Bail Decision Under Scrutiny Following Alleged Triple Murder in Rural NSW
Police have confirmed that an alleged triple murderer was granted bail on domestic violence-related charges just weeks before the fatal shootings, citing his lack of a violent offence within the previous five years as a key factor in the decision.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
Julian Ingram, aged 37, appeared before Lake Cargelligo Local Court in December facing multiple domestic violence allegations involving his former partner, Sophie Quinn, 25. The charges included assault, stalking, intimidation, and property destruction, to which Ingram pleaded not guilty.
Despite these serious allegations, he was released into the community under strict bail conditions. These included a requirement to stay at least 100 metres away from Ms Quinn's home and workplace at all times.
Tragic Events Unfold
On Thursday, merely weeks after his release, Ingram allegedly committed a series of violent acts that shocked the local community. According to police reports, he first approached a black Suzuki hatchback where Sophie Quinn was sitting with her new boyfriend, John Harris, 32.
Both individuals were allegedly shot and killed inside the vehicle. Ingram then reportedly proceeded to another residence where he allegedly killed Sophie's aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, and seriously injured 19-year-old Kaleb MacQueen.
Police Response and Investigation
Since the alleged murders, approximately 100 police officers have been conducting an extensive search operation in the surrounding areas. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland addressed questions about Ingram's bail status during a press conference on Friday.
When questioned about the bail decision, Holland explained: 'A risk assessment would have been done at the time. At that time, he had not committed a violent offence in the last five years and, therefore, was deemed fit for bail.'
He further elaborated: 'Where we can, we obviously grant people bail. We don't want to keep them in custody. With strict bail conditions and an AVO in place, it was deemed suitable.'
Contradictory Evidence Emerges
Court records reveal a significant contradiction in the risk assessment process. Documents show that Ingram pleaded guilty to assaulting another woman in Griffith during 2021, which occurred less than five years before his recent bail hearing.
Assistant Commissioner Holland confirmed that Ingram has never held a firearms licence, raising questions about how he allegedly obtained the weapon used in the shootings. 'We are still using that as part of our investigation,' Holland stated. 'We will check on where he had access to the firearms.'
Community Impact and Witness Accounts
Local resident Letitia Bardawil described hearing what she initially believed were fireworks or a car backfiring on Thursday. 'I heard four gunshots,' she recounted. 'I thought it was fireworks until children playing in a nearby pool started running and covering their heads.'
Upon approaching the scene, Bardawil discovered the black Suzuki with visible bullet holes and witnessed people performing CPR on the victims. 'They told me what happened and I said I'm sorry, I don't know what to say and I hugged them,' she told reporters. 'And that moment is actually when, I think, their families arrived in a car and they fell to the ground and they were crying.'
She described the scene as 'honestly one of the worst things I've ever seen, just seeing them like that,' expressing fear for community safety while Ingram remained at large.
Police Resources and Community Safety
Specialist police personnel have been deployed to the area via PolAir and Defence Force aircraft, including tactical operations units, negotiators, and homicide investigators. Assistant Commissioner Holland assured concerned family members that police presence was substantial.
'There are police almost in every corner of Lake Cargelligo,' he stated, confirming that squads were working to locate Ingram as quickly as possible.
Vehicle Description and Public Appeal
Ingram is believed to be driving a Ford Ranger utility with New South Wales registration DM-07-GZ. The vehicle features council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility side markings, and an emergency light bar on the roof.
Police describe Ingram as between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. Authorities have urged anyone who sees him or the vehicle to contact CrimeStoppers immediately.
Family Tributes and Ongoing Search
Sophie Quinn's sister, Tegan, posted heartfelt tributes on social media, writing 'My sister and best friend' alongside family photographs, and 'My aunty' with a picture of Nerida Quinn.
The investigation continues as police work to apprehend Ingram, who allegedly fled in a council-owned vehicle that lacks GPS tracking capability.
