trauma while confined to his wheelchair.
Just days before the fatal assault, Payton Watts had allegedly injured Soles by breaking his leg. Prosecutors highlighted how vulnerable Soles was due to his disability, which the attackers exploited.
In a recent court hearing, both Payton and Samantha Watts pleaded guilty to murder. Payton has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, while his mother received a longer sentence of 45 years, being deemed the mastermind behind the violent act. Two of Samantha’s other adult children also faced legal repercussions, with one receiving probation and the other serving time under the Youthful Offender Act.
Details concerning the motive behind the attack remain unclear, but prosecutors asserted that Samantha Watts maintained control over her household and used her son to carry out her violent intentions. The chilling aspect of this case lies in the fact that neither Samantha nor anyone else in the home sought medical help for Soles during the ordeal, which ultimately led to his death from his injuries.
Soles was reported missing on January 10, 2023, and his body was discovered days later in Horry County, bringing closure to a heartbreaking chapter for the local community.
