Manhunt Intensifies for Alleged Triple Murderer in Remote NSW
Police have dramatically widened their search for a man suspected of carrying out a triple murder in remote New South Wales, revealing the alleged gunman reported to officers under his bail conditions just hours before the fatal shootings. The suspect, Julian Ingram, 37, remains at large and is believed to be armed with at least one firearm, despite never having held a firearms licence.
Community on High Alert as Search Expands
While the town of Lake Cargelligo is no longer in official lockdown, authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland stated that people are free to move about, but must remain vigilant with the knowledge that an armed and dangerous offender is still on the loose. The police search has now extended to properties in Euabalong, approximately 30 kilometres north of Lake Cargelligo.
"I think everyone needs to be concerned for their safety at this point," Holland warned. "He's a man with a firearm who has obviously taken violent action in a country location. We can't tell what his actions are going to be in the future."
Tragic Details of the Shootings Emerge
The shootings occurred on Thursday afternoon, beginning on Bokhara Street where Sophie Quinn, 25, who was pregnant with a son, was shot and killed while in a car. Another man in the vehicle, John Harris, was also fatally wounded. Police were then called to Walker Street following reports of another shooting, where they discovered Nerida Quinn, 50, and Kaleb Macqueen, 19, shot in a driveway.
Nerida Quinn, an aunt of Sophie, later died from her injuries. Macqueen remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. All victims were local residents, deepening the impact on the small community of between 1,300 and 1,500 people.
Bail Conditions and Domestic Violence History
Ingram was on bail for alleged domestic violence offences against Sophie Quinn at the time of the shootings. Court documents reveal that Quinn had an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) taken out against him in December, which was due for review in court on 3 February. Police had granted Ingram bail on 30 November for domestic violence-related charges, with conditions requiring him to report daily to Lake Cargelligo police station and stay at least 100 metres from Quinn, her home, and her workplace.
Assistant Commissioner Holland confirmed that Ingram complied with all bail conditions and had reported to police at 8.12am on the morning of the shootings, as required. A threat assessment conducted when bail was granted in November had deemed the risk suitable, a decision later supported by the court.
Ingram had pleaded not guilty to charges including stalking and harassment with intent to cause physical harm, common assault, and damaging or destroying property.
Specialist Resources Deployed in Manhunt
Police have flown in specialist personnel including tactical operations units, negotiators, and homicide investigators to assist with the search. Authorities believe Ingram, who worked as a council gardener and weeds officer for Lachlan Shire council, knows the area incredibly well and is versed in bushcraft, complicating efforts to locate him.
He was last seen driving out of Lake Cargelligo in a Ford Ranger utility vehicle with council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings on the sides, and an emergency light bar on the roof. Police suspect he may be receiving assistance from associates to avoid apprehension.
Community Trauma and Family Anguish
The tragedy has profoundly affected the small country community. "Any death in a small country town is confronting," Holland acknowledged. "But a scene where people are shot by firearms is obviously going to make people very, very tense and very concerned."
Family members of the victims have expressed their anguish publicly. Sophie Quinn's sister, Katy Quinn, stated that her Indigenous family could have "no peace" while Ingram remains at large, adding that "none of the victims' families" feel safe. Meanwhile, Kaleb Macqueen's grandmother, Sandra Little, took to social media to say she was "praying" for his recovery and for the families of the other victims.
Police continue to investigate the source of the firearm or firearms used in the incident, with crime scene investigators having obtained some indication of the type of weapons involved. The manhunt continues as authorities work to apprehend Ingram and bring him to justice.
