How an oil trail led to suspect in South Carolina hit-and-run homicide

Authorities in Greenwood, South Carolina, identified a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run case following an unusual clue, an oil trail, leading investigators to a man accused of killing his longtime girlfriend. The incident unfolded on May 7, 2023, on a remote dead-end street near the town’s outskirts, where 46-year-old Davis McClendon was found dead after being struck by a vehicle. The case has since drawn attention due to its peculiar circumstances and the lack of direct evidence linking the victim to the alleged perpetrator. The crash occurred shortly after 1 a.m., when first responders were called to the location after receiving a report of a road accident. Upon arrival, they discovered McClendon’s body approximately 50 feet from his mangled BMW 5 Series sedan. The vehicle showed signs of severe damage, including a torn fender and a dislodged front driver’s side wheel. Investigators noted that the absence of another vehicle at the scene raised questions about whether the collision was accidental or intentional. The presence of McClendon’s shirt and shoe on the road suggested he had exited his car before the impact. Greenwood County Sheriff’s Investigator Patrick Durkin, who arrived at the scene to document the wreckage, emphasized the unusual nature of the damage. “There was significant damage to the fender,” he stated during an interview. “The front driver’s side wheel was turned slightly.” This detail, combined with the absence of other vehicles, prompted speculation about the incident’s origin. Durkin described the damage as akin to a “tuna can” being torn open, indicating a forceful impact rather than a minor collision. Further investigation revealed that McClendon had been in a relationship with Meredith Haynie, a woman who had recently become his romantic partner. According to statements from witnesses, McClendon had left a local club around midnight, claiming he was parking at the intersection of Avid Road and Sawgrass Place. Haynie, concerned about his whereabouts, arranged for a ride from her friend Megan McGovern, who was also a regular babysitter for Haynie’s children. It was McGovern who first spotted McClendon’s body after arriving at the scene. McClendon was known among his friends as a charismatic and well-liked individual. Friends such as Chip Funderbunk, Zach Calhoun, and Johnny Coats described him as someone who had a large heart and was beloved by many. “He was everyone’s best friend,” Calhoun remarked. “He loved BIG!” Coats echoed similar sentiments, noting that McClendon had a genuine affection for others. However, despite his popularity, none of his close associates recalled him discussing his personal life in detail, especially regarding his new relationship with Haynie. The case took a dramatic turn when investigators began examining the oil trail left behind by McClendon’s vehicle. The trail, which stretched from the point of impact to a nearby residence, eventually led authorities to a suspect. The discovery of the trail, along with other forensic evidence, ultimately connected McClendon’s death to a man who had previously been linked to Haynie. The case remains under active investigation, with law enforcement continuing to gather information and pursue leads related to the incident.