Bio

David Scott Poe was born on June 6, 1967. He grew up in the United States. Poe joined the United States Army and became a member of an infantry division. His military career led him to Fort Campbell, which is located on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee. He was stationed there along with other soldiers. During his time in the military, Poe interacted with other young soldiers and participated in social activities typical for service members.

During his service, he became involved with a peer named Jay Cameron. This acquaintance would later play a significant role in events that unfolded during their time at Fort Campbell. The two men, as well as another soldier, would often be seen together during their off-duty hours.

Poe was known to have been at social gatherings, which included drinking with fellow soldiers. He was just weeks shy of his 19th birthday when he became involved in a tragic incident that would change the course of his life.

Murder Story

On April 4, 1986, David Scott Poe and his co-defendant, Jay A. Cameron, were involved in the murder of Private Michael James Marlowe in Montgomery County, Tennessee. All three were members of the U.S. Army and had been drinking together at a local tavern. After a night of drinking, Marlowe became intoxicated and passed out in the back of a truck.

Poe and Cameron decided to rob Marlowe. They led him into a vacant field behind a grocery store, where they proceeded to brutally beat him. During the attack, they tied a leather thong tightly around Marlowe's neck. Though both attackers later denied having the intention to kill, they admitted to the severe beating and robbery of Marlowe.

After the attack, Poe and Cameron discarded Marlowe's wallet and their bloody shirts near a pond. They were aware that Marlowe had money and valuable items, which they took from him. Marlowe’s remains were discovered three weeks later, decomposed and hidden in the field.

Witness accounts and statements given by Poe and Cameron provided enough evidence for a felony-murder conviction. They both implicated each other in the lead-up to the homicide. Poe, who was under 19 at the time, was found guilty and sentenced to death by electrocution on March 28, 1987. Cameron, however, received a life sentence. Poe's arrest took place on April 25, shortly after a report from a fellow soldier revealed that he had talked about being involved in a murder.