Family Members Challenge Initial Reports in Lake Cargelligo Shooting Tragedy
In a tragic development from rural New South Wales, family members of two victims in a fatal shooting incident have come forward to dispute initial media reports about their relationship. The families of Sophie Quinn, 25, and John Harris, 32, have stated the pair were not in a romantic relationship but were instead lifelong best friends.
Details of the Alleged Shooting Incident
The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon on Bakhara Street in Lake Cargelligo, approximately 600 kilometres west of Sydney. According to police reports, Julian Ingram, 37, allegedly shot and killed both Quinn and Harris. The alleged gunman then traveled a few blocks to Walker Street, where he is accused of fatally shooting Quinn's aunt, Nerida, 50, and wounding 19-year-old Kaleb MacQueen, who was visiting the property at the time.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Quinn's brother and Harris's uncle have provided new insights into the victims' relationship. "(Sophie and John) were really close. They were friends," they stated, revealing that the two had grown up just doors from each other on the same street. The relatives made several claims, suggesting Harris might have been in the "wrong place at the wrong time" when the shooting occurred, while also acknowledging historical tensions between Harris and the alleged perpetrator.
Eyewitness Account of the Tragedy
Kaleb MacQueen, who survived the shooting at Nerida's residence, has broken his silence about the traumatic events. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, MacQueen described hearing gunshots and witnessing the alleged attack. "I heard boom boom. I saw her, she was holding her hand, he was laughing," he recounted. "He gave her one good shot to the head and she was gone."
MacQueen described his immediate reaction as one of self-preservation. "I seen him point the gun out the window and within seconds it was just too late - yeah it was just fight or flight, I just had to save myself. Not that I could have done anything for Nerida anyway but I would have probably ended up dying if I went over to her as well, which is pretty sad."
Since returning home from a Canberra hospital, MacQueen's mother reports he remains deeply traumatised, experiencing fear whenever he hears a knock at the door.
Ongoing Police Manhunt and Community Concerns
Julian Ingram remains at large, with authorities believing he is heavily armed. There have been reported sightings in the Mt Hope region, approximately 100 kilometres from Lake Cargelligo, though local residents fear he may return to the area. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland confirmed on Monday morning that the search for Ingram continues at Mt Hope, with tactical police units conducting thorough searches in the area.
"Obviously with an armed offender in that area, we are asking members of the public to exercise extreme caution," Assistant Commissioner Holland stated. "There is no lockdown in the area, but people need to be careful about their movements, and obviously, report to the police any unusual activity."
Mt Hope represents familiar territory for Ingram, who works as a Lachlan Shire Council gardener and previously spent years working as a brush cutter in the surrounding bushland. Police have specifically requested information regarding a single cab trayback vehicle with registration number DM-07-GZ, urging anyone with sightings to call triple zero immediately.
Family Focus on Justice Before Mourning
The families of the victims have revealed they have not yet planned funerals or official mourning ceremonies for Quinn, her aunt Nerida, or Harris. Their attention remains firmly fixed on the ongoing manhunt for Ingram. "It's too much effort with (Ingram) still on the run," explained Harris's uncle, who declined to be named. "We don't know what he's going to do next. He could come back. We just want him caught before we do anything."
Adding further complexity to the tragedy, Quinn was heavily pregnant with a son she had already named Troy, with the baby due within months when she was killed in her black Suzuki hatchback. While the paternity remains uncertain, rumours have circulated suggesting either alleged killer Ingram or victim Harris might have been the father. Ingram was reportedly out on bail at the time of the shootings, facing allegations of stalking, intimidating, and assaulting Quinn, as well as damaging her property.
Harris's uncle revealed there had been longstanding animosity between Harris and Ingram. "John and Julian, they never got on over the years," he said. "There have been a lot of small things leading up over the years, you know? But not this. I have lived here all my life. Things like this don't happen in Lake Cargelligo."
When questioned about whether Quinn or Harris was the alleged killer's intended target, the family members expressed uncertainty, though they wondered if Harris might have been collateral damage, caught in the "wrong place at the wrong time."
Police Description and Public Appeal
Ingram is described as being between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. Police have urged anyone who sees Ingram or his vehicle to immediately call 000 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The remote Mt Hope settlement, with a population of just 16 people according to the 2021 ABS Census, lies approximately an hour's drive north from Lake Cargelligo, creating challenging search conditions for authorities.
