Local, Unsolved Mysteries

Greenville County Announces Identification in Decades Old Cold Case of “Mr. X”

Troy S.

June 10, 2024
Updated: February 6, 2025
6:09 am

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GREENVILLE, S.C. (BFMG) — In a significant breakthrough, authorities have identified “Mr. X,” a previously unknown murder victim discovered nearly 50 years ago in northern Greenville County. The body, now identified as Oscar James Nedd of White Plains, N.Y., was found in 1975 near Highway 20 and Blakely Road.

Nedd, born on April 19, 1951, lived in White Plains, New York and was last heard from on January 1, 1975, when he spoke to his sister from his rooming house in the 50 block of Broadway in White Plains. Days later, he vanished without a trace. His sister and her husband reported him missing on January 8, 1975, after he failed to show up for a doctor’s appointment on January 6.

The investigation into Nedd’s disappearance revealed disturbing details. Blood splatters, bloodstained clothing, and a large puddle of blood were found in his apartment. A witness reported seeing Joshua Fluellen, Nedd’s nephew who had escaped from jail in Georgia, struggling to carry a large object wrapped in a rug from the apartment. Fluellen was later arrested in Las Cruces, N.M., for a series of armed robberies, driving Nedd’s car and falsely identifying himself as Nedd.

Detective Austin Avery, initially in charge of the investigation, was prevented from questioning Fluellen in New Mexico and later accused the White Plains Police Department of racial bias in their handling of the case. Fluellen, now incarcerated for unrelated crimes, maintains his innocence in Nedd’s disappearance, claiming Nedd went missing in California.

The case went cold until March 2020, when a dedicated cold case unit in Greenville County reopened the investigation. Using advancements in DNA technology, skeletal remains from a “Potter’s grave” were exhumed and tested, leading to the identification of Oscar James Nedd.

“We are proud to announce a significant breakthrough in a decades-old cold case,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobard Lewis.” Our amazing team of investigators has worked tirelessly to bring justice for the victims and their families.”

The re-examination of the case, inspired by a local podcast, involved collaboration between Greenville County and White Plains Police. Lieutenant Gus Fazino of the White Plains Police Department made a crucial connection between Nedd’s missing person profile and the unidentified body found in South Carolina.

Oscar James Nedd was declared legally dead in 2005, but the investigation into his murder remains active. Authorities believe he was killed in New York and transported to South Carolina, though the reasons remain unclear.

“This all again would not be possible without the intense work many years ago and the dedication of our current team,” Sheriff Hobard Lewis stated. “We are committed to pursuing justice for Oscar Nedd and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about the case to come forward.

Call 23-CRIME with tips.