"The discovery does not bring justice or restore the victims." — A relative of Sophie Quinn
Body of Wanted Triple-Murder Suspect Found in NSW Nature Reserve
The decomposed remains of Julian Ingram, 37, have been formally identified by police, bringing a four-month manhunt to a close.
New South Wales Police have confirmed that a body found in the Round Hill Nature Reserve is that of Julian Ingram, the man wanted for the alleged murder of three people, including a pregnant woman, in Lake Cargelligo in January 2023.
Discovery and Identification
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) personnel discovered an abandoned vehicle on an overgrown fire trail within the Round Hill Nature Reserve at approximately 3:30 PM on Monday, May 22, 2023. The reserve is located roughly 50 kilometers north-west of Lake Cargelligo.
Next to a white Ford Ranger utility—the vehicle Ingram was reportedly driving after the alleged murders—NPWS workers found a decomposed body and a firearm.
Police stated that identification was based on clothing at the scene consistent with what Ingram was wearing at the time of the alleged murders and a driver's license found inside the vehicle. The body has been formally identified as Julian Ingram. The matter has been referred to the coroner.
Incident Background
On January 22, 2023, emergency services responded to reports of a shooting in Lake Cargelligo.
At approximately 4:20 PM, police discovered a 32-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman deceased inside a vehicle on Bokhara Street. The woman, Sophie Quinn, was seven months pregnant.
Police were then called to a second shooting on Walker Street, where a 50-year-old woman, Nerida Quinn (Sophie Quinn's aunt), was found deceased. A 19-year-old man, Kaleb Macqueen, was found with gunshot wounds. Macqueen was transported to a hospital in serious but stable condition and survived his injuries.
At the time of the alleged murders, Ingram was on bail for domestic violence charges related to Ms. Quinn, including stalking, intimidation, common assault, and property damage.
Court documents indicate bail was granted by an officer at Lake Cargelligo Police Station on November 30. The officer reportedly noted potential safety concerns but granted bail based on an assessment that Ingram had "nil history of breaches of bail" and his last violent incident was in 2021. Ingram was required to report daily to the Lake Cargelligo Police Station, which he did on the day of the alleged murders.
Police Investigation and Manhunt
Following the incident, a large-scale manhunt was initiated involving hundreds of police officers, PolAir, drone operators, riot squad, Tactical Operations Unit, and bomb disposal teams. The search covered remote areas including Mount Hope, Euabalong, and Kiacatoo, with temperatures reaching nearly 50 degrees Celsius.
In March, police offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to Ingram's arrest.
The only confirmed sighting was on January 24-25, when two individuals reported encountering Ingram near Mount Hope. Police received over 280 pieces of intelligence regarding Ingram's whereabouts during the search, with unconfirmed sightings reported across the Central West, Riverina, Sydney, and interstate.
A critical incident investigation was initiated to review police actions leading up to and during the investigation, including the decision to grant Ingram bail. The investigation, overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, is examining Ingram's domestic violence history, his access to firearms, and whether police actions complied with policy and legislation. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland stated his support for stronger bail laws.
Circumstances of Death
A post-mortem examination will determine the cause of death. Police believe Ingram likely died by suicide shortly after the alleged murders.
Two firearms—a large calibre firearm and a shotgun—will undergo forensic testing in Orange. Investigators are working to determine if these weapons were used in the January shootings. Ingram did not hold a NSW firearms license, and police are investigating how he obtained the weapons.
Community Impact and Reactions
A relative of Sophie Quinn stated that the discovery does not bring justice or restore the victims.
Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf said the finding may bring closure and reduce community anxiety, while expressing disappointment that Ingram will not face legal consequences.
The NSW Police Force has not yet decided on awarding the $250,000 reward to the NPWS workers who discovered the body. A report will be prepared for the coroner.