The body of Julian Ingram, the alleged triple murderer who had been on the run since January, was discovered on Monday about 50 kilometres from the crime scene in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales. Police believe he took his own life 'some time ago', with a gun found near the ute he used to flee.
Ingram was wanted for the fatal shootings of his former partner Sophie Quinn, her boyfriend John Harris, and her aunt Nerida Quinn on 22 January. Quinn was seven months pregnant at the time. Ingram had been on bail for domestic violence offences against Quinn when the killings occurred.
The discovery has brought some closure to the rural community, but questions remain over how police handled domestic violence allegations against Ingram. A critical incident investigation is ongoing, examining the police response to domestic and family violence and bail decisions.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended the force's handling of domestic violence, stating they respond to over 160,000 calls each year. However, experts have questioned the risk assessments used, with Dr Emma Buxton-Namisnyk of UNSW noting it is unclear whether assessments consider patterns of behaviour or just individual incidents.
Court documents reveal Ingram had a history of domestic violence, including threats with a gun towards a former partner and a conviction for grabbing a family member by the throat. Since 2014, six apprehended violence orders had been issued against him relating to five different people. The case has sparked criticism of bail laws, though Ingram's offences did not meet the threshold for stricter measures introduced in 2024.
