48 Hours: The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
Hosted by CBS News
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of “48 Hours”, CBS News delves deep into the tragic hit-and-run homicide of Davis McClendon, a case that shattered the Greenwood, South Carolina community. Through meticulous reporting, compelling interviews, and thorough examination of evidence, the episode unravels the complex layers of this high-profile case, leading to the exoneration of the innocent and the conviction of the guilty.
Background
Davis McClendon, a 46-year-old beloved community member, was found dead on the night of May 7, 2023. Initially presumed to be a traffic accident, further investigation revealed disturbing evidence pointing to foul play. Davis had been in a relationship with Meredith Haney, a grammar school teacher, following her separation from her estranged husband, William "Bud" Ackerman, a local auto body shop owner.
Notable Quote:
“Davis was so kind and I mean his heart was huge. We enjoyed each other so much. It was an amazing six months.”
— Meredith Haney [02:21]
The Night of the Incident
On the evening of May 7, 2023, Meredith Haney and Davis McClendon were enjoying a night out when Davis didn’t return a call from Meredith, prompting her concern. Assisted by Megan McGovern, they drove to the reported location where Davis was last seen, only to discover his lifeless body lying across the road, severely injured from what appeared to be a vehicle impact.
Notable Quote:
“I couldn't piece anything together. Davis car was way over there and his body was way down here. And I was like, how'd he end up down here?”
— Meredith Haney [03:00]
Investigation
Initial observations suggested a hit-and-run incident involving a BMW 5 Series. However, inconsistencies at the scene—such as Davis being far from his wrecked car and the presence of significant oil slicks—led investigators to suspect intentional harm rather than an accident.
Detective Patrick Durkin and Investigator Ronnie Powell of the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office concluded that the damage to the BMW and the trail of oil indicated that Davis was not merely a victim of circumstance but was intentionally targeted.
Notable Quote:
“Photographs of the crime scene, the text messages from Davis's phone, the ring videos... how could any of this possibly happen?”
— Meredith Haney [03:15]
The Arrest and Trial
Suspicion quickly fell on William "Bud" Ackerman, Meredith's estranged husband. Evidence revealed that Bud had been tracking Meredith and Davis's movements on the night of the incident. His Ford F250 pickup exhibited signs of having struck Davis, supported by forensic data from the vehicle's infotainment system and neighbor doorbell camera footage.
During the trial, prosecutors presented damning evidence, including:
- Timestamped Videos: Neighbor doorbell cameras captured Bud's truck driving through the scene moments before the crash.
- Infotainment Data: Detailed logs showed Bud's vehicle speed, braking patterns, and location data aligning with the time of the incident.
- Audio Evidence: Partial audio recordings suggested Bud was verbally abusive towards Davis post-collision.
Notable Quote:
“Bud Ackerman is guilty of the murder of Davis McClendon.”
— Meredith Haney [40:36]
Defense's Argument
Bud Ackerman's defense attorney, Jack Swirling, contested the prosecution's claims by highlighting:
- Lack of Intent: Swirling argued that the collision was an accident, emphasizing Bud's lack of violent history.
- Questionable Audio Evidence: He stated that the audio recordings were too garbled to conclusively prove Bud's involvement.
- Behavior Post-Collision: Bud's actions after the incident, including driving to his parents' house and not immediately calling 911, were portrayed as non-indicative of conscious intent to harm.
Notable Quote:
“He didn't want to be the reason that, you know, we didn't get our family back together.”
— Meredith Haney [09:27]
Verdict and Sentencing
After six days of testimony and overwhelming evidence, the jury deliberated for less than half an hour, swiftly reaching a unanimous verdict. Bud Ackerman was found guilty of Davis McClendon's murder and sentenced to 45 years in state department corrections.
Notable Quote:
“We think there's enough evidence at the scene to prove what occurred.”
— Meredith Haney [19:39]
Aftermath
The conviction brought a sense of closure to Meredith Haney and the community, but the emotional toll was immense. Meredith reflected on the impact of Davis's death, stating, “Davis saved my life” [43:31]. As she moves forward, she focuses on rebuilding her life and supporting her three children, determined to leave the trauma behind.
Notable Quote:
“I was scared that he was still out there.”
— Meredith Haney [33:35]
Conclusion
“The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon” is a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and justice. Through comprehensive reporting and in-depth analysis, “48 Hours” not only shed light on the intricate details of the case but also highlighted the resilience of those left behind. This episode serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth by CBS News correspondents, ensuring that justice prevails even in the most challenging circumstances.
Join Us Next Week:
Tune in to “48 Hours” every Monday for a new episode, and delve deeper into the cases with the “Post Mortem” series each Tuesday. Revisit classic episodes every Thursday. For ad-free access, subscribe to 48 Hours+ on Apple Podcasts.