Julian Ingram bailed on domestic violence charges before allegedly killing Sophie Quinn, John Harris, Nerida Quinn in NSW Central West
Updated ,first published
Warning: This story contains names and images of deceased Indigenous people.
Lake Cargelligo: Police granted bail weeks ago to a man facing domestic violence charges after he allegedly killed three people, including his heavily pregnant ex-partner.
A massive manhunt is underway for Julian Ingram, who allegedly shot and killed 24-year-old Sophie Quinn and her friend John Harris, 32, while driving at Cargelligo Lake in the NSW Central West on Thursday afternoon.
He then allegedly went to a house in the town, where he shot Sophie’s aunt Nerida Quinn, 50, and seriously injured Kaleb Macqueen, 19, who was shot in the driveway. Macqueen was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition.
A warrant was issued for Ingram’s arrest on Friday.
This imprint can reveal police released Ingram on bail on November 30 after he allegedly attacked Quinn as the couple were separated. Ingram was charged with stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear or bodily harm and common assault. Ingram has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is due to appear in Lake Cargelligo Local Court on February 3. Under his bail conditions, Ingram was required to report to local police every day. Quinn’s family did not criticize police efforts to protect the 24-year-old.
On Dec. 3, police obtained a domestic violence bench warrant against Ingram on behalf of Quinn. Under the temporary order, Ingram was prohibited from approaching or communicating with Quinn or coming within 100 feet of her home or business. The decision was due to be reviewed in court on February 3.
Local council worker Ingram was also charged with driving in a manner that threatened others, negligent driving and damaging or causing damage to property valued at less than $2000.
Sophie Quinn’s mother, Cathy Quinn, told this blog post: She said her daughter was kind, loving and caring and “not a bad bone in her.” Cathy said he loved fishing, hog hunting and his dogs.
“[She was] “She’s just a fun girl to be around,” he said.
The 24-year-old said her “black swan” will be giving birth to a boy in March.
This imprint publishes the names and photos of Sophie and Nerida Quinn with the family’s permission.
Ingram, also known as Pierpoint, is described by police as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, approximately 165cm-170cm tall, of medium build, with short black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, which had a council sign, a metal tray back, high visibility markings on the side and an emergency light bar on the roof.
The public was warned not to approach him as he could be armed and dangerous, and to call Triple Zero if spotted.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Andy Holland said on Friday that Ingram did not have a firearms license in the state.
“He has access to unknown firearms and that will form part of the investigation,” Holland told ABC News on Friday.
Ingram was known to police for previous domestic violence offenses, Holland said.
Various evidence markers were placed next to spent shotgun shells on Bukhara Street on Friday morning.
Shards of glass could be seen on the street next to Sophie’s black Suzuki hatchback, which had bullet holes in the windshield.
Forensic investigators examined the bodies of Sophie and Harris.
Police also established a website We request that images of the area be sent while we search for Ingram.
Holland said Thursday night that a large-scale search was ongoing.
“We’re dealing with any death in a small country town, but obviously a scene where people are being shot with gunshots is going to make people very, very tense and very concerned,” Holland said.
Police teams from surrounding districts were dispatched to the district. Defense Force helicopters flew heavily armed tactical police, negotiators and homicide investigators through the night.
More than 100 officers were in the area Friday to support the search, Holland said.
Holland said the gunman and the victims were local to the area.
Holland urged Lake Cargelligo residents to stay in their homes and out of windows and to report any suspicious behavior to police, including suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles in their backyards.
“This is a tragedy in a very small country town and it will have a huge impact on the community,” Holland said.
Independent MP and member for Barwon Roy Butler said the situation was “terrible” for the “small and close” community.
“The tragic circumstances will affect everyone in the city, across NSW and Australia. We don’t have a lot of details but the devastating news is that three people have died, one of whom was sadly a pregnant woman,” Butler said.
“I am in close contact with the police and other members of the community.”
Lake Cargelligo is a small town west of Forbes and north of Griffith. The population of the town is around 1400 according to the 2021 census.
Federal Member for Parkes National MP Jamie Chaffey said he was focused on providing those affected with the support they need.
“As a community, we will address this horrific event and provide the care that more people will need in its wake,” he said.
Chaffey voted against stricter gun laws following the Bondi terror attack, arguing that guns were “an essential part of business” for farmers and those living in regional areas; but he said it was too early to comment on the legislation following Thursday’s shooting.
“Following the police investigation we will know a lot more about how this incident happened… It is a truly tragic event that happened overnight and is still ongoing.”
Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
