Alton Police identify Roadecker “Roe” Watts as cause of death on June 7

ALTON – Alton police identified the name of the deceased in an incident early Friday morning, June 7: Roadecker D. Watts, 68, of Alton.

Roadecker, commonly known as Roe, was a well-known and beloved figure in the Alton community. He worked for many years at JCPenney in the Alton Square Mall. His expertise in men’s fashion was impeccable and his customer service was second to none.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Roe’s family and friends,” said Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford.

At 3:02 a.m. Friday, Alton Police received a 911 call from a residence in the 200 block of W. 19th St. in Alton.

Officers were dispatched to the home where they discovered two men in the front yard. Watts was unresponsive and not breathing. Officers performed life-saving measures while waiting for the Alton Fire Department. When the Alton Fire Department arrived, they also performed life-saving measures. Watts was then transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to Ford.

Ford said a preliminary investigation indicates this was a domestic incident and there is no threat to the public. The cause of death is still under investigation. An autopsy was performed Friday, but a report has not yet been finalized.

The investigation is currently ongoing. The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is being assisted in the investigation by the Madison County Coroner’s Office, the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, and the Illinois State Police.