WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of people who have died.
Police Intensify Search for Alleged Gunman in Western NSW
New South Wales Police have released images of a distinctive utility vehicle as they enter the third day of a major manhunt for alleged gunman Julian Ingram. The 37-year-old is accused of being responsible for the deaths of three people and the serious injury of another in the small community of Lake Cargelligo, located in western NSW, on Thursday.
Distinctive Vehicle and Description of Suspect
Authorities believe Ingram is driving a dual cab Ford Ranger with the New South Wales registration DM-07-GZ. The vehicle features a magnet on the front of the driver's door displaying the Lachlan Shire Council logo, with four black numbers positioned above it.
The ute is also fitted with an emergency orange light bar on the roof, and police indicate the utility's tray may contain work tools along with a silver toolbox.
Ingram, who is also known as Julian Piermont, is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance. He stands approximately 165cm to 170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes.
Police have emphasised that Julian Ingram, also referred to as Julian Pierpoint, is considered armed and extremely dangerous. The public is strongly urged not to approach him or the vehicle if sighted, and to contact emergency services immediately.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Investigators allege that Ingram killed his 25-year-old pregnant ex-partner, Sophie Quinn, and her new boyfriend, 32-year-old John Harris, on Bokhara Street on Thursday afternoon. Sophie Quinn was reportedly weeks away from becoming a first-time mother.
Police further allege that a short time later, 50-year-old Nerida Quinn was fatally shot in the driveway of a home on nearby Walker Street. During the same incident, 19-year-old Kaleb MacQueen was shot and sustained serious injuries.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland stated on Friday that Ingram was known to the victims, confirming the incident is "definitely a domestic relationship" matter.
Background and Ongoing Search Efforts
Assistant Commissioner Holland confirmed that Ingram had been recently bailed by police and subsequently by a court over domestic violence-related matters. An apprehended violence order was also in place at the time of the alleged offences.
"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 noted.
The last confirmed sighting of Ingram, who works as a council gardener, was on a road heading out of town. More than 100 police officers are now involved in the extensive search operation.
"At this stage we've cleared a number of premises in the local area and we have also identified a number of places which are being reviewed in relation to the search patterns for the future," Holland explained. "At this stage unfortunately, we haven't been able to locate our offender and we are still continuing that process."
Holland added that there are police on almost every corner of Lake Cargelligo currently, but reiterated that there is no official lockdown in place and residents can move around as needed.
Challenges in the Manhunt
Authorities have expressed concern that Ingram, due to his occupation as a council gardener, knows the local area exceptionally well. "It is feasible that he could maintain an extended period in the local area without being detected," Holland acknowledged.
Police also confirmed that it remains unclear how the firearm used in the alleged offences was obtained, as Ingram does not hold a valid firearms licence.
Assistant Commissioner Holland described the devastating series of events as "a tragedy in a small community," underscoring the profound impact on the close-knit region of western New South Wales.
