US Prosecutors Seek Sentence for Wieambilla Conspiracy Theorist
United States prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of nearly four years for Donald Day, a 58-year-old Arizona-based conspiracy theorist, due to his connections with the Wieambilla killers.
Wieambilla Incident Overview
In December 2022, Queensland police officers Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, along with neighbor Alan Dare, were fatally shot in an ambush at a property west of Brisbane. The perpetrators, Nathaniel, Stacey, and Gareth Train, were subsequently killed by police during a siege at the same location.
Donald Day's Legal Proceedings
Day was arrested by US authorities in December 2023 after investigations revealed he had been in contact with the Trains and had sent them messages of support on YouTube. Initially facing five federal charges, including threats against US police and firearms violations, Day entered a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to possessing guns while a felon, leading to the other charges being dropped.
Prosecutors are advocating for a "low-end" sentence of 46 months, accompanied by three years of supervised release, when Day appears for sentencing on February 12. They argue that Day's adult criminal history, which includes multiple assaults on law enforcement and other inmates, should be considered. Court documents indicate an applicable sentencing guideline for the offense, factoring in Day's criminal background, is between 46 and 57 months.
Connections to the Trains and Online Statements
A sentencing memorandum detailed Day's links to "like-minded friends who lived on a rural property in Australia," referring to the Trains. Day reportedly offered support and solidarity to the Trains, expressing a wish to be with them and implying consequences for law enforcement. He told "Daniel" (Nathaniel Train) that he "looked forward to taking the scalps of our enemies alongside" him.
Day told "Daniel" (Nathaniel Train) that he "looked forward to taking the scalps of our enemies alongside" him.
Upon learning of the Trains' deaths, prosecutors stated Day made an online post threatening law enforcement officers. At the time of his arrest on December 1, 2023, authorities found nine firearms and approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
Prosecutors also highlighted Day's online statements, including one that read:
"These days, I just watch the stupid through the keyhole, 'til it's time to centre my rifle barrel through it."
A woman residing with Day informed police that he restricted her movement off the property and had instructed her on a plan involving hiding in a "gun room" equipped with weapons, ammunition, and ballistic vests, should "devils" arrive.
Final Communications and Shared Beliefs
A coronial inquest into the Wieambilla shooting concluded that the Trains suffered from a "shared delusional disorder" and intended to kill during the ambush. During the siege on December 12, a video message posted by Gareth and Stacey Train allegedly directly addressed Day. In this video, Stacey Train told "Don" they would "be home soon" and expressed their love.
Day's response indicated he wished he "could be with you to do what I do best." In another post, Day asserted that the Trains had "done exactly what they were supposed to do, and that is to kill these fing devils."*
Day asserted that the Trains had "done exactly what they were supposed to do, and that is to kill these f***ing devils."
During his police interview, Day stated he communicated with the Trains two to four times a week through video comments. He reported that they shared a belief that police were responsible for the world's evils.