David Coffin, a 41-year-old entrepreneur, was found dead in his home which was set on fire. Evidence indicated he was shot before the fire started. His girlfriend Megan Lee's estranged husband, Scott Davis, was suspected, arrested, and after a lengthy legal process, convicted of murder. The case involved complex relationship dynamics including divorce, jealousy, and obsession. Despite lack of physical evidence due to fire damage, witness statements and motive led to Scott's conviction and life sentence.
Country: United States
State/Province: Georgia, United States
City/Region: Atlanta
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Ex-husband
Relationship Duration: Approximately 7 years
Incident Date: Dec. 10, 1996
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 7 years
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
1996-12-10
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
48 Hours - USA · Original language: English
The Ghost of David Coffin | Full Episode
Jealousy
The case centers on jealousy and domestic conflict arising from Megan Lee's separation and divorce from Scott Davis while she was dating David Coffin. Scott's obsession and refusal to accept the end of the marriage led to escalating threats, stalking, and ultimately the murder of David Coffin, his romantic rival.
Initial investigation complicated by fire destroying physical evidence. Police linked Scott Davis through motive, opportunity, and suspicious statements. Charges were dropped initially due to lack of physical evidence but later re-indicted after cold case review. Trial included testimony from Megan Lee and others. Scott Davis was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Conflicting accounts about how David Coffin died initially; Scott Davis claimed to be a victim of attack which police doubted. Lack of physical evidence due to fire damage complicated the case. Alibi provided late by Scott's father raised questions. Uncertainty about involvement of possible accomplices in setting the Porsche fire.
David Coffin was dating Megan Lee while she was still married to Scott Davis. Scott was unable to accept the separation and became obsessed. David's home was vandalized and later set on fire after he was shot. Scott Davis was suspected due to motive and opportunity, with police using phone records and witness statements to build a timeline. Despite lack of physical evidence, Scott was arrested, released, and later convicted after a cold case review and trial.
High risk due to persistent obsession, threats, stalking behavior, and escalation to lethal violence by the ex-husband against the new partner.
Persistent jealousy and refusal to accept relationship dissolution can escalate to lethal violence. Lack of physical evidence does not preclude conviction when motive, opportunity, and witness testimony are strong. Cold case reviews can revive stalled investigations. Protective measures for new partners during separation are critical.
Scott Davis's persistent calls, threats, and stalking behavior were early signals of escalating risk.
Phone records, witness statements, and Scott's incriminating knowledge of the murder details were key clues.
Physical evidence was largely destroyed by fire; strongest evidence was testimonial and circumstantial.
Megan Lee, Craig Foster, police officers, and others provided statements. Megan testified about Scott's obsession and incriminating comments. Witnesses doubted Scott's claims of being attacked.
Initial charges against Scott Davis were dropped due to lack of evidence but were reinstated after cold case review and new prosecutorial determination.
Exact details of how the fire was set and whether others assisted remain unclear.