I’ll be damned. Every time you think you’ve seen it all, someone comes along and breaks yet another barrier, proving that something once thought impossible was actually not. Just like the automobile exceeding 28 miles an hour (the speed at which many once believed was a fatal barrier for man), the sound barrier, the four minute mile and sugar free chocolate, another myth is shattered by reality. It happened this week, when an Oklahoma man accused of killing his stepfather with an “atomic wedgie” pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Brad Lee Davis (why killers always have three names is a mystery to me) is a 34-year-old former Marine. In December 2013 he got into an altercation with his stepfather, 58 year old Denver St. Clair. As the fight progressed, Davis performed an “atomic wedgie,” pulling the waistband of St. Clair’s underwear up over his head. He then knocked St. Clair unconscious. It will surprise you to learn the men had been drinking.

Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to former Marine Davis, the band of St. Clair’s underwear pressed against the front of his neck, cutting off his air supply. This proved fatal for poor step-dad. 

Davis was originally charged with first-degree murder, but reached a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Monday. There had originally been speculation that the death was caused by the blow to the head, but an autopsy found that it was “St. Clair’s torn blue underwear cutting off his air that caused his death”.

Authorities believe the fight was started by St. Clair calling Davis and his mother “worthless.” Davis’ attorney told reporters that he had been “bullied” by St. Clair for a long time.

I guess he showed him what for. 

Investigators also testified they saw photographs from Davis’ cell phone, which they believe indicated that the crime scene had been altered. I’m not sure how you would alter a crime scene with a body that had its underwear pulled over its head. Perhaps he tried to turn the label out. Who knows?

At any rate, another barrier falls, proving that underwear worn improperly can indeed be fatal. I am sure that new warning labels are being designed at this very moment, so that some amongst us do not try to intentionally wear their underwear in such a manner. Those labels will be mighty important to have.

After all, just like the four minute mile, once someone crosses that psychological threshold, it is likely to be repeated many times again.

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