Suvechha Sarkar
In the early hours of May 7, 2023, a secluded road in Greenwood, South Carolina, became the scene of a devastating tragedy when 46-year-old Kenneth Davis McClendon was fatally struck by a vehicle. Although it initially appeared to be a tragic hit-and-run, it soon spiraled into a homicide investigation when his girlfriend, Meredith Haynie, revealed that she suspected her estranged husband, William “Bud” Ackerman Jr. The case came into focus on CBS’ ’48 Hours: The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon.’ Through interviews with officials and Meredith herself, the episode delves deeper into the investigation and the trail of evidence that helped in Bud’s conviction.
Meredith Haynie and William Ackerman Jr. Separated After 10 Years of Marriage
Meredith Haynie thought she had found her soulmate when she first met William “Bud” Ackerman Jr. As time passed by, their casual conversations gave way to a deeper bond. In 2010, they welcomed their son, Hogan Haynie, into the world. Sometime around 2012, the pair tied the knot, surrounded by their family and friends. Their lives were further fulfilled with joy when they gave birth to their two daughters. Unfortunately, Meredith and Bud realized that their relationship wasn’t working anymore after 10 years of marriage. By the spring of 2022, they had separated and were undergoing contentious divorce proceedings. At the time, Meredith and Bud shared the custody of their children.
Meredith got a second chance at love when she crossed paths with 46-year-old Kenneth Davis McClendon. According to her statements on the show, she was celebrating her birthday with her friends at a bar on December 23, 2022, when he approached her. Their initial spark blossomed into something more, and it wasn’t long before they began dating. On May 6, 2023, the couple went out on a date at a bar, from where they went to a second bar. Shortly after midnight, Davis departed first and reportedly called Meredith to inform her that he was going to meet Bud. Reports state that she grew concerned when she was suddenly unable to connect with him on the call.
Meredith Haynie Testified Against William Ackerman Jr. at His 2024 Trial
Meredith and her friend eventually drove to the road in Greenwood, South Carolina, where Davis said he had parked his car. However, their lives changed forever when they discovered his car in a damaged state and the 46-year-old lying injured a short distance away. Although her friend called 911 and authorities rushed him to the hospital, he unfortunately passed away at the hospital. According to reports, officials followed an oil trail to Bud’s house, where they found evidence that his car had been in a collision, leading to his arrest on May 7.
Detectives also found a possible motive when Meredith told them that Bud was not happy about her and Davis’ relationship and had asked them not to date until their divorce was finalized. Bud’s first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2024. When his second jury trial began in September 2024, Meredith bravely took the stand to testify about her side of the story and the numerous agitated texts and calls she received from Bud in the hours leading up to the tragedy. Ultimately, her testimony played a significant role in the prosecution’s case, which ultimately resulted in Bud’s conviction for the murder of Davis in October 2024. He was ultimately sentenced to 45 years in prison.
While speaking about her thoughts regarding the sentencing, Meredith expressed, “I was worried that … if he only got five or 10 years, that I’d never get to start a new life because I’d be scared for when he got out.” She also shared how she felt that Davis saved her life that night. When asked how she wanted others to remember him, she expressed, “As … a hero … for the way he treated people, for his empathy, for his heart … he was just a good person.” Not a day goes by without her reminiscing about the time she shared with Davis and their special relationship, which had the potential to become a forever story.
Meredith Haynie Finds Strength in the Company of Her Loved Ones
At the time of the ordeal, Meredith was residing in Greenwood, South Carolina. There, she diligently worked as a Grammar School Teacher. By August 2024, she stepped into the role of a teacher at a local elementary school. She continues to excel in that position and never misses a chance to express her support for her students. Her skills have also helped her gain compliments from the parents of several of her pupils. By the time Bud was sentenced, he and Meredith had already been divorced. She reportedly gained custody of her kids and devoted her life to balancing her career with caring for them.
As of writing, Meredith resides in Anderson, South Carolina, focusing on raising her son, Hogan, and her two daughters. She makes the most of every opportunity to create memories with her children, whether it’s celebrating Halloween or taking them to the beach. Besides that, she loves spending time with her friends, who have been a constant source of joy in her life. She also receives immense support from her family, which has pushed her to move forward in her life with resilience. In her free time, Meredith enjoys soaking in the sun at the beach and trying different cuisines at multiple restaurants. Through it all, she has kept Davis’ memories alive in her heart.
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