Key Takeaways
- Julian Ingram, 37, is accused of triple murder and is on the run from police in Lake Cargelligo, NSW.
- Ingram allegedly shot and killed his former partner Sophie Quinn, 24, her friend John Harris, 32, and Sophie’s aunt Nerida Quinn, 50.
- A 19-year-old man, Kaleb Macqueen, was also shot and seriously injured in the incident.
- Police are searching for Ingram, who is considered to be an experienced bushman and may be able to survive in remote areas with limited resources.
- Authorities are exploring the possibility that associates may be helping Ingram evade capture.
Introduction to the Incident
The search for accused triple murderer Julian Ingram has been widened, with police exploring the possibility that associates may be helping him evade authorities. Ingram, 37, has been on the run since Thursday afternoon, after he allegedly shot and killed his heavily pregnant former partner Sophie Quinn, 24, and her friend, John Harris, 32, while they drove along Bokhara Street in Lake Cargelligo in the NSW Central West. The incident occurred around 4:10pm, and Ingram then drove to Walker Street, where he is alleged to have shot and killed Sophie’s aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, and shot and seriously injured 19-year-old Kaleb Macqueen.
The Search for Julian Ingram
Ingram, a gardener at Lachlan Shire Council, was last seen leaving Lake Cargelligo in a council ute. Police are appealing for information to locate the ute, a Ford Ranger with registration DM-07-GZ, council signage, a metal tray back, high visibility markings on the side, and an emergency light bar on the roof. Police are exploring the possibility that Ingram may have dumped the ute and switched vehicles. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said police had cleared several properties overnight on Friday and would expand the search area over the weekend. Up to 100 officers, including local police and members of the Tactical Operations Unit, are searching for Ingram.
Ingram’s Background and Possible Motive
Ingram is regarded as an experienced bushman able to survive long stretches in remote areas with limited resources. He has worked in the area for a long time and was known to many people in the community. Holland said it was unclear what type of firearm Ingram, who has never held a gun licence in NSW, could be carrying. Several empty shotgun shells could be seen on Bokhara Street near where Sophie Quinn and Harris were shot dead. It was unclear how Ingram had acquired the weapon, Holland said. Ingram was charged with allegedly assaulting Sophie Quinn around the time the pair broke up last year. Police released Ingram on bail in November, and three days later, an interim apprehended domestic violence order was put in place to protect the 24-year-old from Ingram.
The Victims and Their Families
Sophie Quinn’s mother, Cathy Quinn, described her daughter as gentle, loving, and caring, with "not a mean bone in her". She loved fishing, pig hunting, and her dogs, Cathy said. Sophie was due to give birth to a son in March, who was to be named after her father Troy, who died when she was two years old. The streets where the shootings occurred were reopened by Saturday morning, and three bunches of flowers had been left by the roadside where Sophie Quinn and Harris were killed. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.
The Ongoing Investigation
Holland said Ingram had complied with the interim apprehended domestic violence order and his bail conditions, which required him to report to Lake Cargelligo police station daily. Ingram reported to police at 8:12am on Thursday, Holland said. The bail conditions did not require him to be electronically monitored. After people were told to stay indoors, on Saturday Holland said Lake Cargelligo residents were free to leave their homes, but urged them to exercise "extreme caution" and to not approach Ingram. Holland said Ingram was still armed and that there was a possibility that he could come across residents, and that his actions were unpredictable. Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, is described by police as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm to 170cm tall, medium build with short dark hair and brown eyes.
