In the early hours of May 7, 2023, what first seemed like a heartbreaking hit-and-run in Greenwood, South Carolina, evolved into a disturbing story of deliberate aggression. Upon receiving a report of what looked like a vehicular accident, the police found the deceased body of 46-year-old Davis McClendon next to a wrecked BMW sedan on an isolated road. Initially thought to be a standard inquiry into a car crash, the situation swiftly morphed into a matter involving 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 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.
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.
The inquiry progresses
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.
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.
A deliberate act or a tragic accident?
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 as she looked back on that fateful night. She holds the view that Ackerman’s jealousy might have made her the victim, had McClendon not stepped in.
A community confronts grief
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.
Looking ahead
Although Ackerman’s conviction provides a sense of closure, the repercussions of his actions will probably persist for years. For Haynie and her children, reconstructing their lives is an enduring challenge. They have since relocated from Greenwood, in search of peace and stability.
As the community reflects on McClendon as someone who personified compassion and love, his tragic passing highlights the necessity of justice and responsibility. His story stands as both 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.
