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A man has been charged with the murder of his pregnant partner in their Sydney home almost a decade ago, weeks after her family appealed for answers.
Hayley McClenahan-Ernst, 21, was found unresponsive in the Kingswood home she shared with partner Max Spencer in May 2017. Spencer, now 30, was charged with breaching a domestic violence order immediately after the young mother’s death.
On Tuesday morning, nine years later, he was arrested at Bucca near Coffs Harbour and faced bail division court charged with her murder.
He did not apply for bail, which was formally refused by Judge Lisa Viney. The case will return to Penrith Local Court on June 12.
McClenahan-Ernst’s death was subject to a coronial inquest, which was suspended in 2025 after it was referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Detectives from Strike Force Fielding interviewed new witnesses after the inquest was suspended and last month renewed their public appeal for information.
“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,” Hayley’s mother, Lisa Ernst, said in March.
Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.
Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.From our partners
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