Constable Hayward was shot and killed while searching for a suspect wanted by police.
Constable Russel Hayward was assisting other NBPP members with an assault investigation at Ripples, a short distance from Minto, NB.
NBPP members were attempting to serve a warrant on the assault suspect Nehemiah HUDLIN. Previous attempts had resulted in gunfire from HUDLIN. Members were searching a wooded area near HUDLIN'S camp which was located in dense woods near a railbed. Hayward, (a Great War Veteran) who was carrying a rifle located HUDLIN and challenged him at gunpoint.
HUDLIN fled and Hayward declined to shoot. A short time thereafter, Constable Hayward was standing along the railbed having a conversation with a railway employee. Hayward had explained how he could not bring himself to shoot HUDLIN in cold blood. As he was speaking, a shot rang out and bullet struck Hayward in the back inflicting a fatal wound.
Eventually Nemehiah HUDLIN and his brother Samuel were apprehended and charged with the murder of Constable Hayward. Both were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
It is rumoured that Samuel HUDLIN gave a death bed-confession claiming responsibility for Cst Hayward's death.
At the time of his death Constable Howard was survived by his wife and 2 children.
Constable Hayward is buried in the Rusagonis Baptist Cemetery near Oromocto, NB