Police are continuing to search properties in remote New South Wales for suspected triple murderer Julian Ingram, as the only survivor of the shooting says the fugitive was laughing during the attack. An unconfirmed sighting of Ingram at Mount Hope, about 70km from Lake Cargelligo, was reported to police on Sunday morning.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said on Monday that while police could not reveal details about the reported sighting by a couple of witnesses, other possible incidents had also been reported which may link Ingram to Mount Hope. Asked if that included break-ins or missing property, Holland said: 'I’d rather not say at this point.'
Ingram, 37, is suspected of shooting dead his pregnant former partner Sophie Quinn, 25, her new boyfriend John Harris, and her aunt Nerida Quinn, 50, on Thursday afternoon in Lake Cargelligo. He was on bail for domestic violence allegations made by Quinn at the time. Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was also shot and is in a serious but stable condition.
Macqueen told Nine News that he was outside a home when the suspect opened fire, killing Nerida Quinn. 'She’s obviously went towards the ute, I heard boom, boom … she was holding her neck,' he said. 'He was laughing, and gave her one good shot to the head and she was gone.' Macqueen said he has 'terrible nightmares' after the shooting.
Holland would not confirm the number of properties searched in Mount Hope, but said police were monitoring resources. Some residents left town on Sunday as rumours swirled about the sighting. Holland advised: 'If people feel insecure, I recommend people stay in their premises … for those who are camping or just visiting, my suggestion would be it’s time to go home.'
