Background and Events Leading to the Court Case

This overview is intended to provide readers with a clear understanding of the circumstances that led to the criminal charges and subsequent trial. The information is drawn from documented records, testimony, and materials referenced throughout this site.

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Relationship and Prior Events

In the months preceding the incident, the relationship between Hardin McNeil and Natalie Davis was strained. There were prior allegations of domestic conflict, including an incident in Montana in which Natalie accused McNeil of assault. McNeil has maintained that he intended to contest that allegation at trial and has stated that he possessed a recording in which Natalie recanted her claim. That matter had not been resolved at the time of her death.

Despite tension in the relationship, the two remained in contact. According to available records, Natalie was experiencing personal struggles during this period, including mental and physical health challenges. Communications from that time reflect conflict, instability, and repeated arguments.

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Events in the Days Before the Death

In the days leading up to the incident, Natalie’s behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic. Testimony and documentation describe threats of self-harm and episodes involving alcohol and over-the-counter medication. McNeil has stated that he attempted to distance himself from the situation but remained involved due to ongoing disputes and shared property issues.

He has also stated that he attempted to contact Natalie’s father in the days before her death to express concern about her condition. According to later review of email records, those messages were not successfully delivered.

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The Fire and Discovery

On the day of the incident, emergency responders were called to the residence following a report of a fire. First responders located Natalie’s body inside the home. The fire appeared to involve a mattress in the bedroom.

Initial observations at the scene led to differing interpretations among responders regarding the position of the body and whether it had been visible during the primary search. Questions later arose about whether the body had been missed during the initial sweep and whether the scene had been altered during the emergency response process.

These early observations became central to the prosecution’s theory.

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Medical and Forensic Findings

The medical examiner initially considered the possibility of accidental positional asphyxia. Subsequent communication between investigators and the medical examiner resulted in the cause of death being classified as “undetermined.”

Toxicology findings indicated the presence of significant amounts of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and alcohol in Natalie’s system.

Separately, investigators examined the origin of the mattress fire. The state ultimately presented the fire as intentionally set. However, defense materials later included expert analysis disputing the arson determination and challenging the state’s conclusions regarding body placement.

 

The Investigation and Charges

Investigators developed a theory that Natalie had been killed and that the fire was set to conceal the crime. That theory relied heavily on interpretations of the scene, testimony regarding body location, and conclusions about the fire’s origin.

McNeil was charged and later tried for murder.

During trial proceedings, the defense did not present witnesses, including a retained fire expert whose written analysis challenged the prosecution’s theory. The jury ultimately returned a guilty verdict.

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Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Following conviction, McNeil began pursuing post-conviction relief. His current legal efforts focus on constitutional claims, evidentiary issues, and arguments related to ineffective assistance of counsel.

Documentation supporting these claims, including expert reports and court filings, is available throughout this site for independent review.