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 aspects that contradicted a standard hit-and-run scenario. The car’s damage didn’t match an ordinary accident, and there was an oil trail departing from the site that suggested something much more malevolent. Forensic results and testimonies from witnesses quickly directed suspicion towards a single individual: William “Bud” Ackerman, the separated spouse of McClendon’s partner, Meredith Haynie.
McClendon, a devoted father and cherished figure in his community, was portrayed as compassionate and caring by those who knew him. He was a person who made a significant impact on all who crossed his path. His untimely passing stunned his friends and family, who found it difficult to comprehend how a life with so much potential could end so violently.
A sorrowful romantic entanglement
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.
The events leading up to McClendon’s death were rooted in a love story that turned toxic. McClendon had been dating Meredith Haynie, a 39-year-old schoolteacher and mother of three who had recently separated from her husband of 10 years, Bud Ackerman. Haynie described McClendon as a source of joy and stability during a difficult time in her life. Their relationship, however, became the catalyst for escalating tension with Ackerman.
When Ackerman discovered Haynie’s new involvement with McClendon, envy consumed him. In the period leading up to the tragic event, Ackerman was said to have bombarded Haynie with frequent text messages and phone calls, conveying his irritation and fury. On the evening of McClendon’s death, Ackerman was purportedly monitoring the couple’s whereabouts, intent on locating them.
The inquiry progresses
Initially, officials assumed McClendon had been hit by a passing vehicle while he was outside his car. Nevertheless, a more detailed inspection of the site triggered suspicions. An oil trail starting at the crash location directed investigators to the residence of Ackerman’s parents, where he had been living following his split from Haynie. At that location, deputies discovered Ackerman’s white Ford F-250 pickup truck, which showed evident damage to the front grille and had oil dripping from its underside.
Digital evidence extracted from the truck’s advanced “infotainment system” provided indicative insights. The system logged Ackerman’s driving behavior, revealing that his vehicle had been present at the crash site at the precise moment of the incident. The data also showed that Ackerman had suddenly applied the brakes just before the impact, implying he knew McClendon was 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.
An intentional deed or an unfortunate mishap?
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.
Ackerman’s defense team, however, maintained that the collision was an accident. They argued that Ackerman had been driving to meet McClendon for a conversation and did not see him standing in the dark roadway until it was too late. They highlighted the limited visibility and the short amount of time Ackerman would have had to react, suggesting he swerved to avoid McClendon but inadvertently struck him.
Despite these claims, Ackerman’s decision to flee the scene and his failure to call 911 raised questions about his intentions. Prosecutors alleged that his actions after the collision demonstrated a clear lack of remorse and an attempt to cover up the crime.
In September 2024, it took a jury under 30 minutes to unanimously reach a guilty verdict. Ackerman was found guilty of murder and received a 45-year prison sentence. The prompt decision provided relief to McClendon’s family and friends, who had endured over a year awaiting justice.
In September 2024, a jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning a unanimous guilty verdict. Ackerman was convicted of murder and sentenced to 45 years in prison. The swift verdict was a relief for McClendon’s family and friends, who had waited over a year for justice.
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.
A community grapples with loss
The case highlighted the perils of domestic conflicts and the tragic outcomes of unchecked jealousy. Advocacy organizations have utilized McClendon’s story to emphasize the need to address unhealthy relationships and identify warning signs before they escalate into violence.
The case also served as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic disputes and the devastating consequences of unresolved jealousy. Advocacy groups have used McClendon’s story to raise awareness about the importance of addressing toxic relationships and recognizing warning signs before they escalate into violence.
Although Ackerman’s conviction offers some sense of closure, the consequences of his actions will probably be experienced for many years. For Haynie and her children, the task of reconstructing their lives continues to be a persistent challenge. They have since left Greenwood, seeking peace and stability.
While Ackerman’s conviction brings a sense of closure, the ripple effects of his actions will likely be felt for years to come. For Haynie and her children, rebuilding their lives remains an ongoing challenge. They have since moved away from Greenwood, hoping to find peace and stability.
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.
