Post Mortem | The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon - Detailed Summary
Episode: Post Mortem | The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Ann Marie Green
Guest: Josh Yeager, CBS News Producer
Introduction
In this episode of "Post Mortem," host Ann Marie Green delves deep into the tragic hit-and-run case of Davis McClendon in Greenwood, South Carolina. Accompanied by CBS News producer Josh Yeager, Green unpacks the complexities surrounding the incident, the ensuing trial, and the profound impact on the tight-knit community.
Overview of the Case
The episode begins with a brief recounting of the incident that took place in May 2023. William Bud Ackerman struck and killed Davis McClendon in a hit-and-run collision. The case stirred significant attention due to the intertwined relationships within the small town of Greenwood, where Ackerman was dating Meredith, McClendon's soon-to-be ex-wife.
Key Points:
- Incident Details: Ackerman allegedly hit McClendon with his pickup truck and fled the scene, raising suspicions about the nature of the collision.
- Prosecution's Argument: Suggested the crash was intentional, driven by Ackerman's jealousy over McClendon's relationship with Meredith.
- Defense's Stance: Claimed the collision was accidental, attributing Ackerman's actions to momentary inattention while driving.
Key Evidence and Arguments
Ann Marie Green and Josh Yeager discuss the pivotal evidence presented during the trial, focusing on the digital data retrieved from Ackerman's truck.
Notable Evidence:
- Truck's Data Logs ([05:30]): Detailed information such as speed, acceleration, brake pressure, and tire slippage provided forensic analysts with insights into Ackerman's driving behavior during the incident.
- Handshakes Data: The truck's interaction with public Wi-Fi networks allowed investigators to reconstruct Ackerman's route on the night of the collision, offering crucial geographical context to the case.
Defense's Argument ([03:20] - [04:42]):
- Ackerman was attempting to avoid hitting McClendon, leading to an accidental collision.
- The sudden need to swerve left Ackerman no choice but to crash intentionally to prevent greater harm.
Prosecution's Counterpoints ([02:01] - [03:20]):
- Ackerman's decision to flee the scene and failure to call 911 suggested premeditation rather than an accident.
- Testimonies indicated Ackerman was tracking McClendon and Meredith, highlighting potential motives rooted in jealousy.
Trial Proceedings
The trial, commencing in September 2024, faced multiple delays due to unforeseen circumstances:
- Attorney Health Issues ([13:13]): Ackerman's defense attorney, Jack Swirling, fell ill, necessitating postponements and re-starts of the trial.
- Hurricane Interruption ([13:13]): A significant hurricane disrupted court proceedings, adding to the delays and emotional strain on all parties involved.
Verdict and Sentencing ([15:47] - [16:22]):
- After less than 30 minutes of jury deliberation, Ackerman was found guilty of murder.
- He was sentenced to 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
- Ackerman's defense attorney criticized the swift verdict, arguing insufficient time was taken to scrutinize the evidence.
Personal Accounts and Impact
The episode provides intimate insights into the lives affected by the tragedy:
Meredith Ackerman ([07:55] - [09:27]):
- Described as Bud's estranged wife, Meredith's relationship with Bud deteriorated due to his declining mental health and increasing paranoia.
- Bud's transformation from a "sweet and caring" husband to a volatile individual created an untenable living situation for Meredith.
Megan McGovern ([09:51] - [12:21]):
- As a long-time babysitter for the Ackerman family, Megan witnessed firsthand Bud's behavioral changes.
- Her account highlights the pervasive fear and discomfort she felt as Bud's mental state worsened, culminating in the tragic night when she discovered McClendon's body.
Community and Familial Impact ([14:37] - [21:30]):
- Davis McClendon's death left a significant void in Greenwood, a community where everyone is interconnected.
- Both families faced immense grief, with Meredith now single-handedly raising their children amidst the loss.
- The trial and its aftermath exposed fractures within the community, revealing deep-seated emotions and the challenges of maintaining unity in the wake of tragedy.
Notable Quotes:
- Megan McGovern ([09:51] - [10:25]):
"The old Bud was sweet and caring... But towards the end... he turned into a completely different person that I didn't even recognize." - Davis's Son ([14:37] - [14:45]):
"It was clear that Ackerman was guilty. And that's why we believe the jury came back as soon as they did." - Meredith Ackerman ([19:40] - [20:35]):
"I have an uphill battle, but I am lucky in that I have a large and very close family... We'll be okay."
Conclusion
The "Post Mortem" episode offers a comprehensive examination of the Davis McClendon case, highlighting the intricate web of relationships, the weight of digital evidence in modern investigations, and the enduring pain inflicted on the individuals and community involved. Through detailed discussions and personal testimonies, Ann Marie Green and Josh Yeager provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of a tragedy that reverberates far beyond the courtroom.
For those interested in exploring the case further, tuning into the original "48 Hours" episode is recommended. Subscribe to 48 Hours+ on Apple Podcasts for ad-free access and additional content.