Key Takeaways:
- A pregnant woman, Sophie Quinn, and her friend John Harris were killed in a shooting spree in NSW’s Central West.
- The suspected gunman, Julian Ingram, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
- The shooting is believed to be domestic violence-related, with all victims known to the accused killer.
- A manhunt is underway to locate Ingram, with over 100 officers involved in the search.
- Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, and those experiencing family violence can seek help through various support services.
Introduction to the Tragedy:
A devastating shooting spree in NSW’s Central West has left a community in shock, with a pregnant woman and her friend tragically losing their lives. Sophie Quinn, 25, and John Harris, 32, were shot inside a vehicle on Bokhara Street in Lake Cargelligo on Thursday around 4:30pm. Despite receiving treatment, both victims died at the scene. The incident has sparked a widespread manhunt for the suspected gunman, Julian Ingram, who remains at large.
The Victims:
Sophie Quinn was a gentle and loving person, according to her mother, Cathy Quinn. She was expected to give birth to a baby boy in March, making her around seven months pregnant at the time of her death. Sophie enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and pig hunting, and was described as "a fun girl to be around." Her family revealed that she had separated from Julian Ingram, the suspected gunman, late last year. Another victim, Nerida Quinn, Sophie’s 50-year-old aunt, was also killed in the shooting, while 19-year-old Kaleb Macqueen was seriously injured.
The Suspect:
Julian Ingram, 37, is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, approximately 165-170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous, and police have warned the public not to approach him. Ingram has access to firearms, although the type and number are unknown, and he does not have a gun license in the state. He is known to police for previous domestic violence matters, which has led investigators to believe that the shooting may be domestic violence-related.
The Investigation:
The manhunt for Julian Ingram is ongoing, with over 100 officers involved in the search, including tactical officers from Sydney. Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, has urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. He also warned the public not to approach Ingram, emphasizing that he is considered armed and dangerous. The investigation is focused on the possibility of a domestic violence-related incident, given that all victims appear to be related to the accused killer.
Support Services:
For those experiencing family violence, there are various support services available. The 1800 RESPECT hotline (1800 737 732) provides 24/7 support, while the Crisis Care Helpline (1800 199 008) offers counseling and guidance. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals can speak to a crisis supporter on 13 YARN (13 92 76). These services aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for those affected by family violence, and can help individuals access the resources and assistance they need.
The Search for Julian Ingram:
As the search for Julian Ingram continues, the community remains on high alert. Ingram was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility vehicle with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, which has council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings on the side, and an emergency light bar on the roof. Anyone who sees him is urged to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately, rather than approaching him. The police are working tirelessly to locate Ingram and bring him to justice, and the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information to the authorities.
