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 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.
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.
McClendon, a father and beloved member of his community, was described as empathetic and kind by his friends and family. He was someone who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His tragic death shocked his loved ones, who struggled to process how such a promising life could be cut short in such a brutal manner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forensic evidence from the truck’s onboard computer—a sophisticated “infotainment system”—revealed telling details. The system recorded Ackerman’s driving patterns, showing that his truck had been at the crash site at the exact time of the collision. Data also indicated that Ackerman had braked abruptly moments before impact, suggesting he was aware of McClendon’s presence in the road.
An intentional deed or an unfortunate mishap?
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.
Despite these assertions, Ackerman’s choice to leave the scene and his neglect to contact 911 cast doubt on his intentions. Prosecutors argued that his conduct post-collision indicated a distinct absence of remorse and an effort to conceal the offense.
The judgment and its repercussions
The verdict and its impact
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 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 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 honors McClendon as someone who exemplified compassion and affection, his unfortunate demise highlights the necessity of justice and accountability. His story acts as 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.