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.
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.
A heart-wrenching 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.
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.
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.
Eyewitness accounts further tied Ackerman to the incident. Haynie disclosed that McClendon had departed from their date earlier that night to confront Ackerman, who had been bombarding her with calls and texts. Surveillance video captured Ackerman repeatedly driving around the parking area of a nearby eatery where the couple had dined, seemingly trying to find them.
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 contended that Ackerman’s conduct was intentional and driven by jealousy. They asserted he employed his truck as a weapon, deliberately aiming at McClendon during their altercation. The trial featured evidence such as surveillance video, witness testimonies, and forensic findings from the truck, all of which portrayed a condemning portrayal of Ackerman’s actions that evening.
Ackerman’s defense team, on the other hand, contended that the crash was unintentional. They claimed Ackerman was on his way to talk with McClendon and only noticed him on the dark roadway when it was too late. They emphasized the poor visibility and the brief moment Ackerman had to respond, suggesting he tried to steer clear of McClendon but accidentally 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 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.
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.
“Davis saved my life,” Haynie remarked while contemplating the occurrences of that night. She believes that Ackerman’s jealousy might have made her the victim if McClendon hadn’t stepped in.
A community confronts grief
A community grapples with loss
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.
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.
Moving forward
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.
