Tragic Murder Case: Paternity of Unborn Baby in Question as Manhunt Continues
A man accused of shooting dead his heavily pregnant ex-girlfriend and her new partner could potentially have been the biological father of her unborn baby, according to a relative of one of the victims. This shocking revelation has emerged as police continue their extensive search for the alleged perpetrator.
Horrific Shooting Incident in Lake Cargelligo
Julian Ingram, aged 37, is alleged to have gunned down his former partner Sophie Quinn, 25, and her current boyfriend John Harris, 32, as they sat together in a black Suzuki hatchback. The tragic incident occurred in Lake Cargelligo, approximately 600 kilometres west of Sydney, on Thursday.
Following this initial attack, Ingram is then alleged to have proceeded to another residence where he killed Sophie's aunt, Nerida Quinn, aged 50, and seriously injured her 19-year-old neighbour, Kaleb MacQueen. The young neighbour was subsequently rushed to hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition.
Uncertain Paternity of Unborn Child
Ms Quinn, who had separated from Ingram last year and was in a relationship with Mr Harris at the time of her death, was due to give birth to a baby boy in March. Derek, a cousin of John Harris, has publicly claimed that the biological father of the unborn child remains unclear.
'It could have been Julian's, it could have been John's. I suppose we'll never know now,' Derek told the Daily Mail. He further explained that Sophie had informed Ingram several months prior that she no longer wished to continue their relationship, having rekindled her romance with John Harris.
The grieving family is reportedly struggling to cope with the devastating loss. Derek described both victims as good people while expressing his profound sorrow during this difficult period.
Intensive Police Manhunt Underway
Since the alleged murders, Julian Ingram has been on the run, with approximately one hundred police officers conducting searches across the surrounding areas. New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed on Friday that Ingram remains at large.
Police have released a detailed description of the suspect:
- Height between 165cm and 170cm
- Medium build
- Short dark hair
- Brown eyes
He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility vehicle 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. Authorities have urged anyone who spots Ingram not to approach him and to contact Triple Zero immediately.
Previous Court Appearances and Bail Conditions
Court records obtained by the Daily Mail reveal that Ingram appeared at Lake Cargelligo Local Court on December 3rd regarding allegations of stalking, intimidation, assault, and property damage against Ms Quinn. He pleaded not guilty to these charges and was granted bail under specific conditions.
The bail conditions required Ingram to:
- Report daily to Lake Cargelligo Police Station
- Remain at least 100 metres away from Sophie Quinn's home and workplace
Records also indicate that Ingram was a known domestic violence offender, having pleaded guilty in 2021 to assaulting another woman in Griffith. When questioned about the decision to grant bail, Assistant Commissioner Holland explained that a risk assessment had been conducted at the time.
'At that time, he had not committed a violent offence in the last five years and, therefore, was deemed fit,' Holland stated during a press conference. '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.'
Weapon Investigation and Community Impact
Assistant Commissioner Holland confirmed that Julian Ingram has never held a gun licence, noting that this detail remains part of the ongoing investigation. The shooting has deeply affected the local community, with indigenous police community liaisons providing support at the scene.
Neighbour Jack Henschke, who lives near Nerida Quinn and is a close friend of Kaleb MacQueen, reported hearing five gunshots ring out on Thursday afternoon. He expressed relief that Mr MacQueen is now 'doing alright' in a Canberra hospital.
As the manhunt continues and the investigation unfolds, this tragic case highlights complex issues surrounding domestic violence, court procedures, and community safety in regional areas.
