In the pre-dawn hours on May 7, 2023, what at first seemed like a sorrowful incident of hit-and-run in Greenwood, South Carolina, evolved into a disturbing story of deliberate aggression. When officials arrived after receiving a report of an apparent car accident, they found the deceased body of 46-year-old Davis McClendon close to a wrecked BMW sedan on an isolated road. What started as a standard probe into a vehicular accident soon transformed into an investigation rooted in envy, fixation, and homicide.
Detectives at the location observed unusual elements that diverged from what is expected in a typical hit-and-run incident. The car’s damage did not match that of a standard collision, and an oil trail departing from the location suggested something much more malevolent. Through forensic evidence and accounts from witnesses, suspicion quickly fell upon one individual: William “Bud” Ackerman, the separated husband of McClendon’s partner, Meredith Haynie.
Investigators on the scene noted peculiar details that didn’t align with a typical hit-and-run. The vehicle’s damage was not consistent with an ordinary crash, and an oil trail leading away from the scene hinted at something far more sinister. Forensic evidence and witness statements soon pointed to one man: William “Bud” Ackerman, the estranged husband of McClendon’s girlfriend, Meredith Haynie.
McClendon, a father and beloved member of his community, was described as empathetic and kind by his friends and family. He was someone who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His tragic death shocked his loved ones, who struggled to process how such a promising life could be cut short in such a brutal manner.
The circumstances surrounding McClendon’s demise originated from a love saga that became poisonous. McClendon had been seeing Meredith Haynie, a 39-year-old educator and mother of three who had recently parted ways from her spouse of a decade, Bud Ackerman. Haynie referred to McClendon as a beacon of happiness and steadiness during a challenging period. Yet, their romance became the trigger for mounting conflicts with Ackerman.
Ackerman, a well-known entrepreneur in the area, was reportedly having difficulty accepting the conclusion of his marriage. Haynie revealed how their previously joyful marriage had fallen apart, with Ackerman growing more erratic and domineering. Following their split, Haynie found concealed cameras he had installed all over their house, including in the children’s bedrooms. Feeling trapped and insecure, she chose to move forward with her life; however, Ackerman remained intensely obsessed with her, even after their relationship had concluded.
Upon discovering Haynie’s new romantic involvement with McClendon, jealousy consumed Ackerman. In the days preceding the tragedy, Ackerman allegedly bombarded Haynie with numerous texts and persistent calls, conveying his irritation and rage. On the evening when McClendon lost his life, Ackerman was reportedly monitoring the couple’s activities, resolute in his pursuit to locate them.
When Ackerman learned about Haynie’s new relationship with McClendon, jealousy took hold. In the days leading up to the incident, Ackerman reportedly sent Haynie numerous text messages and made repeated calls, expressing his frustration and anger. On the night of McClendon’s death, Ackerman was allegedly tracking the couple’s movements, determined to find them.
Initially, officials thought McClendon had been hit by a vehicle passing by while he was outside his car. Nonetheless, a more detailed inspection of the area raised suspicions. An oil trail starting from the crash location guided investigators to the residence of Ackerman’s parents, where he had been living since his split from Haynie. Deputies discovered Ackerman’s white Ford F-250 pickup truck, which had noticeable damage to the front grille and was leaking oil from underneath.
Data obtained from the truck’s advanced onboard computer, an “infotainment system,” provided crucial insights. The system captured Ackerman’s driving behavior, confirming that his truck had been present at the scene precisely when the crash occurred. Moreover, the information revealed that Ackerman had suddenly applied the brakes just before the collision, implying he was cognizant of McClendon’s presence on the road.
Forensic evidence from the truck’s onboard computer—a sophisticated “infotainment system”—revealed telling details. The system recorded Ackerman’s driving patterns, showing that his truck had been at the crash site at the exact time of the collision. Data also indicated that Ackerman had braked abruptly moments before impact, suggesting he was aware of McClendon’s presence in the road.
Witness testimony further implicated Ackerman. Haynie revealed that McClendon had left their date earlier that evening to confront Ackerman, who had been calling and texting her incessantly. Security footage showed Ackerman circling the parking lot of a local restaurant where the couple had been dining, an apparent attempt to locate them.
The prosecution argued that Ackerman’s behavior was intentional and driven by envy. They asserted he deliberately used his truck as a weapon, aiming at McClendon during their encounter. The trial featured evidence such as surveillance footage, testimonies from witnesses, and forensic information from the vehicle, all of which portrayed a condemning image of Ackerman’s actions that evening.
Ackerman’s defense argued that the incident was not intentional but rather a mishap. They claimed that Ackerman was en route to meet McClendon for a discussion and did not notice him standing on the dark road until it was too late. They emphasized the poor visibility and the brief time Ackerman had to respond, proposing that he attempted to veer away from McClendon but unintentionally hit him.
Despite these assertions, Ackerman’s choice to leave the scene and his neglect to contact 911 cast doubt on his intentions. Prosecutors argued that his conduct post-collision indicated a distinct absence of remorse and an effort to conceal the offense.
The judgment and its repercussions
In September 2024, it took the jury under 30 minutes to reach a unanimous decision of guilt. Ackerman was found guilty of murder and received a 45-year prison sentence. The prompt verdict provided a sense of relief to McClendon’s family and friends, who had been awaiting justice for more than a year.
For Haynie, the trial signified the conclusion of a distressing period in her life. She expressed thankfulness for the verdict, describing it as an essential step towards recovery. Nonetheless, she also recognized the enduring effect of McClendon’s passing on her and her children.
For Haynie, the trial marked the end of a harrowing chapter in her life. She expressed gratitude for the outcome, calling it a necessary step toward healing. However, she also acknowledged the lasting impact of McClendon’s death on her and her children.
“Davis saved my life,” Haynie said, reflecting on the events of that night. She believes Ackerman’s jealousy could have led to her being the target, had McClendon not intervened.
McClendon’s passing created an absence in the lives of those who knew him. Friends depicted him as a “people person” who consistently supported others. His warmth and commitment as both a father and a friend were commemorated during the trial, as those nearest to him endeavored to honor his legacy.
The case further highlighted the risks associated with domestic conflicts and the tragic outcomes of unchecked jealousy. Advocacy organizations have utilized McClendon’s story to promote awareness about the significance of addressing harmful relationships and identifying warning signs before they lead to violence.
Looking ahead
Moving forward
As the community honors McClendon as someone who exemplified compassion and affection, his unfortunate demise highlights the necessity of justice and accountability. His story acts as a warning and a prompt for action to avert similar tragedies in the future.
As the community remembers McClendon as a man who embodied empathy and love, his tragic death underscores the importance of justice and accountability. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ackerman, who will not be eligible for parole until 2068, has filed an appeal against his conviction. However, for McClendon’s family and friends, the jury’s verdict stands as a testament to the pursuit of truth and the unwavering demand for justice.
