Police are expanding their search for an accused triple murderer who they suspect is getting help to evade authorities.
Julian Ingram is accused of a shooting that rocked the remote rural town of Lake Cargelligo in western NSW on Thursday afternoon.
The 37-year-old council worker remains on the run after allegedly shooting dead three people, including his pregnant ex-partner Sophie Quinn.
Quinn, 25, and her boyfriend John Harris, 32, were killed when bullets were fired at a dark hatchback on Bokhara St about 4.20pm.
Shortly afterwards, Quinn’s aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, was shot dead at a home on Walker Street, a two-minute drive away.
A 19-year-old man was also shot in the home but survived and is in serious but stable condition in hospital.
Police suspect the shootings are related to domestic violence.
Ingram, a gardener for the city, was last seen driving out of town after the work shooting and remained on the run Friday evening.
Police on Saturday released a photo of the council-marked Ford Ranger with NSW registration DM-07-GZ.
About a hundred police officers are working with army personnel to search the region.
The police point out the possibility that the suspect is being assisted
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said police searched two properties on Friday evening but could not find Ingram.
“At this time, our search area is expanding and we are looking at other locations in the broader districts,” Holland told reporters on Saturday.
“There is a possibility that people will help him to avoid arrest by the police,” he added.
“He could gain access to people and we are contacting known associates to limit those opportunities.”
Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, is considered an experienced bushman who can survive for long periods in remote areas with limited resources.
He has a lengthy criminal history and was out on bail after being charged with domestic violence in November.
The police released Ingram under strict conditions after an investigation showed that he posed little risk because he had not committed any violent crimes in the past five years.
A magistrate confirmed bail when Ingram appeared at Lake Cargelligo Local Court on December 3 and an interim domestic violence order was issued on behalf of Sophie Quinn.
Under his bail conditions, Ingram was required to report daily to the Lake Cargelligo Police Station.
He had reported to police at 8:12 a.m. Thursday, Holland said.
Investigation into how the suspect obtained a firearm
Police will also investigate how Ingram, who never had a gun permit, could have gained access to a gun.
Lachlan Shire Council Mayor John Medcalf said the town of just 1,100 people had never seen such serious crime.
“You don’t think something like this happens in a community like this,” Medcalf told reporters Friday.
Independent MP Roy Butler said “serious questions” remained about how a man with a long criminal history and no firearms license could obtain a gun.
Federal MP Jamie Chaffey said the shootings had “shaken” the people of Lake Cargelligo, who considered the small town their safe place.
“There’s a lot more research to be done, but it seems like domestic violence is at the heart of this,” Chaffey said.
“We see far too many women, especially in regional communities… losing their lives to domestic violence and this must be eradicated.”
If you or someone you know is affected by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In case of emergency you can call 000.
The Men’s Referral Servicemanaged by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
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