Key Takeaways
- Julian Ingram, 37, is suspected of murdering three people in remote NSW and is still at large
- An unconfirmed sighting of Ingram was reported on Sunday morning at Mount Hope, about 70km north of the crime scene
- Tactical police with air support are searching the area, which includes large properties and brushcutting camps that Ingram is familiar with
- Ingram was on bail for domestic violence allegations at the time of the shootings and has never held a NSW firearms licence
- Police are urging locals to be cautious and to report any information to them, rather than sharing unconfirmed reports on social media
Introduction to the Incident
The search for Julian Ingram, who is suspected of murdering three people in remote NSW, has taken a new turn with an unconfirmed sighting reported at Mount Hope, about 70km north of the crime scene. The sighting was made early on Sunday morning, and tactical police with air support have been deployed to the area to search for Ingram. The 37-year-old is believed to have shot dead his pregnant former partner, Sophie Quinn, her new boyfriend, John Harris, and her aunt, Nerida Quinn, in Lake Cargelligo on Thursday afternoon.
The Reported Sighting
The reported sighting of Ingram at Mount Hope has led to a large-scale search of the area, with police checking local properties and speaking to witnesses. The area is vast, with some properties covering over 400,000 hectares, making it a challenging task for police to search. Ingram is believed to be familiar with the area, having worked as a brushcutter for the local council and having knowledge of brushcutting camps in the region. However, police are still working to confirm whether the sighting was genuine, and are urging locals to be cautious and to report any information to them.
The Crime Scene
The shootings occurred on Thursday afternoon in Lake Cargelligo, with Sophie Quinn, 25, and her partner, John Harris, shot in a car on Bokhara Street. Nerida Quinn, 50, was found shot in the driveway of a property on Walker Street, and died at the scene. Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was also shot and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Ingram was on bail for domestic violence allegations made by Sophie Quinn at the time of the shootings, and police are still working to determine how he obtained the firearms used in the crime.
The Search for Ingram
The search for Ingram is ongoing, with police using air support and tactical teams to scour the area. The last confirmed sighting of Ingram was made on Thursday as he drove north out of Lake Cargelligo, towards Mount Hope. Police have released an image of the ute Ingram was last seen driving, a white single cab Ford Ranger with an emergency orange light bar on the roof. The utility’s tray may contain work tools and a silver toolbox. Police are urging locals to be on the lookout for Ingram and to report any sightings to them immediately.
Police Response
Police are taking the search for Ingram very seriously, with assistant commissioner Andrew Holland stating that the search is a top priority. Holland has warned locals to be cautious and to report any information to police, rather than sharing unconfirmed reports on social media. He has also thanked locals for their cooperation and assistance, stating that they have been incredibly helpful to police. The police are working to confirm which firearms Ingram had, and how he obtained them, and are also providing support to the families of the victims.
Conclusion
The search for Julian Ingram is ongoing, with police working tirelessly to apprehend him. The reported sighting at Mount Hope has led to a new focus on the area, and police are urging locals to be cautious and to report any information to them. As the investigation continues, police are reminding locals to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to them immediately. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims, and police are working to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported during this difficult time.
