Man arrested for allegedly killing step-father by “atomic wedgie”

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY - A McCloud man is now under arrest for taking a high school prank to a deadly level.

The suspect, 33-year-old Brad Davis, was a former marine. Police say he didn't use a knife or gun though; they believe he used the victim's underwear to choke him.

"I can't imagine how you do that to your step-father, choke him with his underwear." Shawnee resident Peggy Springer said.

Investigators say Davis and his 58-year-old step-father, Denver St. Clair, were drinking together inside the family home a few days before Christmas.

According to the police affidavit, tempers flared when "St. Clair began speaking ill of Davis' mother" and a fight broke out. Davis claims his step-father swung first, but the domestic dispute intensified when Davis knocked his stepfather unconscious, "grabbed St. Clair's underwear and gave him an 'atomic wedgie.'"

"His underwear was pulled up over his head and the elastic band was around his throat." Lt. Jimmy Brewer said.

After the fight, Davis called 911 to report what happened, but police believe he tampered with the crime scene to make it look like he killed St. Clair in self-defense.

The medical examiner reports the cause of death was a combination of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

"People knew him. And then to be killed like that is just outrageous." Springer said.

Before the fight, authorities say Brad Davis texted a friend saying he was going to hurt his step-father because he had "nothing to lose."

Davis is currently being held in jail, without bond.