Zailn Hayward: Person released from custody as police probe whether multiple parties committed alleged murder

Homicide detectives have released a person from custody as they continue to investigate whether “multiple parties” allegedly murdered a homeless man with a lengthy criminal record in Yanchep bushland. A WA Police spokeswoman said investigators were continuing to make inquiries following the death of 27-year-old Zailn Jahson Hayward on March 1. Mr Hayward, who was sleeping rough nearby, was found dead on a gravel track near Grampians Loop in Yanchep— about 54km north of Perth — around 6.40pm that night. Police haven’t revealed how Mr Hayward died, only that 30-year-old Rivervale man Warren Robert Collard had been charged with his alleged murder. Another person was initially assisting police with inquires, but a spokeswoman on Wednesday said they had since been released from custody. In an update this week, homicide detectives urged anyone who was saw a man on an e-scooter around the time Mr Hayward’s body was found to come forward. “Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Grampians Loop, Blackwood Meander and Marmion Avenue in Yanchep from 6-7pm,” police said. “In particular, detectives are interested in anyone who may have also sighted a man on an e-scooter in the area at the time. “The investigation remains ongoing including into the involvement of other parties.” Mr Hayward was well known to police, had a lengthy history of drug abuse, and was due to face Joondalup Magistrates Court later this month charged with possessing methamphetamine and trespassing. In May 2020, while drunk, naked and on bail for a string of offences, Hayward broke into his elderly neighbour’s Balga home around midnight to steal money. He later assaulted an 81-year-old woman inside her bedroom. He was sentenced to three years and six months jail in 2022 over the violent attack but was released within a few months when considering time already served. Reports to crime stoppers can be made anonymously via 1800 333 000 or online.