Lake Cargelligo Shooting: Concerns Grow Over Julian Ingram's Elusive Escape
Fears are mounting that a man wanted for a horrific triple murder in a small NSW town might be evading capture with the help of accomplices. The search for Julian Ingram, 37, also known as Julian Pierpoint, has entered its third day, yet no signs of him have been found after searches of two properties.
A massive police operation involving up to 100 officers descended on Lake Cargelligo, 130kms north of Griffith, on Thursday afternoon following the tragic deaths of three individuals known to Mr. Ingram and the serious injury of a fourth. Sophie Quinn, 25, her friend John Harris, 32, were found shot inside a vehicle on Bokhara Street around 4:30 pm. Both were treated but died at the scene. Ms. Quinn was pregnant, expecting 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. Mr. Ingram was on bail for domestic violence offenses at the time and was due to appear in court next month. Police have confirmed only one sighting of Mr. Ingram since the shooting, when he was seen driving out of Lake Cargelligo.
At a briefing on Saturday, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland stated that Mr. Ingram, a council gardener, was well-known in the community and had worked in the area for a long time. He expressed concerns that people might be assisting him to avoid police apprehension.
Mr. Ingram has a lengthy criminal history, with his most recent violent offense over five years ago. Mr. Holland also raised questions about how Mr. Ingram allegedly had access to firearms, as he had never held a gun license.
The search area has been expanded, and two properties in nearby Euabalong, where Mr. Ingram grew up, were searched overnight. Lake Cargelligo, with a population of about 1500, is no longer under lockdown, but residents have been warned to remain vigilant.
Mr. Ingram is described as an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander man, approximately 165-170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For support with family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008. Alternatively, speak to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter on 13 YARN - 13 92 76.
