In a shocking turn of events, a small town in rural New South Wales has been rocked by a horrific shooting incident that has left three people dead and one critically injured. The police are now engaged in a widening manhunt for the suspected gunman, Julian Ingram, a 37-year-old local man who is believed to be armed and dangerous.
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon in the town of Lake Cargelligo, when Ingram allegedly opened fire on his pregnant former partner, Sophie Quinn, and two other individuals – John Harris and Nerida Quinn, who was Sophie’s aunt. Sophie Quinn and John Harris were killed in the shooting, while Nerida Quinn and Kaleb Macqueen, a 19-year-old man, were also shot and are in serious but stable condition.
According to police, Ingram is known to the authorities and was on bail for domestic violence-related offences against one of the victims, Sophie Quinn. He was required to report to the local police station daily as part of his bail conditions, and had done so on the morning of the shooting. However, shortly after, he is believed to have fled the town, driving a Ford Ranger utility vehicle with council signage.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland has urged the public to exercise “extreme caution” as the search for Ingram continues. He confirmed that Ingram is well-versed in bushcraft and knows the remote area well, which has necessitated the widening of the search operation. Specialist personnel, including tactical units, negotiators, and homicide investigators, have been brought in to assist in the manhunt.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the small community of Lake Cargelligo, which is home to around 1,300 to 1,500 people. Floral tributes have been left near the scenes of the shootings, and residents have expressed their grief and concern for the affected families.
Sophie Quinn’s sister, Katy Quinn, spoke on behalf of the Indigenous families involved, saying that they could have “no peace” while Ingram remains at large. The grandmother of Kaleb Macqueen, Sandra Little, has taken to social media to pray for her grandson’s recovery and the families of the other victims.
As the investigation continues, the police have emphasised that Ingram is considered armed and dangerous, and they have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating him. The tragedy has left the small community of Lake Cargelligo in a state of shock and mourning, and the search for the suspected shooter continues.