HAYWARD 

A 42-year-old Springdale man was arrested on July 22 in connection with the discovery of the body of Cheryl L. Hayward, 28, in a wooded area of southern Stevens County.

Preston L. Rogers Jr. was charged with first-degree murder with deadly weapon enhancement.

An autopsy ruled that Hayward died from a stab wound to the neck. A hunting knife, a .22-caliber pistol and cell phone were discovered next to the body near Cemetery Road in Springdale.

In court documents, Rogers, who was recently released from the Sacred Heart Medical Center’s psychiatric ward, admitted to arguing with Hayward and “just snapped.”

Hayward, who had recently reportedly broken off a relationship with Rogers, was seen arguing with him on July 14, the day she was reported missing.

Hayward supposedly took Rogers into Deer Park later that day. There are reports that he was seen alone later that day in Springdale with Hayward’s car.

During her disappearance, Stevens County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Border Patrol officers had searched remote areas near Hayward’s home. Rogers eventually showed officials where Hayward’s body could be found.

Hayward, who worked as an aide at Springdale Elementary School, was reportedly in line for a new job in Spokane. There were also reports that she had met a new boyfriend in Spokane.