A Canberra man has denied charges of attempted murder and animal cruelty following a terrifying spate of shootings across the capital last year that left one resident fighting for his life and a family pet dead.
Court hears not guilty pleas to nine charges
Kane Quinn, 33, was not physically present in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 15, 2026, but through his Legal Aid solicitor, entered not guilty pleas to nine fresh charges. The charges include attempt to murder, discharging a loaded firearm at another person in an act endangering life, and aggravated cruelty to an animal.
The court heard Quinn has been in custody since April 2025 on unrelated matters. The alleged shootings, which police believe are linked, occurred over a five-day period between March 25 and 29, 2025, in the suburbs of Greenway, Downer, and Watson.
A targeted campaign of violence
In the most serious incident, a man suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot in the stomach at a Watson residence. Police revealed that the same house had been shot at in the days prior to the attack. A dog was also killed during the violent spree.
At the time, Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye expressed grave concern, stating, "I'm concerned somebody is going to get killed if people aren't [arrested] and firearms [aren't] taken away." He indicated that police believed the victims were targeted for the theft of specific items, and that multiple firearms may have been involved.
Long road to justice
The court proceedings mark a significant step in a case that has shaken several Canberra communities. The charges were laid nearly ten months after the incidents, highlighting the complexity of the investigation.
Kane Quinn is scheduled to return to court in February 2026 for further proceedings. The case continues to unfold as the ACT justice system works to address the serious allegations of violence that placed residents in direct danger.
