New South Wales police have announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Julian Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, who is accused of murdering three people in Lake Cargelligo in January. The victims were Sophie Quinn, 25, who was pregnant, her boyfriend John Harris, 32, and her aunt Nerida Quinn, 50. A 19-year-old man was also seriously injured in the attack.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland stated that police believe Ingram is alive and being supported by someone in the community. 'Seven weeks in the arid country … he would have to have support. He hasn’t accessed any of his mobile phones and banking … or anything of that kind. We believe he is alive and is getting support,' Holland said.
Ingram was last seen driving a Ford Ranger ute with council signage, which may now be hidden under tree branches. Police have searched 60,000 acres but still have 600,000 acres to cover. Ingram could be hiding in scrubland, making aerial detection difficult.
The funerals for Sophie and Nerida Quinn are scheduled for this week, with a large police presence to ensure community safety and prevent Ingram from returning. Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos urged the public to come forward with information to help locate Ingram and bring closure to the community.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley described the incident as 'a shocking and brutal act of violence' and emphasised that the reward is intended to encourage anyone with information to speak up. Police have faced scrutiny over granting Ingram bail for allegedly assaulting Sophie Quinn two months before the murders, but officials maintain that a risk assessment at the time found he did not pose an unacceptable risk.
