One of many contestants on the brand new season of American Idol handled an unimaginable tragedy in 2023. Freddie McClendon confirmed on Instagram that his audition might be airing throughout the Sunday, March 23, episode, and he has fairly a narrative to inform.
Freddie’s father, Davis McClendon, died on Could 7, 2023. Davis was 46 years outdated on the time of his demise. His physique was discovered subsequent to his wrecked automobile round 1 a.m. However whereas his demise was initially suspected to be a hit-and-run, there turned out to be a a lot larger story behind the incident.
Davis’ physique was discovered about 50 toes away from his BMW, which led authorities to consider that he was exterior of his automobile when he was hit, based on a section that aired on 48 Hours. They acquired extra info from two ladies on the scene: Davis’ girlfriend, Meredith Haynie, and Megan McGovern, who babysits Meredith’s youngsters.
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Davis and Meredith had been on a date earlier than he was killed. She stated he known as her simply minutes after they parted and advised her the place he was, then put her on maintain and failed to return again on the road, which sparked concern. Megan drove Meredith to the situation Davis had given they usually discovered his physique.
Investigators seen a path of oil close to the automobile, based on investigator Patrick Durkin, who additionally stated that there have been additionally footprints and tire tracks main away from the oil stain. Tire tracks confirmed that one other automobile had pushed down the highway and circled. On the location of the flip, there have been oil spatters on a streetlight publish.
The oil stain led to the house of Bud Ackerman’s dad and mom. Bud was Meredith’s estranged husband, and he or she stated she thought Davis had been heading to fulfill him after their date. Authorities seen oil leaking from Bud’s truck within the driveway, in addition to a crack that appeared to counsel the automobile had hit somebody.
Meredith and Bud reportedly had a contentious relationship. Officers believed that Bud’s truck sideswiped Davis’ automobile and hit him whereas he was standing exterior of it. Bud claimed that he didn’t see Davis because it was darkish out, alleging that the incident was an accident. Authorities started to construct a case to show that Bud had deliberately hit Davis, whereas Bud’s group stood by the defendant’s story.
In 2024, the case went to trial. After six days of testimony, the jury deliberated for half-hour earlier than reaching a verdict. Bud Ackerman was discovered responsible and sentenced to 45 years in jail.
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