A man has been charged with murder following an investigation into the 2017 suspicious death of Hayley McClenahan-Ernst in Sydney’s west.

Police were called to a home on Derby Street, Kingswood on May 21, 2017 at 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.

Following extensive investigations by police, a 30-year-old man was arrested at a property at Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour just before 7.30am on Tuesday.

He was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and charged with murder.  

The man, who is yet to be identified, is due to appear before Bail Division Court 1 later today.

It comes after 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,’ NSW Police said in a statement.

Hayley McClenahan-Ernst, 21, died at a Kingswood home in May 2017 – she was pregnant

Almost nine years later, a 30-year-old man has been charged with her murder

‘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.’ 

More to come.