WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of people who have died.
Sole Survivor Recounts Terrifying Ordeal in Alleged Shooting Spree
Police are intensifying their investigation into a reported sighting of an accused killer, Julian Ingram, who is wanted for allegedly shooting dead his pregnant ex-partner and two others in a small New South Wales town. The sole survivor of the horrific incident, 19-year-old Kaleb MacQueen, has bravely spoken out about his terrifying ordeal, revealing he believes he should be dead.
Teenager Shot at Friend's Home
MacQueen was at his mate's place in Lake Cargelligo last Thursday when the violence erupted. He described hearing gunshots and seeing his friend's mother, Nerrida Quinn, wounded. "I heard boom, boom. She was, yeah, holding her neck and then he was laughing," MacQueen told 7NEWS. The teenager recalled seeing the barrels of a firearm pointed at him, unsure if it was a double barrel or pump action weapon.
"My hand's given me, yeah, a lot of pain and so's my shoulder. I've, yeah, destroyed my pinky," MacQueen said of his injuries. He was airlifted to Canberra Hospital with serious wounds, unaware at the time that Sophie Quinn, who was heavily pregnant and weeks away from becoming a first-time mother, and John Harris had been murdered moments before.
Police Hunt for Armed Fugitive
Ingram has been on the run since the alleged shootings, with more than 100 police officers searching the area for four consecutive days. A potential breakthrough emerged on Sunday when police began investigating a reported sighting of Ingram at Mount Hope. Locals in the isolated community reported seeing a shirtless man with a gun around 1.30am.
Authorities are now searching a rural property in the area spanning approximately 4,000 hectares. "The search will continue until we clear those premises that we are considered those areas safe," police stated. They believe Ingram could be travelling on foot and moving through the night to avoid both the heat and detection.
Community on Edge as Search Continues
MacQueen and his mother are pleading with police to find Ingram, saying they won't feel safe until he's captured. "Makes me feel sick. Makes me, yeah, I don't even know what to think. It gives me... gives me chills up my spine," MacQueen said of learning about the full extent of the tragedy.
Police have issued a stern warning to locals that Ingram remains armed and dangerous and should not be approached if seen. The community remains on high alert as the manhunt continues across the rural landscape.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men's Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, you can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
