David Coffin, Megan Lee, and others Murdered by Scott Davis and Dave Davis, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
This source-based behavioral analysis does not establish a clinical diagnosis, motive, or legal finding.
The case reveals a complex interplay of jealousy, obsession, and domestic conflict culminating in lethal violence. The suspect's persistent fixation on his estranged wife and her new partner, combined with escalating threats and manipulative behavior, illustrates a high-risk pathway to murder.
Scott Davis exhibited obsessive and controlling behaviors toward Megan Lee, unable to accept the end of their marriage. Megan's new relationship with David Coffin intensified Scott's jealousy and resentment, leading to stalking, threats, and ultimately murder. The relationship was marked by separation, persistent contact attempts, and escalating conflict.
The pathway began with marital dissatisfaction and separation, followed by Scott's persistent and obsessive attempts to regain control. This escalated to stalking and threats, culminating in the murder of David Coffin, the romantic rival, and attempts to cover up the crime.
Each entry separates the reported behavior or state from the analytical strength of the available narration.
| Behavior / construct | Person / subject | Detailed case context | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jealousy Emotional state | Scott Davis Suspect / Convicted Offender |
Scott Davis exhibited distress and hostility associated with Megan's new romantic partner, leading to obsessive behaviors and escalating conflict. Context or trigger: Megan Lee dating David Coffin during divorce proceedings Reported expression: Persistent calls, threats, and fixation on Megan's new relationship |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Coercive control Control dynamics | Scott Davis Suspect / Convicted Offender |
Scott's behavior included repeated harassment and intimidation aimed at controlling Megan's actions and relationships. Context or trigger: Attempts to maintain influence over Megan Lee post-separation Reported expression: Threats, stalking, and attempts to intimidate Megan and David Coffin |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Impulsive aggression Planning or impulsivity | Scott Davis Suspect / Convicted Offender |
Scott's actions demonstrated rapid reactive aggression with attempts to outsmart police, indicating impulsivity in the crime and cover-up. Context or trigger: Murder of David Coffin and subsequent cover-up attempts Reported expression: Shooting David Coffin and setting fire to his home |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Emotional escalation Escalation | Scott Davis Suspect / Convicted Offender |
Scott's emotional state intensified over time, leading to increasingly dangerous behaviors culminating in murder. Context or trigger: Increasing obsession and inability to accept divorce Reported expression: Escalating threats, stalking, and violence |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Marital dissatisfaction Relationship stressor | Megan Lee and Scott Davis |
Megan described feeling alone and disconnected after marriage, leading to separation and divorce. Context or trigger: Rocky marriage and eventual separation Reported expression: Feelings of loneliness and disconnection in marriage |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Withdrawal or reduced functioning Behavioral pattern | Megan Lee Victim's Girlfriend / Key Witness |
Megan relocated from Atlanta to Minneapolis and then Australia due to fear for her safety, indicating withdrawal from previous life. Context or trigger: Post-divorce fear and relocation Reported expression: Moved multiple times for safety, emotional distress |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Family opposition or interference Family dynamics | David Coffin Victim |
David's father expressed concern about the relationship due to Megan's ongoing divorce, advising his son to be careful. Context or trigger: Concern over Megan's divorce status and relationship Reported expression: David Coffin Senior advised caution and was concerned about Megan's marital status |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Deception or concealment Behavioral pattern | Scott Davis Suspect / Convicted Offender |
Scott fabricated an attack story and attempted to coordinate false alibis to mislead investigators. Context or trigger: Cover-up attempts after murder Reported expression: Invented story of being attacked, tried to enlist false alibi |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Help-seeking or disclosure Coping response | Megan Lee Victim's Girlfriend / Key Witness |
Megan actively participated in the legal process, providing key testimony despite personal difficulty. Context or trigger: Testifying in trial and cooperating with prosecution Reported expression: Voluntarily flew from Australia to testify about her failed marriage and Scott's obsession |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Dependency or attachment insecurity Attachment-related behavior | Scott Davis Suspect / Convicted Offender |
Scott's repeated pleas and letters indicate attachment insecurity and fear of abandonment. Context or trigger: Inability to accept divorce and loss of Megan Reported expression: Repeated attempts to reconcile and persistent contact |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: High |
Select a stage to expand it; scroll horizontally to follow the full sequence.
Megan and Scott had a troubled marriage with frequent breakups initiated by Megan, leading to eventual separation and divorce filing.
Scott became obsessed with Megan after separation, persistently calling and threatening her and her new partner.
Scott allegedly vandalized David Coffin's home and made threats to Megan and David, escalating the conflict.
Scott shot David Coffin and set his house on fire to cover the crime, demonstrating lethal violence.
Scott fabricated stories of being attacked and attempted to mislead police, resulting in initial release due to lack of evidence.
Years later, a cold case unit reviewed the evidence, leading to Scott's re-arrest and trial.
After a lengthy trial with key testimonies, Scott Davis was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Megan relocated internationally for safety and emotional recovery, reflecting the lasting impact of the case.
Arrows show the sequence described in the source narrative; they do not prove that one psychological state caused the next event.
Analysis is limited by reliance on reported facts and testimonies without clinical diagnoses. Physical evidence was largely destroyed, and some accounts are conflicting or disputed.