Max Spencer was charged with the murder of Hayley McClenahan-Erns following his arrest on Tuesday, April 14
Credit: NSW Police
NEED TO KNOW
- Hayley McClenahan-Ernst was found unresponsive at a house in Australia on Sunday, May 21, 2017
- On Tuesday, April 14, Max Spencer was arrested and charged with the murder of McClenahan-Ernst
- The 21-year-old was pregnant at the time of her death, according to the New South Wales Police Force
Almost a decade after a pregnant woman died in Australia, her ex-partner has been charged with murder.
On Tuesday, April 14, the NSW Police Force announced in a news release that a 30-year-old man was arrested at a property in Coffs Harbour following an investigation into the suspicious death of Hayley McClenahan-Ernst.
He is set to appear in court having been charged with murder.
NSW Police Force confirmed in an email to PEOPLE that the suspect's name is Max Spencer.
Credit: NSW Police
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Spencer was McClenahan-Ernst’s former partner, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
She was found unresponsive at a Derby Street residence at around 12:15 a.m local time on Sunday, May 21, 2017, per NSW Police. This was a property McClenahan-Ernst shared with Spencer, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered assistance, but Hayley – who was pregnant – died at the scene,” per the police news release.
Authorities said that a 21-year-old man, who was known to the victim, “was charged at the time with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (DV) and was dealt with by the courts.”
McClenahan-Ernst’s death was concluded as suspicious and “extensive investigations were conducted under Strike Force Fielding.”
Police said the case was referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) after a coronial inquest was suspended in 2025.
Credit: NSW Police
Nepean Police Command detectives reviewed the case in October 2025.
After further inquiries and a public appeal, police were able to carry out their arrest on Tuesday, April 14.
McClenahan-Ernst’s mother, Lisa Ernst, released a statement last month asking for witnesses to speak up.
“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 said, per ABC. "My grief over losing my daughter has only deepened with time, especially as I still have no answers about what happened to Hayley."
The case has been postponed to Penrith local court for June 12, per ABC.
Read the full article here
