Authorities are intensifying their efforts to locate Julian Ingram, an accused triple murderer, amid suspicions that he might be receiving outside assistance to elude capture. The chilling series of events has shaken the small, remote community of Lake Cargelligo in western New South Wales.

The 37-year-old, who worked for the local council, is believed to be responsible for a violent shooting spree on Thursday afternoon. Among his alleged victims is his former partner, Sophie Quinn, who was pregnant at the time of her death.

Tragedy struck around 4:20 p.m. on Bokhara Street when 25-year-old Quinn and her friend, 32-year-old John Harris, were fatally shot inside a dark hatchback. The violence did not end there; shortly afterward, Quinn’s aunt, 50-year-old Nerida Quinn, was also killed in a shooting at a residence on Walker Street, merely a two-minute drive from the initial crime scene.

In addition to these devastating losses, a 19-year-old man was also injured in the attack at the Walker Street home. He was taken to the hospital and remains in serious but stable condition.

Soon after, Quinn’s aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, was shot dead at a home on Walker St, a two-minute drive away.

A 19-year-old man was also shot at the home but survived and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police allege the shootings are linked to domestic violence.

Ingram, a gardener for the local council, was last seen driving out of town in a work ute after the shootings and remained on the run on Friday night.

Police on Saturday released a photo of the council-marked Ford Ranger with NSW registration DM-07-GZ.

About 100 police officers are working alongside army personnel to search the region.

Police raise possibility suspect is being assisted

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said police searched two properties over Friday night but were unable to locate Ingram.

“At this point our search area is widening and we’re looking at other locations in the broader districts,” Holland told reporters on Saturday.

“There is the possibility that people are assisting him to avoid police apprehension,” he added.

“He could be accessing people and we are making contact with known associates trying to cut down those possibilities.”

Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, is regarded as an experienced bushman capable of surviving long periods in remote areas with limited resources.

He has a long criminal history and was on bail after being charged with domestic violence offences in November.

Police freed Ingram on strict conditions after an assessment deemed him low risk because he had not committed any violent crimes in the last five years.

A magistrate confirmed bail when Ingram appeared at Lake Cargelligo Local Court on December 3 and an interim apprehended domestic violence order was made on Sophie Quinn’s behalf.

According to his bail conditions, Ingram was required to report to Lake Cargelligo police station daily.

He had reported to police at 8.12am on Thursday, Holland said.

Investigation to cover how suspect obtained firearm

Police will also investigate how Ingram, who never held a gun licence, was allegedly able to access a weapon.

Lachlan Shire Council mayor John Medcalf said the town of just 1100 had never seen such a serious crime.

“You don’t think of something like this happening out in a community like this,” Medcalf told reporters on Friday.

Independent state MP Roy Butler said “serious questions” remained about how a man with a long criminal history and no gun licence could get a weapon.

Federal MP Jamie Chaffey said the shootings had “rocked” the people of Lake Cargelligo, who considered the small town their safe place.

“There’s a lot more investigation to go, but it appears that … at the core of this is domestic violence,” Chaffey said.

“We’re seeing far too many women, particularly in regional communities … that are losing their lives to domestic violence and it needs to be stamped out.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

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