Bail Compliance Under Scrutiny in NSW Triple Murder Investigation
Police in New South Wales have revealed that a man wanted over an alleged triple murder in a remote community was out on bail at the time of the fatal shootings. Authorities have expressed concern that his intimate knowledge of the local area could enable him to evade capture for what they describe as an "extended period" of time.
Tragic Details of the Lake Cargelligo Incident
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Julian Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, is wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of three people at Lake Cargelligo in the state's Central West region. The victims include his 25-year-old pregnant ex-partner, Sophie Quinn, and her friend, 32-year-old John Harris, who were both shot dead inside a vehicle on Bokhara Street on Thursday afternoon.
A short time later, Sophie Quinn's aunt, 50-year-old Nerida Quinn, was fatally shot in the driveway of a residence on nearby Walker Street. During this second incident, a 19-year-old friend, Kaleb MacQueen, sustained serious injuries. MacQueen remains hospitalised in a serious but stable condition and has reportedly provided information to detectives assisting with the investigation.
Police Confirm Domestic Relationship and Bail History
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed on Friday that Ingram was known to all victims and described the situation as "definitely a domestic relationship." He revealed that Ingram had been recently bailed by police and subsequently by a court over domestic violence-related matters, with an apprehended violence order already in place at the time of the shootings.
"I will say in the time that he has been on bail he has complied with every condition and police have checked on him multiple times," Holland stated, while acknowledging the tragic outcome that has now unfolded.
Massive Police Operation Underway
More than 100 police officers are currently involved in the search for Ingram, who was last seen travelling on a road heading out of town. The suspect, who works as a council gardener, is believed to be travelling in a white Ford Ranger vehicle displaying council signage.
Assistant Commissioner Holland explained that police have cleared several premises in the local area and identified additional locations for review as part of ongoing search patterns. "At this stage unfortunately, we haven't been able to locate our offender and we are still continuing that process," he reported.
Community Impact and Public Warning
Holland described the incident as "a tragedy in a small community" that will require significant time and support for recovery. He noted that while police maintain a substantial presence in Lake Cargelligo, with officers positioned on "almost every corner," there is no formal lockdown in place and residents can move about as needed.
The Assistant Commissioner emphasised that Ingram's familiarity with the local terrain makes it "feasible that he could maintain an extended period in the local area without being detected." Authorities have confirmed that the suspect does not hold a firearms license, raising questions about how he may have obtained the weapon used in the attacks.
Police have issued a stern warning to the public, stating that Ingram should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances. Anyone who sights the wanted man is urged to contact Triple-0 immediately.
The investigation continues as forensic teams examine multiple crime scenes, including a black Suzuki Swift vehicle with a smashed rear windscreen. The community remains on high alert as one of the largest police operations in recent regional NSW history unfolds.
