“The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon”: 48 Hours Reports March 1 2025

CBS’s 48 HOURS is set to examine the tragic and complex case of Davis McClendon’s death in an all-new episode titled “The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon,” airing on Saturday, March 1, 2025. What began as a suspected hit-and-run quickly turned into a homicide investigation that led authorities to a local businessman, William “Bud” Ackerman Jr. The case unravelled a web of personal turmoil, jealousy, and calculated violence that ultimately resulted in a swift conviction.

The Events Leading to the Tragedy

On the night of May 6, 2023, Davis McClendon and Meredith Haynie, the estranged wife of Bud Ackerman, had attended a Kentucky Derby party together. Their relationship had been public for several months, and Ackerman was known to be deeply unhappy about it. McClendon and Haynie had gone out to a local bar, but the night took a dark turn when Ackerman began calling and messaging his wife incessantly. Witnesses later testified that Ackerman had been searching for the couple throughout the evening.

Shortly after midnight, McClendon and Haynie went to the same bar where Ackerman had been earlier, but he had already left. Around 12:38 AM, Haynie answered one of Ackerman’s persistent phone calls. During their conversation, he told her he was driving around trying to find them. Haynie, alarmed by his behavior, threatened to call the police but ultimately decided against it at McClendon’s request.

At 1:30 AM, McClendon left the bar alone, driving his BMW towards home. It was at an intersection in Greenwood, South Carolina, that the fatal event unfolded. McClendon’s car was struck, and he was found outside his vehicle, severely injured, with only one shoe on and no shirt. His bloodied body was discovered by Haynie and Ackerman’s nanny, Megan McGovern, who later testified to the horrific scene.

The Investigation and Key Evidence

The police arrived to find McClendon already deceased. A trail of oil led authorities directly to Ackerman’s home, just half a mile from the crash site. Investigators discovered his Ford F-250 pickup truck with visible damage, including a broken front grille, a dent in the hood, and a palm print on the vehicle. Tests later confirmed that McClendon’s blood was found on the leg of Ackerman’s shorts.

Authorities also examined surveillance footage and phone records, which placed Ackerman near the crime scene. Further investigation revealed that Ackerman and McClendon had spoken on the phone three times before the fatal crash. While Ackerman’s defense claimed McClendon’s death was an accident, the overwhelming physical and digital evidence pointed to a deliberate act of rage.

The Motive: A Relationship Fueled by Resentment

At the center of this case was a love triangle between McClendon, Haynie, and Ackerman. Meredith Haynie and Ackerman had been together for 16 years, including a 10-year marriage and three children. They separated in May 2022, and Haynie later began dating McClendon in December 2022. According to Haynie’s testimony, McClendon was not the reason for their separation, but Ackerman refused to accept her moving on.

Text messages retrieved from Ackerman’s phone showed that he was enraged over his wife’s new relationship. One message to a friend in April 2023 read:
“He’s been f*ing Meredith.”**

Court evidence further showed that Ackerman repeatedly called and searched for his wife on the night of the murder. Witnesses testified that he appeared increasingly volatile in the weeks leading up to the crime, demonstrating an inability to let go of his marriage.

The Trial and Swift Verdict

Ackerman’s first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2024 when his defense attorney collapsed during opening statements. His second trial in October 2024 proceeded without issue. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including surveillance video, phone records, expert testimony, and forensic findings.

The jury deliberated for only 22 minutes before returning a guilty verdict for murder. Judge Donald Hocker sentenced Ackerman to 45 years in prison, emphasizing the egregious nature of the crime. Ackerman showed no remorse during his testimony, a fact noted by the victim’s grieving family members.

Impact on the Families

The sentencing hearing was marked by emotional statements from McClendon’s family. His father, James McClendon, addressed the court, stating:
“We have both lost a great amount, and six children lost their daddy.”

His mother, Carie McClendon, expressed heartbreak over Ackerman’s lack of remorse, stating:
“I’m convinced the jury got it right.”

McClendon’s teenage daughter, Blair, attempted to give a statement but was overcome with grief, forcing her mother to read her words. Meanwhile, Ackerman’s father, Dr. William ‘Gray’ Ackerman, spoke about his son’s work ethic but did not offer an apology to the victim’s family.

Conclusion: A Tragic End to a Jealous Rage

The case of Davis McClendon’s murder highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked jealousy and rage. What began as a contentious divorce spiraled into a violent act that shattered multiple families. While justice has been served, six children are now left without fathers, and two families must grapple with the lasting impact of one man’s deadly obsession.

The 48 HOURS episode, “The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon,” will provide an in-depth look into the investigation, evidence, and trial that led to William “Bud” Ackerman Jr.’s conviction. Tune in on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS for a comprehensive breakdown of the case that shocked South Carolina.