Man Charged with 2017 Murder of Pregnant Woman in Kingswood

A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the 2017 death of a 21-year-old woman in Kingswood, New South Wales. The arrest follows a renewed police investigation initiated after a coronial inquest was suspended earlier this year.

Arrest and Charge

On Tuesday morning, New South Wales detectives arrested Max Spencer, aged 30, at a property in Coffs Harbour. He was charged with the murder of Hayley McClenahan-Ernst.

Background of the Case

Hayley McClenahan-Ernst was found unresponsive at a home on Derby Street in Kingswood on the night of May 21, 2017. Paramedics attempted resuscitation, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

She was 21 years old and pregnant at the time of her death.

In 2017, homicide detectives declared her death suspicious. No charges were filed in the case for nearly nine years.

Investigation Timeline

• A coronial inquest into the death was suspended in 2025.
• The matter was then referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
• Following this referral, police re-launched their investigation.
• Two weeks prior to the arrest, police renewed a public appeal for information regarding the case.
• Spencer's arrest occurred less than six months after the investigation was re-launched.

Initial Court Proceedings

Max Spencer appeared before the bail division court. He was not required to appear on-screen and did not apply for release on bail. The matter was adjourned to Penrith Local Court on June 12.

Statement from Family

Last month, Lisa Ernst, the mother of Hayley McClenahan-Ernst, released a statement requesting witnesses with information to come forward.

"Hayley was deeply loved by our family and we have never stopped missing her smile, her infectious laugh, and the fierce love she had for her children."

She also stated, "My grief over losing my daughter has only deepened with time, especially as I still have no answers about what happened to Hayley."