News Summary
Samantha Watts and her son Payton have pleaded guilty to the murder of Corey Soles, linking their actions to a broader drug trafficking operation. Samantha faces 45 years in prison, while Payton has been sentenced to 35 years. The tragic event highlights the severe impacts of drug-related crimes and family dynamics within criminal enterprises.
Horry County Mother and Children Plead Guilty to Murder Linked to Drug Trafficking Operation
Green Sea, SC – Samantha Watts, 42, and her 18-year-old son, Payton Watts, have both pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the death of Corey “Adam” Soles, a 29-year-old resident of Chadbourn, North Carolina. The pleas were entered on July 14, 2025, marking a significant development in a case rooted in a drug trafficking operation allegedly run by Samantha Watts from her home in Horry County.
Samantha Watts has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after admitting to a revenge plot against Soles, who had been accused of stealing drugs and physically assaulting his then-wife. Her son, Payton Watts, received a sentence of 35 years in prison for his involvement in the murder. The brutal killing involved an incident that occurred between January 8 and 9, 2023, during which Payton Watts struck Soles, leaving him unable to move for over 11 hours due to a broken leg.
The case became even more complex with the revelation that surveillance footage captured the assault. This footage was set up with the aid of Soles himself, who had assisted in installing the cameras at Samantha Watts’ residence. On January 16, 2023, Soles’ dead body was located near Green Sea Road, following his report as missing six days earlier.
Details of the Incident and Charges
The allegations against Samantha and Payton Watts suggest that the murder was not an isolated event but part of a larger drug trafficking operation. Prosecutors claimed that Samantha Watts maintained full control over this operation and manipulated her son into participating in her criminal activities. The prosecution further asserted that Payton Watts was one of the “victims” of his mother’s influence, revealing that she began supplying him with drugs when he was just 12 years old.
In addition to the Watts family, Amber Watts, 23, and Jonathan Watts, 21, are also connected to the case. Amber has pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of murder and received a sentence of six years suspended to five years probation. Jonathan Watts pled guilty to first-degree assault and battery and has been given credit for time served.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reactions
A circuit judge, in addressing Samantha Watts’ actions, described them as leaning “more toward wicked,” emphasizing the extreme pain and suffering that Soles endured before his death. While Samantha’s defense team argued that she did not fully control her drug operation and expressed remorse during the court proceedings, the gravity of the crime’s impact on Soles’ family was highlighted by Assistant Solicitor Brandon Lanier. The family of Corey Soles is actively seeking justice, stressing the profound effect that his death has had on their lives.
Background Context
This tragic series of events raises awareness about the dangers associated with drug trafficking and the challenging dynamics within families involved in criminal enterprises. As law enforcement and community members grapple with the ramifications of this case, the potential for similar situations in Horry County and beyond remains a concern. The investigation into the associated drug trafficking operation is ongoing, with authorities looking to understand the full extent of the Watts family’s activities.
The case serves as a somber reminder of the deadly consequences that can arise from the intertwining of drug abuse and crime, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities as a whole.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Horry County Mother and Son Plead Guilty to Murder
- WYFF4: Mother and Son Murder Case
- WPDE: Case of Samantha Watts and Guilty Plea
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Drug Trafficking South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
