The Hit-and-Run Death of Davis McClendon

On May 7th, 2023, just after 1:00 AM, authorities responded to a reported road accident on a secluded, dead-end street in Greenwood, South Carolina. What they found was a mangled sedan, a shirt, a shoe, and about 50 feet away, the body of 46-year-old Davis McClendon. This episode recounts the harrowing details of that night, the subsequent investigation, and the dramatic trial that followed.

The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

Investigator Patrick Durkin of the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office arrived to photograph the scene. The initial assumption was that Davis had been struck by a vehicle. However, several unusual details immediately raised suspicions. Durkin noted strange damage to Davis's BMW 5 Series; the front driver's side wheel was slightly turned, and the fender was torn back, not just pressed in, suggesting a more violent impact than a typical fender bender. Furthermore, Davis's body was found 50 feet away from his car, leading investigators to believe he was outside his vehicle when he was hit. There was no other vehicle relating to the collision at the scene, and no rain to wash away potential evidence. An oil slick and tire tracks were found leading away from the scene, suggesting the vehicle that hit Davis had turned around and left. Oil spatters were also found on a street light post, indicating the height of the impact. This evidence pointed to a hit-and-run, but also hinted at something more sinister.