Anderson County Detectives Solve 30-Year Cold Case Murder

After nearly 30 years, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office has solved the cold case murder of 24-year-old Richard Martin, who was found severely beaten near Interstate 85 in 1995 and later died from blunt force trauma injuries. Investigators identified Bobby McClain, who died 15 years ago and was the last person seen with Martin, as the suspect responsible for the homicide. The case centered on events at Nancy's Bar on North Highway 81, where Martin was seen dancing with a woman, reportedly provoking McClain's jealousy before an altercation led to Martin's fatal beating. Despite multiple interviews and a failed polygraph test by McClain during his lifetime, charges were not filed until recently when the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office agreed there was enough probable cause to name McClain the suspect. Detectives overcame challenges such as dispelling community rumors and focusing on credible evidence to piece together the timeline and cause of death. The Sheriff's Office held a press conference to announce the findings and honor the persistence of those involved in solving the case.