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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The judgment and its repercussions
The verdict and its impact
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.
“Davis saved my life,” Haynie remarked while contemplating the occurrences of that night. She believes that Ackerman’s jealousy might have made her the victim if McClendon hadn’t stepped in.
“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.
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.
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
Moving forward
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.