Tragic Hit-and-Run in Greenwood Leads to Murder Charge

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Police investigating a hit-and-run scene in Greenwood, South Carolina

News Summary

A hit-and-run incident in Greenwood, South Carolina, has resulted in the arrest of Bud Ackerman, who has been charged with murder. The victim, Davis McClendon, was found near a wrecked BMW shortly after the collision. Investigators suggest Ackerman’s jealousy over a love triangle may have contributed to the tragedy. Eyewitnesses and vehicle data support claims that Ackerman deliberately aimed at McClendon, who was struck while outside his vehicle. A jury found Ackerman guilty, leading to a 45-year prison sentence.

Tragic Hit-and-Run in Greenwood: Bud Ackerman Charged with Murder

In the quiet city of Greenwood, South Carolina, a deadly incident has left a community shaken. Just after 1 a.m. on May 7, 2023, the police discovered the body of 46-year-old Davis McClendon near some woods off a remote dead-end street. Sadly, McClendon was found only 50 feet away from a wrecked BMW 5 Series, which had significant damage to its front driver’s side fender. Eyewitnesses reported that the scene suggested McClendon had likely been outside of his vehicle when he was struck.

Evidence Points to a Deliberate Act

Investigators were quick to analyze the wreckage. Investigator Patrick Durkin described the damage to the BMW as being so extreme that it looked “torn back like a tuna can.” This peculiar damage raised eyebrows, especially when authorities began piecing together the events leading up to McClendon’s tragic passing. It was soon established that just before the incident, McClendon had been communicating with his girlfriend, Meredith Haynie. Reports suggest that McClendon had reached out to Haynie, as the two were dating, and she had recently separated from her husband, Bud Ackerman.

A Troubling Love Triangle

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that emotions were running high. Haynie and several others had made 911 calls that night, which led to the attempt to reconstruct the night’s events. It wasn’t long before investigators found oil leaking from Ackerman’s white Ford F-250 pickup, a truck that bore visible signs of damage consistent with having struck someone. The condition of Ackerman’s vehicle—complete with a cracked grille—seemed to align with the chaotic scene surrounding McClendon’s death.

Jealousy and Suspicion

Eyewitness accounts hinted that Ackerman’s jealousy over Haynie’s new relationship with McClendon might have played a pivotal role in the tragic events. Investigators started to suspect that Ackerman’s truck had sideswiped the BMW and hit McClendon. Surveillance footage revealed that Ackerman was actively searching for Haynie and McClendon during the hours surrounding the crash.

Troubling Evidence and Arrest

Accurate vehicle data from Ackerman’s truck recorded him speeding towards the area prior to the crash, traveling at about 25 miles per hour. Additionally, the communications between Ackerman and Haynie included a series of disturbing messages that showcased his emotional turmoil regarding the situation. Some audio evidence collected even hinted at a voice resembling Ackerman mocking McClendon after the collision.

On May 7, Bud Ackerman was arrested and charged with murder. Prosecutors contended that he had deliberately aimed his truck at McClendon, who was outside of his BMW at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, the defense argued for Ackerman, claiming that it was simply an accident that he couldn’t have foreseen, trying to paint a picture of McClendon potentially escalating the situation.

A Close and Painful Verdict

After hearing from both sides, a jury managed to come to a decision in less than half an hour, finding Bud Ackerman guilty of murder. Consequently, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison without the option of parole. Unsurprisingly, the family of McClendon has expressed their outrage, stressing their frustration with the alleged inaction of the Ackerman family after the hit-and-run. To escape the overwhelming grief, Haynie and her children have since moved away from Greenwood, aiming for a fresh start.

Justice Served or More to Uncover?

As of now, Bud Ackerman is appealing his conviction, and while the community holds its breath for the final outcome, the impacts of this tragic tale remain, echoing a reminder of the consequences of unchecked emotions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Incident Strikes University of South Carolina Community
Tragic Collision Claims Life of Greenwood Resident
Tragedy Strikes Spartanburg: Moped Rider Fatally Injured
Columbia Faces Traffic Safety Dilemmas Following Recent Hit-and-Run Incidents
Tragic Accident Claims Life of USC Student
Tragedy Strikes University of South Carolina: Student Killed in Hit-and-Run
Greenwood County Launches Project for Safer Roads
Freddie McClendon from Greenwood Chases Hollywood Dreams
Freddie McClendon Honors His Father on American Idol

Additional Resources

HERE Greenwood
Author: HERE Greenwood

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