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In a significant ruling, Donald Day, a 58-year-old American, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his role in discussions surrounding extreme conspiracies with the Queensland family responsible for the tragic Wieambilla shootings. This case sheds light on the disturbing intersection of online radicalisation and real-world violence, following the brutal slaying of two police officers and a neighbour in December 2022.
The Wieambilla Tragedy
The Wieambilla incident unfolded when brothers Nathaniel, 46, and Gareth Train, 47, along with Gareth’s wife Stacey, 45, ambushed Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, aged 26 and 29 respectively, at their rural Queensland property. The trio then proceeded to kill 58-year-old neighbour Alan Dare shortly thereafter. This shocking event has been described by Queensland’s police minister, Dan Purdie, as “one of the darkest days in our state’s history.”
Day’s involvement with the Trains spanned over a year, during which he communicated with them under the pseudonym “Geronimo’s Bones” via YouTube. Prosecutors revealed that these interactions involved discussions of extreme conspiracies and veiled threats. As part of a plea deal reached in October 2025, Day admitted to possessing firearms as a convicted felon, following an extensive investigation by US authorities.
Details of the Sentencing
On Thursday, Day was sentenced in a federal court in Arizona, where he had been detained since his arrest by the FBI in December 2023. The families of the slain officers expressed their distress following the sentencing, stating that the decision represented “another traumatic step in what continues to be an exhausting process.” They lamented that the relatively short sentence would not provide any solace for the profound loss they are enduring.
Day’s prior charges, which included threats against figures associated with the World Health Organization and the FBI, were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Day had even prepared a sniper’s nest for a potential confrontation with law enforcement, encouraging the Trains to adopt a similar posture of “determination and fury.”
The Broader Implications
The connections between Day and the Trains were scrutinised during a Queensland inquest, which determined that the Trains’ actions were driven by delusions and a warped perception of reality, rather than by their communications with Day. Day’s lawyer, Jon Sands, argued that his client should receive a lesser sentence, stating that it was the shared psychotic disorders of the Trains that culminated in the violence, rather than Day’s influence.
Despite this argument, the prosecution sought a more severe sentence, reflecting the gravity of Day’s threats and his involvement in the communications leading to such a catastrophic event. Ultimately, he was sentenced to 36 months, with the stipulation that he serve at least 90% of that term before being eligible for supervised release.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Donald Day highlights the urgent need for vigilance against the potential for online radicalisation to manifest in real-world violence. As communities grapple with the aftermath of the Wieambilla shootings, this case serves as a somber reminder of how extremist ideologies can intertwine with personal grievances, leading to devastating consequences. The tragedy not only underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and conspiracy theories but also calls for a reevaluation of how communication platforms can be better monitored to prevent similar incidents in the future.
