In a remarkable development, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has successfully closed a nearly five-decade-old cold case, bringing long-awaited closure to the family of Oscar James Nedd. Known only as “Mr. X” since his remains were discovered in 1975, Nedd’s identity was finally confirmed thanks to the persistent efforts of law enforcement and the pivotal role played by the true crime podcast, “Murder, Etc.”
The case of “Mr. X” began when a hunter stumbled upon human remains wrapped in a sheet and smoldering near Hwy 20 and Blakely Road in Greenville, South Carolina. The Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, identifying blunt force trauma and strangulation as the causes of death. Despite exhaustive efforts to identify the victim, his identity remained a mystery for decades.
In 2020, Greenville Sheriff Hobart Lewis revitalized the town’s cold case unit, equipping it with advanced technology and a renewed focus on unresolved cases. This initiative has led to the resolution of 11 cases to date, with the identification of “Mr. X” as one of its most significant achievements.
Oscar James Nedd was born in Georgia in April 1951 and later moved to White Plains, New York, for his college education. The podcast “Murder, Etc.” brought renewed attention to his case in 2020, prompting the cold case unit to collaborate with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office to exhume the body for further analysis. Skeletal remains were sent to the National Unidentified and Missing Persons System (NAMUS) for DNA testing, resulting in a DNA profile for the victim.
In February 2024, a breakthrough occurred when the White Plains Police Department contacted Greenville investigators with a match to Nedd’s missing persons case filed in New York. Family members confirmed his identity, allowing the long-standing mystery of “Mr. X” to be solved.
Sheriff Hobart Lewis praised the dedication and innovative methods of his team: “The tireless work and innovative approaches employed by our investigators have brought closure to a case that has remained a mystery for nearly five decades. Their determination to seek justice for victims and their families is truly commendable. I want to thank each member of our cold case unit for their hard work and commitment.”
It is believed that Nedd was killed in New York, with his remains transported to South Carolina. The case has now been handed over to White Plains authorities for further investigation.
This case underscores the importance of leveraging modern technology and media in solving cold cases. The collaboration between law enforcement, forensic experts, and media platforms like podcasts can significantly enhance the ability to resolve long-standing mysteries and deliver justice for victims and their families.
As we reflect on this breakthrough, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice for all unresolved cases, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their mission of protecting and serving the community. The identification of Oscar James Nedd is a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and the impact of innovative investigative approaches.
Sheriff Hobart Lewis and his team deserve our utmost respect for their perseverance and ingenuity in solving this cold case. Their work not only brings closure to the family of Oscar James Nedd but also highlights the critical role of technology and media in modern investigations. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office continues to exemplify excellence in law enforcement, setting a high standard for their unwavering commitment to justice.
