‘Support’: Shock theory emerges in hunt for alleged triple murderer Julian Ingram

Police still hold suspicions alleged murderer Julian Ingram is being harboured by a member of the community in arid conditions, months after he allegedly killed three people and an unborn child in NSW’s Central West.

On Tuesday, police announced a $250,000 reward for anyone with information about the alleged triple killer who has been on the run since January.

Ingram, 37, has not been seen since January 22 after he allegedly killed three people – including his pregnant ex-partner – in Lake Cargelligo.

A $250,000 reward has been issued for anyone who has information that leads to Ingram’s arrest. Picture: NSW Police
His former partner Sophie Quinn, 25, and John Harris, 32, were fatally shot inside a car.

Police were called to a nearby address a short time later, where they found Ms Quinn’s aunt Nerida, 50, who was also fatally shot.

Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was fixing his car on the street when he was also shot and seriously injured.

Sophie Quinn and her unborn child were fatally shot on January 22. Image: Supplied

John Harris, 32, was also fatally shot inside a car at Lake Cargelligo. Picture: Facebook
Ingram – also known as Pierpoint – has been on the run ever since, temporarily plunging the small town into lockdown as tactical officers, drone pilots and investigators combed through the Central West region.

On Tuesday, police announced a $250,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to his arrest.

Nerida Quinn was killed in the shooting. Source Supplied

Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was seriously injured in the shooting. Picture: 9News
Theory of Ingram’s whereabouts emerges

Commissioner Holland told reporters there hadn’t been any reported sightings of Ingram for seven weeks.

He said officers had searched 60,000 acres of land in the hunt for the alleged murderer, and said while there is a possibility he could be dead, police believe he was being harboured by someone in the community.

“Look, there is that fact he could be dead,” he said.

“(Police) still believe he is being supported by someone in the community.
“Seven weeks in the arid country, in the arid land … he would have to have support.”

“We do believe there is a person or persons out there that do have information to assist us to identify where Julian Ingram is,” he said.

Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said “even the smallest piece of information” could help find the alleged killer.

“This was a shocking and brutal act of violence that has left families grieving and a community deeply shaken,” she said.

“The NSW Police Force will not stop working to locate Julian Ingram, and this $250,000 reward is about encouraging anyone with information to come forward.”

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner for Regional Field Operations, Paul Pisanos said the $250,000 reward was aimed at bringing a resolution to the families and all those affected.

“NSW Police is unrelenting in our quest to apprehend Ingram – but we need the community to come forward with any information that could assist,” he said.

Police have combed through the town in the search for Ingram. Picture: NewsWire/ Klae McGuinness
Ingram was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility with the NSW registration number DM-07-GZ, which is described as having council signage, a metal tray back with high visibility markings and an emergency bar at the front.

He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance and is about 165cm-170cm tall.

He is of a medium build with short, dark hair and brown eyes.

Days after the shootings, Commissioner Holland said officers received reports Ingram had been seen on a property on Kidman Highway about 3km south of Mount Hope between January 24 and 25.

He said he believed Ingram was receiving assistance from unknown persons.

“We are confident that he is in the area. The information is forthcoming from locals and is being passed through our investigators,” he said in January.

The town was temporarily plunged into lockdown as the search unfolded. Picture: NewsWire/ Klae McGuinness
Enhanced police presence at victims’ funerals

The funerals for the Sophie and her unborn son will take place this week, with enhanced police presence in the area to support the grieving community.

“There will be teams from the public order riot squad, from the Central West police, there will be multiple police on the ground for the day of the funeral, the day leading up to the funeral and after the funeral,” Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters on Tuesday.

Ingram has been on the run since January. Picture: NewsWire/ Klae McGuinness
Community “shattered” by fatal shootings

Speaking to reporters, Commissioner Pisanos said the community was shaken by the fatal shooting.

“The community was shattered, and the lives of Sophie, John, Nerida (and) Caleb, who was seriously injured, having been shot, plus an unborn child … the community has never been the same,” he said.

“The police response to that has been significant.

“We have searched significant tracts of land out there, the most difficult and challenging and arid terrain.”

On Tuesday, Commissioner Holland said the search for Ingram was a continued priority for NSW Police.

“Finding Ingram remains a top priority for our teams, with intelligence-led policing at the forefront of the investigation,” he said.

“To anyone who is aware of his whereabouts – let this reward be the prompt for you to break your silence and assist police.”