William Alfred Bayly was born on July 15, 1906, in Auckland, New Zealand. 

In October 1928, the body of 17-year-old Elsie Walker, William Alfred Bayly's cousin, was found in Panmure, Auckland. She had a bruise on her head. Bayly was suspected of her murder but was not charged.

In November 1928, Bayly and his wife, Phyllis, began dairy farming in Ruawaro, near Huntly. They had neighbors named Samuel and Christobel Lakey. Relations between the Baylys and the Lakeys were initially good. However, tensions arose when Christobel accused Bayly of murdering his niece.

On 16 October 1933, the Lakeys' cows were not milked, raising concerns. Christobel Lakey was found face down in her pond. She had been struck in the face and drowned. Samuel Lakey was missing. Although some thought he might be responsible, police determined both Lakeys were victims of foul play.

Shortly after, bloodstains were found on a frame near the Bayly and Lakey property lines. More bloodstains were discovered on Bayly's sledge. Additionally, Lakey’s guns were found hidden in Bayly's swamp, and charred bone fragments were identified on a shovel from Bayly’s farm.

By December, Bayly was under police surveillance. He disappeared and left a suicide note. He later showed up in Auckland and was arrested for Christobel's murder. Further evidence was discovered in Bayly's garden, indicating he had tried to destroy any traces of her.

On 10 January 1934, Bayly was charged with Samuel Lakey’s murder. He was executed by hanging in Mount Eden Prison, Auckland, on 20 July 1934. Bayly left behind his wife and two young sons. In 2015, the remains of Samuel Lakey, which had been used for forensic training, were finally buried alongside Christobel's in Huntly cemetery.