Manhunt Intensifies for Julian Ingram After Tragic Lake Cargelligo Shootings
A large-scale manhunt is ongoing for Julian Ingram, 37, who is accused of fatally shooting three individuals and an unborn child in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, on January 22. The victims are identified as Sophie Quinn, 25, who was seven months pregnant, her partner John Harris, 32, and her aunt Nerida Quinn, 50. A 19-year-old man, Kaleb Macqueen, also sustained serious injuries in the incident. Police have offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to Ingram's arrest, and a critical incident investigation has been launched into the police decision to grant Ingram bail prior to the shootings.
Incident Details
On Thursday, January 22, emergency services responded to reports of a shooting in Lake Cargelligo, a town in central New South Wales with an approximate population of 1,500 residents. The incident occurred between 4:20 PM and 4:40 PM local time.
Police initially responded to reports of shots fired on Bokhara Street. There, Sophie Quinn, 25, who was seven months pregnant, and John Harris, 32, were found deceased inside a vehicle.
Authorities are treating this as a domestic violence incident, as Ms. Quinn had previously been in a relationship with Mr. Ingram.
Shortly after, police were called to a second shooting on Walker Street. At this location, Nerida Quinn, 50, Sophie Quinn's aunt, was found deceased. Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was also found with gunshot wounds to his head, hand, shoulder, and leg, and was transported to Canberra Hospital in serious but stable condition. All identified deceased individuals were local residents and members of a local Indigenous family.
Manhunt Underway
An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for Julian Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, 37. He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, approximately 165cm-170cm tall, of medium build, with short dark hair and brown eyes. Ingram is known locally for bushcraft skills.
Police initiated a large-scale search operation immediately following the shootings. Residents in Lake Cargelligo were advised via geo-targeted SMS alerts to remain indoors or avoid the area, and all access points into the town were closed. Shops, initially closed, have since reopened, with residents advised to remain vigilant.
The search involves approximately 100 NSW Police officers, specialist tactical officers, Defence Force personnel, police helicopters, PolAir, drone operators, riot squad, and bomb disposal teams.
The operation covers Lake Cargelligo and surrounding remote bushland, including large farms, open paddocks, scrub, and an area between Lake Cargelligo and Cobar that Ingram reportedly frequented. Temperatures in the search area have reached the mid-40s, leading police to consider that Ingram may be moving during cooler nighttime periods. Over 24,000 hectares have been searched, with a significant area remaining.
Ingram was last seen driving a white single-cab Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM-07-GZ. The vehicle reportedly features council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings, and an emergency light bar on the roof. Police believe he may have since switched vehicles or could still be using the original ute, which has not been recovered. No firearms linked to the incident have been recovered.
A possible sighting of Ingram was reported at Mount Hope, approximately 70km north of Lake Cargelligo, between January 24 and 25. Reports from two individuals stated they encountered a man believed to be Ingram, who allegedly pointed a gun towards their car. Unconfirmed sightings in the Riverina, Central West, Sydney, and interstate have been investigated, with Victoria Police ruling out a reported sighting in Mildura on February 24.
Police believe Ingram may be receiving assistance to evade arrest, noting his lack of activity on mobile phones or banking services since the incident. On March 12, NSW Police announced a reward of A$250,000 for information leading to Ingram's arrest.
Suspect's Background and Bail Review
At the time of the shootings, Julian Ingram was on bail for domestic violence-related charges concerning Sophie Quinn, including common assault, property damage, stalking, and intimidation. These incidents allegedly occurred in Lake Cargelligo in November 2025. He had pleaded not guilty to these charges, and an apprehended violence order (AVO) related to Ms. Quinn was in effect and scheduled for a court review on February 3. Ingram was also facing charges from a 2024 incident for knowingly driving a vehicle in a manner menacing to others and negligent driving.
Bail was granted to Ingram by an officer at Lake Cargelligo Police Station on November 30, 2025. Bail conditions required daily reporting to the police station, which Ingram had complied with on the morning of the alleged murders. Court documents indicate the granting officer noted potential safety concerns, stating:
"There is a bail concern that the accused person … will endanger the safety of victims, individuals or the community."
However, bail was granted based on an assessment that his "last incident of violence was in 2021" and he had "nil history of breaches of bail." Police stated that a risk assessment at the time determined he did not pose an unacceptable risk.
Ingram has never held a firearms license in New South Wales. He has been subject to six AVOs involving five different individuals since 2014, including Sophie Quinn. In 2022, he received an 18-month community corrections order after pleading guilty to assault in 2021. Authorities are investigating how he may have obtained weapons.
On February 2, 2026, NSW Police initiated a critical incident investigation, overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. This investigation will review police actions leading up to and during the inquiry, specifically examining Ingram's domestic violence history, his relationship with Sophie Quinn, and his access to firearms.
Authorities theorize that Ingram may have initiated the alleged shooting spree after learning he was not the father of Sophie Quinn's unborn child.
Community Impact and Support
The Lake Cargelligo community has reported experiencing significant grief and fear following the incidents, with some residents expressing a shattered sense of safety. Support organizations, including "Down the Track," which supports Indigenous youth and families, have become a sanctuary for residents, offering meals, emergency accommodation, and support.
Funerals for Sophie Quinn, her unborn baby, and Nerida Quinn were scheduled for a Thursday in mid-March. Police increased their presence in the area around the funerals to ensure community safety. NSW Police have reiterated their commitment to locating Julian Ingram.