Key Takeaways
- Police are searching for accused triple murderer Julian Ingram in western NSW after a possible sighting in the Mt Hope area.
- Ingram is believed to be traveling in a white single-cab Ford Ranger utility trayback with registration DN07GZ.
- The search area is not in lockdown, but locals are advised to exercise extreme caution and report unusual activity to police.
- Ingram is considered armed and dangerous, and police are warning that he may be receiving help from locals.
- The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s domestic violence laws, which may have allowed Ingram to be released on bail despite his history of violent offending.
Introduction to the Manhunt
Police have launched a massive manhunt in western NSW after a possible sighting of accused triple murderer Julian Ingram. The 37-year-old has been on the run for five days after allegedly gunning down three people and seriously injuring another in Lake Cargelligo. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said that tactical police and the air wing were deployed immediately after public witnesses reported seeing Ingram in the Mt Hope area, north-west of Lake Cargelligo, in the early hours of the morning.
Search Efforts
The search area is not in lockdown, but Holland has asked locals to "be careful about their movements" and report unusual activity to police. Police have updated the description of the vehicle Ingram is believed to be traveling in, to a white single-cab Ford Ranger utility trayback with registration DN07GZ. The Mt Hope area is being searched by tactical police, who are carrying out searches of multiple properties in the area. Holland has warned that Ingram is considered armed and dangerous, and that police will continue to search the area "until we’re clear those areas are safe".
Background of the Accused
Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, has a history of violent offending and was out on bail on alleged domestic violence charges at the time of the incident. His criminal record stretches back ten years, and he was granted bail in November despite being banned from going within 100 meters of his ex-partner Sophie Quinn, one of the victims. Police had assessed the risk of releasing Ingram on bail, but deemed it suitable at the time. However, just eight weeks later, Ingram allegedly shot dead Sophie and two others.
Government Response
The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s domestic violence laws, which may have allowed Ingram to be released on bail despite his history of violent offending. The reforms only apply to serious domestic violence offences that carry maximum sentences of 14 years or more, and Ingram’s case has exposed a flaw in the laws. Solicitor and advocate for domestic violence victims, Tendayi Chivunga, says that repeat offenders or those who continually breach domestic violence orders are still out on the streets. The government has refused to comment on why Ingram was released on bail, citing the infancy of the case and the fact that the accused is still on the run.
Investigation and Next Steps
Police have spent the week searching a "very broad" area of the NSW central west surrounding Lake Cargelligo, with over 100 officers involved in search efforts both on the ground and from the air. The search area has included Griffith, where many of Ingram’s relatives live, and Euabalong, where he is known to frequent. However, police have had little success so far, and the added issue is that Ingram is known to be an experienced bushman who can survive in remote areas with little-to-no resources. In the coming days, police plan to expand their search area and increase their resources to leave no stone unturned in their search for the alleged killer.
Conclusion
The search for Julian Ingram continues, with police warning that he is considered armed and dangerous. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s domestic violence laws, and the case has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of the bail system. As the search efforts continue, police are urging locals to exercise extreme caution and report any unusual activity to police. The case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, and the need for greater action to prevent such incidents in the future.
