The Haunting of David Coffin

Summary

Summary of "The Haunting of David Coffin" – 48 Hours

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Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Haunting of David Coffin," 48 Hours delves into a perplexing and emotionally charged murder case that shook the Atlanta community in December 1996. The episode meticulously unravels the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of David Coffin, exploring the tangled relationships, suspicious activities, and the relentless pursuit of justice that followed. Through interviews, critical evidence, and insightful analysis, the story highlights the complexities of crime investigations and the profound impact on those involved.

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Case Background

David Coffin, a 41-year-old entrepreneur from a prominent New England family, was known for his vibrant personality, love for the outdoors, and athletic pursuits. In 1996, David began a romantic relationship with Megan Lee, a woman whose divorce from her estranged husband, Scott Davis, was still pending. This budding relationship set the stage for a series of tragic events.

Notable Quote:

Sheila Ross (Assistant District Attorney) [03:07]: "David Coffin was a 41-year-old male who was full of life, very attractive, a lot of fun."

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The Tragic Night

On the night of December 10, 1996, Megan witnessed firemen battling a fierce blaze engulfing David's house. As the flames were brought under control, firefighters made a shocking discovery: David Coffin's charred remains were found inside, positioned unnaturally on his back—uncharacteristic of typical fire victims who usually are found attempting to escape. This led investigators to suspect foul play rather than death by fire.

Notable Quote:

Sheila Ross [03:54]: "He was on his back when they discovered him. That led the firefighters to believe that he did not die from the fire, that this was a murder case. He was just executed in cold blood."

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Emerging Suspicion: Scott Davis

Amidst the chaos, Megan's estranged husband, Scott Davis, became a person of interest. The same night David's house was set ablaze, Scott was brutally attacked in front of his home. Armed with a ski mask and mace, the assailant threatened Scott to stay away from Megan. Later, another confrontation ensued where Scott was shot at, leading him to fire back with his shotgun. These incidents raised red flags for Detective Rick Chambers, who began to suspect a connection between David's murder and Scott's attacks.

Notable Quote:

Scott Davis [14:21]: "I think I did."

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The Investigation

Detective Chambers uncovered inconsistencies in Scott's statements. Initially claiming innocence, Scott's narrative began to unravel as evidence pointed towards his motive and opportunity. Key pieces of evidence included:

• Stolen Possessions: Items from David's home, including his prized Porsche, were missing during the break-in and later found burned miles away from Scott's workplace.
• Phone Records: Indicating Scott's presence at his home during the time Scott claimed to have an alibi.
• Lack of Physical Evidence: Despite suspicions, there was minimal physical evidence linking Scott to the crime, such as DNA or fingerprints.

Notable Quote:

Detective Rick Chambers [08:10]: "When you say that David was shot? I think so."

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Legal Battles and Indictment

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Detective Chambers believed that Scott had orchestrated the events to appear as if another assailant was involved. Scott was arrested and charged with David's murder based on the circumstantial evidence and his suspicious behavior. However, due to insufficient evidence, the charges were initially dropped in June 1998.

Years later, prosecutor Sheila Ross revisited the case, driven by a determination to seek justice. Her renewed efforts led to Scott's indictment in November 2005, reigniting the legal battle and bringing the case back into the public eye.

Notable Quote:

Sheila Ross [15:13]: "The line was having an intimate relationship with somebody."

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The Trial

In 2006, after nearly a decade of uncertainty, Scott Davis stood trial for the murder of David Coffin. The prosecution, led by Sheila Ross, focused on Scott's potential motives—primarily his inability to accept his divorce and his jealousy towards David's relationship with Megan. They argued that Scott meticulously planned and executed the murder to eliminate David as a rival.

The defense, represented by attorney Bruce Morris, highlighted the lack of physical evidence and Scott's consistent claims of innocence. Scott maintained throughout the trial that he was wrongfully accused and had no involvement in David's death.

Notable Quote:

Sheila Ross [32:44]: "He was a competitive man who wasn't going to lose his wife to the likes of David Coffin."

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Verdict and Aftermath

After a tense week of deliberations, the jury found Scott Davis guilty of David Coffin's murder. The conviction marked a bittersweet moment—closure for David's family but devastation for Scott's loved ones.

Notable Quote:

Megan Lee [44:06]: "I just broke up. Was that the first time in 10 years?"

At sentencing, Scott was handed a mandatory life sentence. However, he remained steadfast in his claims of innocence, vowing to fight the conviction.

Notable Quote:

Scott Davis [45:50]: "I still maintain my innocence. Thank you."

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Conclusion

"The Haunting of David Coffin" is a poignant exploration of a tragic incident marked by suspicion, legal complexities, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The episode underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving intricate cases and the profound effects such cases have on all parties involved. Through detailed reporting and emotional narratives, 48 Hours provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to David Coffin's untimely death and the subsequent quest for justice.

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Key Takeaways:

• The intersection of personal relationships and legal investigations can complicate criminal cases.
• The absence of physical evidence can significantly impact the prosecution's case, relying heavily on circumstantial evidence and behavioral analysis.
• Persistent investigative efforts, even years after the initial incident, can lead to breakthroughs in cold cases.
• The emotional toll on victims' families, suspects, and their loved ones is profound and enduring.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Sheila Ross: "He was just executed in cold blood." [03:54]
• Scott Davis: "I think I did." [14:21]
• Sheila Ross: "The line was having an intimate relationship with somebody." [15:13]
• Sheila Ross: "He was a competitive man who wasn't going to lose his wife to the likes of David Coffin." [32:44]
• Scott Davis: "I still maintain my innocence. Thank you." [45:50]

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This summary encapsulates the essential elements of the episode, providing a clear and comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the case or the podcast episode.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Wondery plus subscribers can listen to this podcast ad free right now. Join Wondery plus in the Wondery app today.

[Megan Lee]

Some stories have a way of sticking with you. For me, it's the 48 hour series Murder in the Orange Grove. But Audible has a best of 2024 list that's packed with unforgettable listens you won't stop thinking about. Check out Framed. It's one of Audible's top picks and an astonishing true story of wrongful convictions that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're into thrillers, memoirs, or even romance, there's something for everyone. Head over to audible.com 48hours and discover all the years best waiting for you. That's audible.com 48 hours audible there's more to imagine when you listen when you're in the woods, you're never truly alone. Something is always watching you. These Woods Are Haunted a podcast from Travel Channel explores true stories from people whose wilderness adventures were cut short by terrifying and unexplained phenomena. Hear witnesses describe their mysterious encounters from the darkest corners of the forest. From being watched on a hike to unsettling noises at a campsite, the great outdoors might not be so great after all. Listen to these Woods Are Haunted wherever you get your podcasts.

[Sheila Ross]

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[Scott Davis]

The street was blocked off and there was lots of fire trucks there. The house was fully involved in flames. I said it's at 9:51 and they said yeah. And I said that's my boyfriend's house. And they said do you know how to get in touch with your boyfriend? I said no, I haven't talked to him today and I believe it was the police chief. I'm not sure. Came up to me and said are you the next of kin? And I said why? And they said we found a body in the kitchen.

[Sheila Ross]

David Coffin was a 41 year old male who was full of life, very attractive, a lot of fun.

[Scott Davis]

He was beautiful and outgoing and athletic. My name is Megan lee and in 1996 I was dating David Coffin. He liked to ski hard slopes. He liked to live life to the fullest. Very Robert Redford esque David came from the Coffin family of the northeast. It's a very prominent family.

[Narrator]

He was a good kid. He loved the outdoors. He had a big retriever and that dog, and he went absolutely everywhere.

[Sheila Ross]

Flames were shooting out of his roof 20 to 30ft in the air. When they got the fire under control, they walked through once, found nothing, walked through the second time, and actually a firefighter stepped on the body of David Coffin. People who die from the fire, they're usually found on their stomachs because they're trying to crawl out of the house. He was on his back when they discovered him. That led the firefighters to believe that he did not die from the fire, that this was a murder case. He literally was just executed in cold blood. All that remained of David Coffin was charred remains. My name is Sheila Ross. I'm an assistant district attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. The fire to David Coffin's body and to his home was very, very devastating and destructive. We're talking no hairs, no fibers, no DNA, no fingerprints from any of the things that came from the home.

[Scott Davis]

At that point, I had no idea who wanted to kill David Coffin. My world no longer made sense.

[Sheila Ross]

It's the hardest case I have ever fought in my entire career.

[Narrator]

The ghost of David coff coffin. Tonight's 48 Hours Mystery.

[Scott Davis]

It was the most tragic, unbelievable time of life.

[Megan Lee]

It was late at night on December 10, 1996, when Megan Lee watched firemen struggle to gain control of the inferno at the home of her boyfriend, David Coffin.

[Scott Davis]

His best friend came on scene, and I had to tell him that David was dead.

[Narrator]

You see flames shooting out of the roof of your best friend's house. The feelings are horrible.

[Megan Lee]

Like, Meagan Craig Foster was also in disbelief.

[Narrator]

You think, jeez, is this like a movie? You don't know what to think.

[Megan Lee]

Their grief and fear only deepened when fire officials revealed that David had died before the fire even started.

[Scott Davis]

All I remember is laying down on the pavement, hysterical.

[Megan Lee]

Adding to the horror, it was the second time. That same night, someone close to Megan was the victim of violence. The first incident involved her estranged husband, Scott Davis. Scott told her he had been ambushed that evening right in front of his house.

[Scott Davis]

The person was wearing a ski mask, put a gun to his head, sprayed him in the face with mace, and said, stay away from Megan. And my name is actually pronounced Megan.

[Megan Lee]

Now. Hours later, Meagan's soon to be ex husband had even more bad news.

[Scott Davis]

He said, oh, my God, I was attacked again tonight. I've got police here.

[Megan Lee]

In that second attack, Scott Davis said the Assailant used his gun. Patrolman Michael O'Connor took the report.

[Narrator]

The suspect turned around and shot at Scott Davis. Scott then returned fire with five rounds from a shotgun. The suspect was able to hop the fence and run off.

[Megan Lee]

Scott also said that before all the shooting, the man set fire to the back of his house by the patio. Scott managed to put it out, but the timing was terrifying. It was just hours after David's house was set aflame.

[Narrator]

It was fairly bizarre, kind of a copycat kind of a thing going on that was very confusing to all of us.

[Megan Lee]

Homicide detective Rick Chambers naturally suspected there had to be a link between the two victims.

[Narrator]

The same person that killed David Coffin is going to be the same person that attacked Scott wanted to get his story while it was still fresh in his mind.

[Megan Lee]

Although she was connected to both victims, Megan could not imagine who would commit the crimes. Who would attack her estranged husband? And why would that same person cut down her new boyfriend? David Coffin, in the prime of his.

[Scott Davis]

Life, he was just a really laid back, nice, easy Kanuka character. He showed me lots of attention and lots of affection and he was gorgeous. You know.

[Megan Lee]

Bob Coffin has fond memories of his older brother.

[Narrator]

He was very much his own man. He was very independent minded and he played by his own rules and it was a great set of rules.

[Megan Lee]

David was a 41 year old entrepreneur looking for business ventures in Atlanta. When a friend introduced him to Megan.

[Narrator]

They were like any couple that was six months into an early romance.

[Megan Lee]

Craig began to wonder if David's bachelor days were numbered.

[Narrator]

David and Megan did get serious rather quickly. She had a lot of the qualities.

[Megan Lee]

That he desired, but there was one rather sticky. Meagan's divorce from Scott Davis was not yet final.

[Scott Davis]

I was very honest with him that I was going to go on with my life. And that included dating other people.

[Megan Lee]

David Coffin spent Thanksgiving week with his father and told him about his new girlfriend.

[Narrator]

He would say, he'd say, dad, he would love her.

[Megan Lee]

Did you think you would be meeting her soon?

[Narrator]

Yes. Oh, I would put money on it.

[Megan Lee]

But David Coffin Sr. Patriarch of a wealthy and established New England clan, was a cautious man. He advised his son to take his time.

[Narrator]

I said, all right, but be very careful.

[Megan Lee]

Did he tell you she was married still?

[Narrator]

She told me the whole story.

[Megan Lee]

Were you concerned?

[Narrator]

I was concerned.

[Megan Lee]

In fact, Scott Davis was not quite ready for divorce and was having a hard time letting Megan go.

[Scott Davis]

They kept on talking about this line, don't cross this line.

[Megan Lee]

And what was the line?

[Scott Davis]

The line was having an intimate relationship with somebody.

[Megan Lee]

And were you sleeping with David?

[Scott Davis]

And so I crossed that line.

[Megan Lee]

After Thanksgiving, David returned to Atlanta and spent the next weekend at Megan's apartment.

[Scott Davis]

Here was this smart, interesting, attractive man, you know, wanting to spend time with me. And that felt really, really nice.

[Megan Lee]

That Sunday morning, David came home and found someone had broken in.

[Narrator]

The TV was pulled over the office and the desk was all in disarray. The drawers were open.

[Megan Lee]

Most of his prized possessions were there, but a few were missing, including watches, guns, and his beloved Porsche.

[Narrator]

It was a special car that was a collector type car that they didn't make many of.

[Megan Lee]

Two days later, David's house was torched and he was dead in the wee hours. Meaghan went to the police station to give a statement. She wasn't alone, though. Scott Davis was there, too.

[Narrator]

He was the only person that actually seen an assailant or actually had a conversation with an assailant.

[Megan Lee]

But the more Scott Davis spoke, the more suspicious Detective Chambers grew about what he was saying, especially one critical detail.

[Narrator]

He said, I didn't shoot him. I didn't shoot David.

[Megan Lee]

And what struck you about that statement?

[Narrator]

I didn't know how David Coffin had died. No one knew.

[Scott Davis]

That was the first time the penny dropped. And I went, oh my God. Oh my God.

[Narrator]

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[Scott Davis]

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[Megan Lee]

Good news.

[Scott Davis]

With Amazon Music, you have access to the largest catalog of ad free top podcasts included with your prime membership. To start listening, download the Amazon music app for free or go to Amazon.com adfreepodcast that's Amazon.com ad free podcast to Catch up on the latest episodes without the ads.

[Narrator]

The whole story itself, when you started taking it apart, started falling apart like a house of cards.

[Megan Lee]

Detective Rick Chambers was convinced that the man who murdered David Coffin had given himself away.

[Narrator]

You did say that David was shot? I think so. You think so? I think I did.

[Megan Lee]

Even before investigators knew how David died, Scott Davis was telling them it was a gunshot. He said that's what Megan, his estranged wife, told him.

[Narrator]

When I heard that from her, that's what, you know, that's what I thought I heard. So you saw, you heard? I thought I heard her tell me that she was shot. I'm telling you what I thought I heard. You know, he has guns going off everywhere for that. I mean, this is hard for me.

[Megan Lee]

But Meagan said she had no idea how David died. And the detective in charge now seriously doubted Scott's claim that someone had also attacked him.

[Narrator]

Whoever had done this had killed one person and burned a house. Why did he let Scott live? You gonna set a fire to try to burn somebody's house down? You gonna set it on their concrete patio?

[Megan Lee]

So this was not adding up to you?

[Narrator]

No.

[Megan Lee]

Scott was the prime suspect, but he was hardly a typical murder suspect.

[Narrator]

It was disbelief.

[Megan Lee]

Scott's father, Dr. Dave Davis, is a prominent Atlanta psychiatrist.

[Narrator]

My whole family was very upset, very brokenhearted, surprised, shocked.

[Megan Lee]

A forensic psychiatrist.

[Luke Lamanna]

None of this surprises Dr. Dave Davis.

[Megan Lee]

And who made media appearances profiling criminals.

[Narrator]

Well, there's not just one motivation. Some are revenge motivated.

[Megan Lee]

He now found himself defending his own son.

[Narrator]

Scott has never been in trouble. I mean, he's never done anything like this. I've never known him to be violent. The whole thing just seemed outrageous to me.

[Megan Lee]

Scott was a 24 year old graduate student when he met 19 year old Megan Lee.

[Scott Davis]

He was running for county commissioner. He had just finished his mba. I mean, he seemed very mature to me, and at the time, that was really attractive. And he seemed grown up where I was just trying to be grown up.

[Megan Lee]

They dated for five years, but it was a rocky relationship.

[Scott Davis]

We broke up a lot during our relationship. Always initiated by me. I just kept on feeling like we weren't really connecting in the way that I wanted to connect.

[Megan Lee]

After every breakup, Scott would beg for another chance. Often in writing, he would always say.

[Scott Davis]

That he had changed, that he had realized all these things about himself and that he was making big changes in his life.

[Megan Lee]

And you believed him?

[Scott Davis]

Absolutely. Every time. I ended up believing him.

[Megan Lee]

Eventually, Scott and Meagan married.

[Scott Davis]

I was very able to talk everybody into this, including Myself that we always got back together. He loves me so much. We want the same things out of life. These are all good foundations for marriage.

[Megan Lee]

A European magazine featured their wedding with a photo spread, calling the event the perfect American wedding, Hollywood style.

[Narrator]

The wedding itself was magnificent. One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to. Yes.

[Megan Lee]

You think he was happy when they got married?

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. And I think they both were happy when they got married.

[Megan Lee]

Professionally, Scott Davis, star was rising as a technology consultant, but his personal life was soon in trouble.

[Scott Davis]

He seemed to lose interest in the relationship very, very quickly. So I think he liked the chase more than he liked the prize. He didn't seem interested in me or our relationship at all. The minute we got married, in any area.

[Megan Lee]

In any area.

[Scott Davis]

In any area.

[Megan Lee]

After just two years, Megan filed for divorce and left him. When you moved out, in your mind, that was it?

[Scott Davis]

That was it.

[Megan Lee]

You never had a second thought about getting back together?

[Scott Davis]

Never a second thought.

[Megan Lee]

Scott reverted to old habits, pleading with her in multiple, often lengthy letters.

[Scott Davis]

I think you're the most wonderful and gorgeous woman on this earth. I want to give you everything in life you want.

[Megan Lee]

Letters that took an ominous turn when Scott got wind that Meagan was hitting it off with a man he knew.

[Scott Davis]

Multiple dates with one person leads to expectations which do not bode well with me. This is especially true with a person such as Dave. If things with other men are getting sexual for you, I will never be able to forgive that, considering we are married.

[Megan Lee]

He was even, by his accounts, you know, quite committed to pursuing her and getting her back.

[Narrator]

This was a pattern. He's a persistent guy. I taught him to be persistent. So he kept thinking she was going to come back.

[Megan Lee]

But persistence seemed to turn to obsession in December 1996. During that weekend that David and Megan spent together at her apartment, Scott called Friday night.

[Scott Davis]

Five, six times, I think in the middle of the night. Saturday night, he called 30 times.

[Megan Lee]

When David got home Sunday morning to find his house vandalized, he called police. But he and his friend Craig Foster thought they already knew who was responsible.

[Narrator]

The only thing we could come up with was that Scott Davis had come over upset the night before because he knew that David was with Megan and had ransacked the house.

[Megan Lee]

Craig advised David to back off from Megan until her divorce was final, and he agreed.

[Narrator]

Now, I don't know whether he ever could have done that because I think David was falling in love with Megan at this point.

[Megan Lee]

That Tuesday night, David was found dead, and within hours, Meagan's Estranged husband was talking to the police.

[Narrator]

The more he talks, the less believable the story is.

[Megan Lee]

On Wednesday, Scott left Megan one last desperate message.

[Narrator]

I just got back from the police station and suits really getting in my face telling me that they thought I had something to do with this. And I hope you don't believe that.

[Scott Davis]

Please call me. Please call me. Please call me.

[Megan Lee]

And you never called him back?

[Scott Davis]

Never called him back.

[Megan Lee]

Three days after David Coffin's body was found, Scott Davis was arrested.

[Narrator]

Police do say, though, that Coffin and Davis knew each other.

[Megan Lee]

Perhaps the man who claimed to be a victim was now a murder suspect.

[Narrator]

At which time the details of the state's case against him may be revealed.

[Megan Lee]

And you felt the case was strong?

[Narrator]

Oh, I knew the case was strong. He had motive, he had opportunity, and he was providing us with our case. When I first met Scott, he was absolutely, just unbelievably frightened that the police were focusing on him in a murder case.

[Megan Lee]

Attorney Bruce Morris began representing Scott Davis the day he became a murder suspect.

[Narrator]

You know, he's an interesting fellow. He grew up in a wonderful family and had all of the opportunities that you would want to have growing up.

[Megan Lee]

Morris was hired by psychiatrist Dave Davis, Scott's father. Have you never met anyone who was acting normally all along and snapped?

[Narrator]

Yeah, but he, I don't. He didn't. I was talking to him through that period of time. He wasn't snapping.

[Megan Lee]

But Detective Rick Chambers says Scott came unhinged when his soon to be ex wife Megan started showing serious interest in another man.

[Narrator]

Scott Davis had everything he wanted all his life. And the one thing he lost, couldn't stand it.

[Megan Lee]

Chambers believes Scott Davis killed David Coffin, then tried to cover his tracks by inventing a fictitious assailant.

[Narrator]

What he's actually trying to do was say, hey, there's no way I could have done this. See, because I'm a victim as well.

[Megan Lee]

Police used phone records and witness statements to create a timeline showing that Scott had ample opportunity to execute the crimes. On Saturday night, they believe while David was with Megan, Scott ransacked David's home and took a few choice treasures.

[Narrator]

One thing David Coughlin loved, supposedly was that Porsche.

[Megan Lee]

On Monday night, they say Scott returned this time to confront David.

[Narrator]

Do I think Scott Davids went there with the intention of killing David Coffin that night? No, I don't think so. I think he went there in intention to scare him. Bob Small struggling SUIT. Scott shot him.

[Megan Lee]

Then on Tuesday night, Chambers says Scott returned again and set the fire.

[Narrator]

A lot of physical evidence right there where that fire was at.

[Megan Lee]

But the timeline had a problem. David's stolen Porsche was also set on fire. It was found Tuesday morning miles from where Scott was seen at work.

[Narrator]

Scott could not have started the Porsche fire.

[Megan Lee]

After 90 days in jail, Scott posted a half million dollar bond and was released. Can you definitively answer the question, did Scott Davis kill David Coffin?

[Narrator]

I can tell you that Scott Davis, from the first moment I ever met him, has unequivocally said, I am innocent. I didn't do this.

[Megan Lee]

The pending case against Scott Davis had other issues. A gun taken in the burglary was found near David's body, but was too badly burned to have any prints on it.

[Narrator]

There's no physical evidence against Scott whatsoever. There's no DNA, no fibers.

[Megan Lee]

A search of Scott's house and car also came up empty.

[Narrator]

None of the stuff that was stolen from David Coffin was linked to Scott. Nothing like that.

[Megan Lee]

The district attorney chose not to seek an indictment. And in June 1998, 18 months after Scott Davis was arrested, the charges against him were dropped.

[Narrator]

We believe the case was absolutely, completely and forever over.

[Megan Lee]

Scott's divorce from Megan Lee was now final. But Meagan wasn't taking any chances. Megan says she felt she had to get out of town first. She moved to Minneapolis, but she still didn't feel safe. Eventually, she moved here, halfway around the world to Sydney, Australia, which is about as far away from Atlanta and from Scott Davis as she could get. Who do you think is responsible for David Coffin's death?

[Scott Davis]

Scott Davis. I would love to believe that it was anyone else other than the person that I've been married to, but I know, I know nothing else makes sense, and I've tried.

[Megan Lee]

Scott also left Atlanta and moved to Palo Alto, California.

[Narrator]

He's a technological wizard, where he set.

[Megan Lee]

Up shop as a computer consultant.

[Narrator]

He was very successful, had a lot of friends. He was in Hog Cabin.

[Megan Lee]

But Scott Davis newfound freedom was not sitting well with David Coffin Sr.

[Narrator]

I was not a happy camper.

[Megan Lee]

Did you ever suspect it could have been someone else?

[Narrator]

No.

[Megan Lee]

You've always. And immediately no question. No question.

[Narrator]

Absolutely no question in my mind.

[Megan Lee]

Coffin made relentless efforts to keep the case active. Were you pressuring the da?

[Narrator]

Well, I told him I wasn't going to go anywhere.

[Megan Lee]

He offered rewards, substantial rewards. The Reward went from 100 to $200,000 to $300,000.

[Narrator]

Correct.

[Megan Lee]

But as the years passed, little new evidence surfaced. Megan was now happily married to an Australian man and had two children. But she was never able to shake her past.

[Scott Davis]

There has not been a day in 10 years that I've not thought about the events of December 96. Not a day.

[Megan Lee]

Scott, meanwhile, was getting ambitious. In 2003, California's governor was recalled, sparking a wild free for all election. San Jose Mercury News reporter Josh Kwan got a tip to check out one of the 135 hopefuls.

[Narrator]

I was shocked. I was stunned.

[Megan Lee]

A candidate named Scott Davis. He had sort of a sense of himself that he was, he was meant for more and that being a business consultant wasn't going to be his legacy. When Kwan asked Scott about his arrest for David Coffin's murder, Scott told him the charges had been dropped. There was no evidence against him.

[Narrator]

And he said, you know, this wouldn't.

[Megan Lee]

Have happened to me if it wasn't for my ex wife.

[Narrator]

And he said that Megan, his ex.

[Megan Lee]

Wife, was the one who sort of.

[Narrator]

Incited the police to go after him.

[Scott Davis]

He has to live with the fact that he murdered David. And I was hoping that was destroying him when he ran for governor of California, that's when I realized I thought, you know what? He hasn't given this a second thought.

[Megan Lee]

With his past outed, Scott gave up his run for governor. But he was now under new scrutiny in Atlanta. Would you describe him as a smart person?

[Sheila Ross]

I think he's very smart, but he's impulsive.

[Megan Lee]

Enter prosecutor Sheila Ross. She was heading a cold case unit and taking a fresh look at the old evidence.

[Sheila Ross]

And when I looked at everything, I was literally disgusted, disgusted. I was disgusted that he had gotten away with it.

[Megan Lee]

The state had virtually no new evidence against Scott Davis, but there was now a very determined prosecutor.

[Sheila Ross]

The defendant is wealthy, and let's face it, he's wealthy and comes from a very good family here in Atlanta. And that creates a whole new dynamic. It's a different dynamic because wealth, wealthy people have advantages that poor people do not have, and they work the legal system.

[Megan Lee]

This time, the DA convened a grand jury and Scott Davis was indicted. In November 2005, Scott was arrested again and charged with murder. So when he was arrested, what was your reaction?

[Narrator]

Outrage. Just outrage.

[Megan Lee]

He was able to post a million dollar bond and was released. Dr. Davis, is there any, any shred of doubt in your mind of Scott's innocence?

[Narrator]

None whatsoever.

[Megan Lee]

But after nearly 10 years, Scott Davis is about to stand trial for the murder of David Coffin.

[Scott Davis]

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[Megan Lee]

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[Scott Davis]

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[Narrator]

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[Sheila Ross]

The busy holiday season is here, and Uncommon Goods makes it less stressful.

[Narrator]

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[Sheila Ross]

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[Narrator]

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[Sheila Ross]

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[Narrator]

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[Sheila Ross]

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[Narrator]

Uncommon Goods.

[Sheila Ross]

We're all out of the ordinary.

[Megan Lee]

Ten long years after David Coffin's house was, Scott Davis is finally standing trial for murder.

[Narrator]

I'm innocent, and I feel very confident that I will be acquitted.

[Megan Lee]

Do you believe him?

[Scott Davis]

Absolutely.

[Megan Lee]

At his side, Christine Bradley, a paralegal on his team whom he has been dating.

[Scott Davis]

I didn't think this would ever go.

[Narrator]

To trial, just bringing the jury. I wasn't going to give up.

[Megan Lee]

David Coffin Sr. S persistence has paid off.

[Narrator]

I was in it for life.

[Sheila Ross]

Sometimes to do the right thing, you just have to take a chance.

[Megan Lee]

Prosecutor Sheila Ross knows there is no physical evidence he did not commit these crimes. And defense attorney Bruce Morris wastes no time pointing that out.

[Narrator]

There is no DNA evidence. There is no blood evidence.

[Megan Lee]

Most of that burned in the fire. And virtually all the evidence that was collected, more than 40 items has been lost or discarded by the state. Only photographs remain. And you believe that any one of these items, had you had access to them, could have exonerated Scott, certainly could.

[Narrator]

Have helped us with leads. Yes.

[Megan Lee]

But Ross contends she can prove that Scott Davis had a motive to kill.

[Sheila Ross]

He was a competitive man who wasn't going to lose his wife to the likes of David Coffin. And he targeted the competition. He hunted his competition, he stalked his competition, and he ultimately killed him.

[Megan Lee]

Ross called Scott's former wife to the stand.

[Sheila Ross]

Do you recognize the person in State 64?

[Megan Lee]

That's David Kaufman Jr. Megan Lee, the woman Scott once so doggedly pursued, has voluntarily flown in from Australia.

[Scott Davis]

I didn't feel like I could breathe when I first got up There.

[Sheila Ross]

Is that the person that you were dating?

[Scott Davis]

It was, yes.

[Megan Lee]

How important is Megan to this case?

[Sheila Ross]

Meagan is the motive. I think the case would have been very difficult without her.

[Narrator]

Sorry.

[Megan Lee]

Over the course of three grueling days, Negan testifies about her failed marriage.

[Scott Davis]

The minute we got married, he wanted nothing to do with me. I felt very alone in my marriage.

[Narrator]

Negan, please pick up the phone. I need to talk to you about this stuff.

[Megan Lee]

She listens to Scott's messages, pleading for her to come home.

[Narrator]

Negan, please. Please, you're killing me. Please, for me.

[Megan Lee]

And tells jurors about Scott's fixation with the new man in her life.

[Scott Davis]

He kept on saying, I know David's there. I know David's there.

[Sheila Ross]

And was David there?

[Scott Davis]

Yes, he was.

[Megan Lee]

Perhaps most important to the state's case, Meaghan contends that when she told Scott about the fire at David's house, Scott said something very incriminating.

[Scott Davis]

He said, oh, my God, the police are here with me. And they said they had just come from a scene in Buckhead where a guy had been shot in the head and his house had been burned down.

[Megan Lee]

David Coffin had been shot in the head. That comment Scott allegedly made is key to the case because at the time, police didn't even know how David had died. So the question is, did Scott slip up and say something only the killer could have known? Are you 100% certain that it was Scott who told you?

[Scott Davis]

100% certain.

[Megan Lee]

Remember, Scott said it was Megan who told him about the shooting. If Meagan knew first, how do you think Meagan knew that information?

[Narrator]

I don't know is the answer.

[Megan Lee]

Meagan admits that initially she told police she didn't know how David died and all the horrors she says she forgot. But she now remembers she told friends about the shooting after talking with Scott. You did not tell Scott.

[Scott Davis]

No.

[Megan Lee]

That David Coffin had been shot in the head?

[Scott Davis]

No.

[Megan Lee]

Do you think Meagan is lying?

[Narrator]

I think Meagan said it. Whether she was hysterical and doesn't remember it or is lying about it, I don't know.

[Megan Lee]

Ross says the real liar is Scott Davis.

[Sheila Ross]

He did himself in.

[Megan Lee]

He did himself in, she says, by spinning an elaborate tale about being a.

[Sheila Ross]

Victim, like he's being haunted by the ghost of David Coffin. And he started realizing all the mistakes that. That he may have made in perpetrating the crime. And then he impulsively tries to cover up what he had done.

[Narrator]

It was as he was coming by us with a flashing sign saying, follow me.

[Megan Lee]

Police testify they found nothing to corroborate Scott's story. No evidence that someone took a shot at him.

[Narrator]

Nothing that indicated a shell casing from a handgun.

[Megan Lee]

No signs that Scott had shot an assailant, despite his claims that he shot at someone five times in his small backyard.

[Narrator]

Getting shot with a shotgun is fairly traumatic, so it should have left some indication if he had been hit. And we didn't locate anything like that.

[Megan Lee]

Ross says Scott kept digging himself a deeper hole.

[Sheila Ross]

It's his impulsiveness that did him in because he's always trying to out think the police. He's trying to outthink everybody, outsmart everybody.

[Narrator]

Good morning.

[Megan Lee]

She says Scott even tried to enlist a friend to provide a false alibi.

[Narrator]

He said, let's get our stories.

[Megan Lee]

Instead, that friend turned on Scott and called the authorities.

[Sheila Ross]

It is the COVID up that gets him in the end.

[Megan Lee]

But Christine Bradley insists there was nothing to cover up.

[Scott Davis]

I was sitting next to an innocent man.

[Megan Lee]

Was that difficult for you during the trial? Dating someone who's accused of murder?

[Scott Davis]

Stressful? Certainly.

[Megan Lee]

Mm.

[Scott Davis]

Um. Never worked so hard in my life.

[Narrator]

All right, let's bring in the jury.

[Megan Lee]

When the defense lays out it's case, Dr. Davis takes the stand. He tells jurors about the toll the accusations first took on his son 10 years ago.

[Narrator]

He sounded panicked and terrorized. I never ever heard him like that before. It was consistent with just being accused of a crime that he did not commit. When did you see Scott next?

[Megan Lee]

Davis also provides his son an alibi for Saturday evening. Around the same time the state believes David's house was ransacked.

[Narrator]

Came over to my house, it was about 6:30. I remember I was watching the news.

[Megan Lee]

That takes prosecutor Kelly Hill by surprise.

[Scott Davis]

The first time you ever told anyone.

[Sheila Ross]

In law enforcement that your son was at your home on Saturday, December 7, is as you sit here today before this jury. Isn't that correct, Dr. Davis?

[Narrator]

Correct.

[Megan Lee]

Do you think Dr. Davis was lying?

[Sheila Ross]

I think he was, yeah.

[Megan Lee]

But the state cannot dismiss the fact that David's stolen Porsche was found burning around the time Scott had a meeting at work.

[Sheila Ross]

Scott Davis may not have lit the actual match to the Porsche.

[Megan Lee]

Do you today believe it's possible that somebody else helped him?

[Sheila Ross]

I absolutely believe that it is possible that somebody else helped him, yes.

[Megan Lee]

After nearly six weeks in court, he killed his competition and more than 60 witnesses.

[Narrator]

Where is the evidence?

[Megan Lee]

The trial ends without Scott taking the stand.

[Narrator]

I watched him like a hawk. Just like a hawk.

[Megan Lee]

Did he ever make eye contact?

[Narrator]

Yeah. I could stare him down any day.

[Megan Lee]

With the case in the jury's hands. There is a lot at stake for Scott Davis. In your mind, it's absolutely not possible that he had anything to do with this.

[Scott Davis]

Absolutely not possible.

[Megan Lee]

There's a lot at stake for Christine Bradley too. Are you in love with Scott?

[Scott Davis]

Yes, very much so.

[Megan Lee]

Is he in love with you?

[Scott Davis]

Yes, very much so.

[Sheila Ross]

Hi listeners, this episode is brought to.

[Megan Lee]

You in part by Echo Kids.

[Sheila Ross]

Echo Kids is a cute, smart speaker with Alexa made just for kids. Echo Kids can help foster your children's independence by allowing them to learn and explore. Kids can express their unique personalities by.

[Megan Lee]

Customizing their device with fun greetings, jokes.

[Sheila Ross]

And character inspired songs.

[Megan Lee]

Plus with features like math help and trivia quizzes, your kid will always be learning. You can have peace of mind knowing.

[Sheila Ross]

Echo Kids automatically gives kid friendly answers.

[Megan Lee]

And filters out explicit music.

[Sheila Ross]

Purchase of an Echo Kids comes with one year of Amazon Kids, a digital.

[Megan Lee]

Subscription designed for kids aged 3 to.

[Sheila Ross]

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[Scott Davis]

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[Sheila Ross]

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[Megan Lee]

After testifying at Scott Davis murder trial, Megan Lee has flown home to Australia. But she is still thinking about David Coffin.

[Scott Davis]

He was the most down to earth unpretentious guy you can imagine. He had a great laugh and a wickedly good sense of humor.

[Megan Lee]

David's father is glad he finally got to meet the woman his son was once so taken with.

[Narrator]

I told her, I said, I think it was wonderful of you to come all the way to do this, to set yourself up for a difficult time. And she, she said I felt I had to do it for the Coffin family. That showed a lot of guts. I obviously saw what David saw in her.

[Megan Lee]

As the jury deliberates, Scott's girlfriend, defense team paralegal Christine Bradley, waits anxiously. How was Scott feeling going into deliberations?

[Scott Davis]

Helpless.

[Megan Lee]

Nervous, of course. Hours turn into days, then court recesses for the weekend with no verdict, Scott and Christine relieve some tension by watching his old high school play football. Go live. The following Monday, after nearly four days of deliberations.

[Narrator]

Okay, I understand. We have a verdict.

[Megan Lee]

Scott and Christine will soon find out if they'll be able to leave the courtroom together.

[Narrator]

We can. Bring in the jury. Defendant, please rise.

[Megan Lee]

Prosecutor Sheila Ross warns the Coffin family that there are no guarantees.

[Sheila Ross]

I told them to expect anything, your.

[Narrator]

Honor, on this fourth day of December.

[Sheila Ross]

2006, that anything is possible.

[Narrator]

State of Georgia v. Scott Winfield Davis.

[Sheila Ross]

And just brace for impact.

[Narrator]

We the jury, find Scott Davis guilty.

[Megan Lee]

It is a bittersweet victory for David's father. When you heard the words guilty, I just broke up. Was that the first time in 10 years?

[Narrator]

First time.

[Megan Lee]

But for Scott's parents, it is a devastating blow.

[Narrator]

When the jury walked in the room, I could tell by the look on their faces. None of them, not one jury person, looked at us, and my heart sank. I couldn't believe it.

[Megan Lee]

Christine can't believe it either.

[Scott Davis]

I was absolutely not prepared for a guilty verdict.

[Megan Lee]

While Christine faces an uncertain future, Megan is finally able to come to terms with her past.

[Scott Davis]

I just felt like, oh, my God, I'm not scared anymore. And I don't think I was truly sort of recognizing how scared I was until they said, we find Scott Davis guilty.

[Megan Lee]

At the sentencing, David's brother Bob speaks for the Coffin family.

[Narrator]

Thank you, you, Honor. Ladies and gentlemen, David Coffin, Jr. Was burglarized, shot in the head, and had his body burned at the hands of a coward.

[Megan Lee]

So then, was it worth all of the agony and the conversations and the pushing and the prodding at the end of the day?

[Narrator]

You bet. Justice served.

[Megan Lee]

The sentence is mandatory.

[Narrator]

You can. Mr. Davis, if you'll please rise. You've been found guilty of the crime charge, and I sentence you to life in prison.

[Megan Lee]

But just before he is led away, Scott Davis addresses the court for the first time.

[Narrator]

Your Honor, I have nothing but sympathy and I feel nothing but empathy for the Coffin family and their loss. However, I've maintained my innocence throughout this, and I still maintain my innocence. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Davis. This court stands adjourned.

[Megan Lee]

After his conviction, Scott asked his girlfriend to read a letter he had written to 48 hours.

[Scott Davis]

I can't explain in words the horrible feeling of being sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn't commit. I, with my family, friends, and attorneys, will fight with all my strength and courage to regain my deserved freedom. Until then, I will not rest.

[Megan Lee]

How long do you think you'll stay together? Under these conditions.

[Scott Davis]

I'm not going anywhere.

[Megan Lee]

But she may be waiting a long time. David's father is determined to keep Scott right where he is. Should he be in prison for life?

[Narrator]

Yeah, at the least, yes. This is the last picture that was taken of David, and that was two weeks before he passed away.

[Megan Lee]

It was on that fateful weekend that his son told him about the new woman in his life, Megan Lee. He said to his father about you, this might be the real deal.

[Scott Davis]

How do you feel about that? When he died, we never had a first. We never had a disagreement. So he died the perfect man.

[Narrator]

If you like this podcast, you can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery App. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a quick [e-mail] survey.

[Megan Lee]

You don't believe in ghosts. I get it. Lots of people don't. I didn't either until I came face to face with them. Ever since that moment, hauntings, spirits, and the unexplained have consumed my entire life.

[Narrator]

I'm Nadine Bailey.

[Megan Lee]

I've been a ghost tour guide for the past 20 years. I've taken people along with me into the shadows, uncovering the macabre tales that linger in the darkness and inside some of the most haunted houses, hospitals, prisons and more. Join me every week on my podcast Haunted Canada as we journey through terrifying and bone chilling stories of the unexplained search for Haunta Canada on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

[Luke Lamanna]

Did you know that after World War II, the US government quietly brought former Nazi scientists to America in a covert operation to advance military technology? Or that in the 1950s the US army conducted a secret experiment by releasing bacteria bacteria over San Francisco to test how a biological attack might spread without alerting the public? These might sound like conspiracy theories, but they're not. They're well documented government operations that have been hidden away in classified files for decades? I'm Luke Lamanna, a Marine Corps recon vet and I've always had a thing for digging into the unknown. It's what led me to start my new podcast, Redacted Declassified Mysteries. In it, I explore hidden truths and reveal some eye opening events like covert experiments and secret operations that those in power tried to keep buried? Follow Declassified Mysteries with me, Luke Lamanna on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts to listen ad free. Join Wondery plus in the Wondery App. Did you know that after World War II, the US government quietly brought former Nazi scientists to America in a covert operation to advance military technology? Or that in the 1950s, the US army conducted a secret experiment by releasing bacteria over San Francisco to test how a biological attack might spread without alerting the public. These might sound like conspiracy theories, but they're not. They're well documented government operations that have been hidden away in classified files for decades. I'm Luke lamanna, a Marine Corps recon vet, and I've always had a thing for digging into the unknown. It's what led me to start my new podcast, Declassified Mysteries. In it, I explore hidden truths and reveal some eye opening events like covert experiments and secret operations that those in power tried to keep buried. Follow redacted Declassified Mysteries with me, Luke lamanna on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts to listen ad free. Join Wondery plus in the Wondery App.