A tragic incident has rocked central west NSW, as authorities continue their search for a suspect in a chilling triple murder case. Among the victims identified are a pregnant woman, Sophie Quinn, and her unborn son.
The 25-year-old expectant mother was discovered lifeless alongside her boyfriend, in a vehicle at Lake Cargelligo, approximately 600 kilometers from Sydney. The grim discovery was made around 4:20 pm on Thursday. Sophie was eagerly anticipating the birth of her child in March.
The couple, both suffering from gunshot wounds, are believed to have been killed by Sophie’s former partner, Julian Ingram, who remains at large. The relationship between Sophie and Ingram ended late last year, marking a tragic turn of events.
In a continuation of the violence, authorities allege that Ingram proceeded to a nearby residence, where he shot two acquaintances. This attack resulted in the death of Sophie’s aunt, 50-year-old Nerida Quinn, and left 19-year-old Kaleb Macqueen gravely injured. Macqueen was swiftly taken to the hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Sophie’s sister, Tegan, penned a touching tribute to honor her family, expressing the deep sorrow and loss felt by all who knew them.
Ms Quinn’s sister Tegan wrote a heartfelt tribute for her family on Friday morning.
‘My sister and best friend,’ she wrote on social media, alongside photos of the family.
‘My aunty,’ she wrote, alongside a photo of the 50-year-old alleged victim.
Mum-to-be Sophie Quinn, 25, was found dead inside a vehicle alongside her boyfriend, 32, at Lake Cargelligo, about 600km west of Sydney, at about 4.20pm on Thursday
Ms Quinn’s sister Tegan wrote a heartfelt tribute for her family on Friday morning
A largescale manhunt has been launched to find Ingram.
The town of Lake Cargelligo remains in lockdown more than 14 hours after the alleged murders.
On Friday morning, Western Region Command Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland confirmed the incident was linked to a ‘domestic violence relationship’.
‘We’re conducting a wide-scale search of the area around Lake Cargelligo and the adjoining villages,’ he told Sunrise.
‘At this point, we’re looking for public to help us identify both the wanted offender and his vehicle.’
Ingram is described as between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, which has council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility side markings and an emergency light bar on the roof.
Anyone who sees Ingram is urged not to approach him and to contact triple zero immediately.
Police on Friday released a photo of Julian Ingram, who is wanted on an outstanding warrant for murder.
The tragedy has rocked Lake Cargelligo, small town in central-west NSW
Mum-to-be Sophie Quinn
Specialist police personnel have been flown into the town by PolAir and the Defence Force, including the tactical operations unit, negotiators, and homicide investigators.
‘At this stage police have identified an offender who is still at large,’ Assistant Commissioner Holland told reporters on Thursday night.
‘We have a large search in the area currently underway and we are requesting that people remain indoors.
‘What I will say is that it’s a tragedy that has taken place in a very small town that will have a big affect on the community.
‘Any death in a small country town is confronting, but again, a scene where you have people shot by firearms is obviously going to make people very, very tense and very, very concerned.’
The shootings have rocked the small country town, which has a population of 1,430.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors as the manhunt continues.
