Lake Cargelligo Shooting: Concerns Arise Over Julian Ingram's Potential Escape with Assistance
There are growing concerns that a man wanted for a heinous triple murder in a small NSW town might be evading police with the help of others. The manhunt for Julian Ingram, 37, also known as Julian Pierpoint, has entered its third day, with searches of two properties overnight yielding no signs of his presence.
A massive police operation involving up to 100 officers descended on Lake Cargelligo, 130kms north of Griffith, on Thursday afternoon after three individuals known to Mr. Ingram were shot dead, and a fourth was critically injured. The tragic incident unfolded when Sophie Quinn, 25, and her friend John Harris, 32, were found shot inside a vehicle on Bokhara Street around 4:30 pm. Both were treated but tragically died at the scene. Ms. Quinn was pregnant and expected to give birth to a baby boy in March.
Ms. Quinn's aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, and her neighbor, Kaleb Macqueen, 19, were also killed and seriously injured, respectively, after Mr. Ingram allegedly opened fire at them in the driveway of a home on Walker Street shortly after the initial shooting. Nerida died at the scene, while Mr. Macqueen was taken to the hospital in a serious but stable condition. The shooting is being treated as a domestic violence incident, as Mr. Ingram was on bail for domestic violence offenses at the time and was due to appear in court next month.
Police have confirmed that Mr. Ingram has only been spotted once since the shooting, when he was seen driving out of Lake Cargelligo. At a briefing on Saturday morning, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland stated that Mr. Ingram, a council gardener, has a long history in the area and is well-known in the community. Mr. Holland expressed concerns about the possibility of people assisting him to avoid police apprehension.
Mr. Ingram has a lengthy criminal record, with his most recent violent offense occurring over five years ago. Mr. Holland raised questions about how Mr. Ingram, who has never held a gun license, allegedly had access to firearms. Two properties in nearby Euabalong, where Mr. Ingram grew up, were searched overnight, and the search area has been expanded.
Lake Cargelligo, with a population of about 1500 people, is no longer under lockdown, but residents have been advised to remain vigilant. Mr. Holland emphasized the need for extreme caution, given the knowledge that the alleged offender is still at large, armed, and potentially encountered by residents.
Mr. Ingram is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, approximately 165-170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding Mr. Ingram's whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For support with family violence, individuals can reach out to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter on 13 YARN - 13 92 76.
