A man will appear in court today charged with murder following an investigation into the 2017 suspicious death of Hayley McClenahan-Ernst at Kingswood.
On Sunday 21 May 2017, police were called to a home on Derby Street about 12.15am, where 21-year-old Hayley was found unresponsive.
NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered assistance, but Hayley – who was pregnant - died at the scene.
A 21-year-old man - known to Hayley - was charged at the time with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (DV) and was dealt with by the courts.
The circumstances surrounding Hayley's death were deemed suspicious and extensive investigations were conducted under Strike Force Fielding.
In 2025 a coronial inquest was suspended, and the matter was referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In October 2025, detectives attached to Nepean Police Command reviewed the matter and have continued to conduct inquiries.
Following further inquiries and a public appeal, strike force detectives attended a property at Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour just before 7.30 today (Tuesday 14 April 2026) and arrested a 30-year-old man.
He was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and charged with murder.
The man will appear before Bail Division – Court 1 today (Tuesday 14 April 2026).
