A man wanted over the shooting deaths of three people in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, was reportedly on bail for domestic violence offences at the time, Australian police have confirmed.
Julian Ingram, 37, allegedly opened fire on four people in the small town on Thursday afternoon, prompting a major manhunt.
Authorities are still searching for Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, after the shootings left three dead and a 19-year-old critically injured.
“Julian is described as being Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm-170cm tall, of a medium build with short dark hair and brown eyes,” police said, describing the Lake Cargelligo shooting suspect.
Is this a face you would think of as Aboriginal? pic.twitter.com/q5k9njuVWs
— Ron Dunn (@ronInBendigo) January 22, 2026
Lake Cargelligo is a rural town roughly 450km (280 miles) west of Sydney, highlighting the challenges police face in tracking him down.
“Our last sightings were on a road out of Lake Cargelligo,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters on Friday.
Local media reports indicate that one of the victims was Sophie Quinn, 25, Ingram’s former partner, who was seven months pregnant.
Police say the other alleged victims included a friend of Quinn, killed alongside her, and a relative of Quinn in a separate shooting shortly afterwards.
Who Are the Victims and How Are Families Coping?
The victims are reported to be closely connected to Ingram. “All the victims appear to be related to the offender at this stage, and that’s the avenue our investigations will take at this point,” Holland said.
Quinn’s mother, Cathy Quinn, described her daughter as “a fun girl to be around” and insisted she “did not have a mean bone in her.”
The families of the victims are reportedly struggling with the aftermath of the shootings.
How Did Ingram Access Firearms Without a Licence?
NSW Police confirmed that Ingram had never held a gun licence. Officers are investigating how he obtained the firearms used in the attacks.
Have you seen Julian Ingram, also known as Pierpoint?
MORE INFORMATION ➡ https://t.co/AcqJQgem7S pic.twitter.com/TqJ2MKkAWB
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) January 22, 2026
“It is currently unclear how he gained access to the firearms,” Holland said.
This raises concerns over firearm security in rural areas, especially given that Ingram had previously been charged with domestic violence offences.
What Is the Police Response So Far?
About 100 officers, including tactical units, are involved in the ongoing search for Ingram. Holland noted that Ingram’s employment with the local council gives him extensive knowledge of the area, making it easier for him to evade capture.
“It would be feasible that he could obviously maintain an extended period in the local area without being detected,” Holland added.
Police continue to appeal for public assistance, asking anyone with information to come forward.
Why This Matters to the UK Audience?
While this incident occurred in Australia, it highlights universal concerns around:
- The dangers of domestic violence offenders being released on bail
- Firearms security and regulation in rural communities
- Challenges police face in tracking fugitives with local knowledge
UK readers may draw parallels to domestic violence policies and firearm licensing regulations in rural areas, prompting reflection on public safety measures at home.
