SC inmate dies days after being booked into Horry County jail. Corner identifies him

An inmate at J. Reuben Long Detention Center has died after being taken to the hospital.

Joseph Watts Jr., 35, of Conway, died at 9:46 a.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, after being transported to the hospital, according to Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard in a release. Watts had reported that he was not feeling well and was checked by jail medical staff before being taken to the hospital, the release said.

Watts had been booked into the detention center on July 10, 2024, on charges of shoplifting. He was arrested by Horrry County Police.

An autopsy will be performed this week, the release said.

His death is being investigated by the Horry County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.