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 community member, was characterized by friends and family as compassionate and gentle. He was a person who made a significant impact on everyone he encountered. His untimely passing left his friends and relatives in shock, grappling with the harsh reality of how such a promising life could end so violently.
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 dissolution of his marriage. Haynie described how their previously joyful relationship had broken down, with Ackerman growing more erratic and domineering. Following their split, Haynie found secret cameras he had installed throughout their residence, even in their children’s rooms. Feeling trapped and insecure, she chose to start anew—but Ackerman continued to be obsessively focused on her, despite the end of their relationship.
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.
At first, authorities believed McClendon had been struck by a passing vehicle while standing outside his car. However, closer examination of the scene raised red flags. An oil trail originating from the crash site led investigators to Ackerman’s parents’ home, where he had been staying since his separation from Haynie. There, deputies found Ackerman’s white Ford F-250 pickup truck with visible damage to the front grille and oil leaking from its undercarriage.
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 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.
The prosecution argued that Ackerman’s actions were deliberate and fueled by jealousy. They claimed he used his truck as a weapon, intentionally targeting McClendon during their confrontation. Evidence presented at trial included security camera footage, witness statements, and forensic data from the truck, which painted a damning picture of Ackerman’s behavior that night.
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.
A community wrestles with grief
McClendon’s passing created a deep absence in the lives of those familiar with him. Friends portrayed him as a “people person” who consistently supported others. His compassion and commitment as a father and friend were remembered during the trial, as his loved ones endeavored to pay tribute to his memory.
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
Moving forward
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.
