48 Hours · Podcast summary
Post Mortem | The Hit-and-Run Death of Davis McClendon
In this episode of Post Mortem, Anne Marie Green and Josh Yager delve into the hit-and-run death of Davis McClendon in Greenwood, South Carolina, exploring the complexities of the case, the digital evidence, and the personal impact on those involved.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- 🤔The defense argued that Bud Ackerman's intention was to meet and talk with Davis McClendon, not to hit him, and that he swerved to avoid a collision.03:58
- 📊Bud Ackerman's truck's dashboard touchscreen captured extensive data, including speed, acceleration, brake pressure, and even tire slippage, which was used as evidence.06:17
- 🗺️The truck's system recorded 'handshakes' with public Wi-Fi networks, allowing investigators to plot the exact route the car drove.06:50
- 🔓Police may wait for a software update to access locked phones, as it can create an opportunity to bypass security measures.08:07
- 📹Meredith observed Bud Ackerman's mental health decline, including paranoia and jealousy, and found hidden surveillance cameras in their home.08:38
- 👧Megan McGovern, the family's babysitter, witnessed Bud's deterioration firsthand and was the first to see Davis McClendon after the incident.09:55
Chapters
- 2:18🎙️ Introduction to the Davis McClendon Case
- 4:01⚖️ Prosecution vs. Defense Arguments
- 8:29📱 Digital Evidence from the Truck
- 12:15🔒 Phone Data and Access Challenges
- 13:44💔 Bud and Meredith's Relationship and Bud's Decline
- 15:55👧 Megan McGovern's Perspective
- 23:28🌪️ Challenges During the Trial
- 32:14👨⚖️ The Verdict and Aftermath
- 36:40😔 Conclusion: No Winners in Tragedy
The digest
In a gripping episode of Post Mortem, hosts Anne Marie Green and producer Josh Yager unravel the intricate details surrounding the hit-and-run death of Davis McClendon in the close-knit community of Greenwood, South Carolina. The case, which Yager himself reported on, highlights the challenges of uncovering truth in a town where "everybody knows everybody" and the profound impact of a tragedy on families and a community.
The Incident: Accidental Collision or Intentional Killing?
The central question at the heart of the McClendon case is whether the collision that killed Davis was an accident or an intentional act. In May 2023, William "Bud" Ackerman fatally struck Davis McClendon. Davis was reportedly dating Meredith, Bud's soon-to-be ex-wife. The defense argued that the collision was accidental, while the prosecution contended it was an intentional killing.
Josh Yager explains the prosecution's argument: Bud Ackerman was jealous, tracking Meredith and Davis on their date, making numerous phone calls, and actively looking for them. Shortly after 1:00 AM, Bud met up with Davis. The crash site evidence, according to the prosecution, indicated that Bud deliberately hit Davis, who was standing outside his BMW at the time. Adding to the prosecution's case, Bud fled the scene and never called 911.
However, Yager also presents the defense's perspective, which he found compelling. The defense argued that Bud's intention was to meet and talk with Davis. Bud was driving his pickup truck down the road, over a rise, in the dark. He was going faster than he realized and, upon coming over the hill, saw the headlights of the parked BMW. The defense claimed Davis was standing further away from his car, towards the center of the road, than the prosecution contended. In a split second, Bud had to make a decision and swerved to avoid hitting Davis, crashing his truck into the car on purpose to stop its forward momentum and steer around Davis to the left. This narrative suggests an attempt to avoid a collision, not to cause one.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 3 more sections, and every new episode from 48 Hours and the creators you follow.
- Digital Footprints: Unveiling the Truth Through Technology
- The Acraman-McClendon Relationship and Bud's Deterioration
- The Trial and Its Aftermath
More from 48 Hours
Dead Again | The Woman in the Woods
Erin Moriarty explores the mysterious disappearance and deaths surrounding Mindy Kasotis, revealing a tangled web of secrets and suspicion.
What Happened to Mamta Kafle Bhatt?
Naresh Bhatt faces trial for the 2024 disappearance and presumed murder of his wife, pediatric nurse Mamta Kafle Bhatt, in a complex no-body case fueled by digital evidence and community grief.
The Toll of Jury Duty: The Lindsay Clancy Trial
Dr. Michelle DeBlasi, Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center, discusses the mental and emotional toll of jury duty, particularly in high-profile cases like the Lindsay Clancy trial.
Gone
In a gripping 48 Hours investigation, Tracy Smith delves into the disappearance and murder of Michelle Warner, a young mother whose life took a tragic turn. The episode uncovers the shocking details of her relationship with Mark Castellano, the subsequent police investigation, and the dramatic trial that brought justice for Michelle.
Who Killed the Prosecutor?
This episode delves into the shocking murder of Assistant District Attorney Steve Towser, exploring the investigation, the complex relationships surrounding him, and the eventual confession of his killer, Chris Hillis.
Post Mortem | Tracker Dakota Black On The Hunt
48 Hours correspondent Peter Van Sant discusses the tragic murder of Michaela MacAfee and the investigation led by Lieutenant Dakota Black, a tracker whose unique skills were crucial in solving the case.