In the early hours of May 7, 2023, authorities in Greenwood, South Carolina, responded to a road accident on a secluded dead-end street. The incident tragically led to the discovery of 46-year-old Davis McClendon’s body near the nearby woods. At the scene, investigators found a mangled BMW 5 Series sedan, a shirt, and a shoe. Investigator Patrick Durkin was tasked with capturing the scene through photographs.
Durkin observed significant damage to the vehicle, mainly the fender, and the driver’s side wheel turned slightly. First responders initially suspected a hit-and-run due to McClendon’s injuries, though no other vehicle was present. His body was located approximately 50 feet from the BMW, leading authorities to theorize he might have been outside the car when struck.
Two women at the scene, Meredith Haynie and Megan McGovern, had called 911. McGovern babysat Haynie’s three children. Haynie, who had been dating McClendon, provided authorities with a summary of the night’s events. She mentioned McClendon left a club and called her from the intersection of Avid Road and Sawgrass Place, but abruptly went silent.
McClendon had been a beloved figure, described as everyone’s best friend. Friends such as Chip Funderbunk, Zach Calhoun, and Johnny Coats reflected on the shocking news of his death. They highlighted McClendon’s kind nature and strong friendships. Haynie also spoke fondly of him, noting his empathy and positive impact on her life.
Despite McClendon’s divorce, his devotion remained strong. Haynie recalled the beginnings of their relationship, stating McClendon reached out after her birthday celebrations in December 2022, a chance encounter that sparked continuous communication. Haynie, a grammar school teacher and mother, had recently separated from her husband, Bud Ackerman, making her hesitant to pursue new relationships.
On the night McClendon died, Durkin identified oil slicks on the road along with tire tracks leading away from the stain, suggesting they might belong to the vehicle that struck McClendon. The oil trail eventually led investigators to Ackerman’s parents’ house, where Ackerman had been living since separating from Haynie.
Investigators found Ackerman’s white Ford F-250 pickup with oil leaks and physical damage indicating involvement in the collision. When questioned, Ackerman referred deputies to his attorney and his counsel contested any accusations, suggesting McClendon’s death was accidental.
Ackerman tracked McClendon and Haynie’s whereabouts using phone records and surveillance videos, allegedly driving past Haynie’s house and onto McClendon’s street. Ironically, Haynie and McClendon had moved to the Key West Club by the time Ackerman arrived at Break on the Lake, interrupting their evening with persistent calls. McClendon eventually reached out to Ackerman, hoping to calm tensions.
Ackerman’s attorney, Jack Swerling, argued that McClendon was challenging Ackerman’s demand to wait for the divorce to finalize before pursuing any additional relationships. Digital evidence from Ackerman’s truck indicated he was driving aggressively and inconsistently, but the defense insisted this was not indicative of intent.
Prosecutors countered with substantial evidence suggesting Ackerman’s deliberate actions. Time-stamped doorbell videos captured the sequence leading to McClendon’s tragic end. Haynie’s testimony to the jury also demonstrated suspicion toward Ackerman’s behavior that night. Digital data further showed Ackerman’s truck was going 25 mph upon collision.
Swerling contended that Ackerman only wanted to talk to McClendon and that his vehicle’s movement was an effort to avoid hitting him. The defense claimed McClendon had placed himself further into the road, causing Ackerman’s vehicle to swerve.
When testifying, Ackerman admitted to not calling 911, citing it as a moment of panic. Despite his defense, the jury swiftly returned a guilty verdict after a brief deliberation.
Ultimately, Ackerman received a 45-year prison sentence, leaving Haynie relieved but reflective on the future for herself and her children.