Early this morning, strike force detectives apprehended 30-year-old Max Spencer at a residence in Bucca, located north of Coffs Harbour, at 7:30 AM.

Back on May 21, 2017, McClenahan-Ernst was discovered unresponsive in the Kingswood home she shared with Spencer just after midnight. Despite the swift response from police and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time, Spencer’s attorney informed 9News that Spencer claimed his partner had “fallen over and hit her head.”

The investigation into the young mother’s death took a turn last year when the coronial inquest was paused, as the case was redirected to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

In October, the Nepean Police Command’s detectives revisited the case, reigniting the inquiry.

New testimonies were gathered, and just last month, detectives issued a public call for information.

As part of that appeal, McClenahan-Ernst’s mother Lisa Ernst made a heartfelt plea for anyone with information to come forward.

“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.

“My grief over losing my daughter has only deepened with time, especially as I still have no answers about what happened to Hayley.”

Spencer has been taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and will appear in court later today for a bail hearing.

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