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.
In the early morning hours of May 7, 2023, what initially appeared to be a tragic hit-and-run in Greenwood, South Carolina, turned into a chilling tale of calculated violence. Responding to a call about what seemed to be a road accident, authorities discovered the lifeless body of 46-year-old Davis McClendon near a mangled BMW sedan on a secluded street. What began as a routine investigation into a traffic collision quickly unraveled into a case of jealousy, obsession, and murder.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The judgment and its repercussions
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 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.
A community wrestles with grief
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.
McClendon’s death left a void in the lives of those who knew him. Friends described him as a “people person” who was always there for others. His kindness and dedication as a father and friend were celebrated during the trial, as those closest to him sought to honor his memory.
Looking ahead
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.
