by 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.
A sorrowful romantic entanglement
The circumstances preceding McClendon’s demise stemmed from a romantic tale that became poisonous. McClendon was involved with Meredith Haynie, a 39-year-old educator and mother of three, who had recently parted ways with her husband of a decade, Bud Ackerman. Haynie regarded McClendon as a beacon of happiness and steadiness amid a challenging period in her life. Nonetheless, their relationship sparked increasing conflict 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.
Ackerman, a prominent local business owner, was reportedly struggling to cope with the end of his marriage. Haynie recounted how their once-happy union had deteriorated, with Ackerman becoming increasingly unpredictable and controlling. After their separation, Haynie discovered hidden cameras he had planted throughout their home, including in their children’s rooms. Feeling suffocated and unsafe, she decided to move on with her life—but Ackerman remained deeply fixated on her, even after their relationship ended.
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.
The investigation unfolds
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.
Statements from witnesses added to the case against Ackerman. Haynie disclosed that McClendon had departed from their date earlier that night to address Ackerman, who had been relentlessly calling and messaging her. Surveillance video captured Ackerman driving around the parking area of a nearby eatery where the couple had been dining, seemingly in an effort 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 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.
For Haynie, the trial signified the close of a distressing period in her life. She voiced appreciation for the verdict, describing it as a crucial move towards healing. Nonetheless, she also recognized the enduring effect of McClendon’s death on both herself 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.
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.
Looking ahead
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.
