A man has been charged with murder following an investigation into the 2017 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 and a mother of two - died at the scene.
The Daily Mail understands Max Spencer, 30, 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.
Spencer faced bail division court on Tuesday afternoon and did not apply for bail.
His matter was adjourned to Penrith local court on June 12.
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.
Hayley McClenahan-Ernst, 21, died at a Kingswood home in May 2017 - she was pregnant
Almost nine years later, Max Spencer, 30 has been charged with her murder
'The circumstances surrounding Hayley's death were deemed suspicious and extensive investigations were conducted under Strike Force Fielding,' NSW Police said in a statement.
'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.'
Footage released by NSW Police on Tuesday of Spencer's arrest showed him being led into the back of a police car, his hands cuffed in front of him.
Spencer, whose distinctive arm tattoos were on show, seemingly asked one of the arresting officers a question, to which she replied, 'I will talk to you about that when we get back there.'
After his short pockets were patted down by officers, Spencer was guided into the back of the car.
Last month, Ms McClenahan-Ernst's mother Lisa Ernst said her daughter was 'deeply loved' by her family.
'We have never stopped missing her smile, her infectious laugh, and the fierce love she had for her children,' Ms Ernst said. 'My grief over losing my daughter has only deepened with time, especially as I still have no answers about what happened to her.'
Spencer was arrested at a property at Bucca just before 7.30am on Tuesday