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.
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 sorrowful romantic entanglement
A tragic love triangle
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.
Upon discovering Haynie’s new romantic involvement with McClendon, jealousy consumed Ackerman. In the days preceding the tragedy, Ackerman allegedly bombarded Haynie with numerous texts and persistent calls, conveying his irritation and rage. On the evening when McClendon lost his life, Ackerman was reportedly monitoring the couple’s activities, resolute in his pursuit to locate them.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Ackerman’s defense argued that the incident was not intentional but rather a mishap. They claimed that Ackerman was en route to meet McClendon for a discussion and did not notice him standing on the dark road until it was too late. They emphasized the poor visibility and the brief time Ackerman had to respond, proposing that he attempted to veer away from McClendon but unintentionally 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.
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.
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
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.