Lake Cargelligo shooting: Fears Julian Ingram, wanted over triple murder may be getting help to elude police

There are fears a man wanted over a horrific triple-murder in a small NSW town may be getting help to elude police and avoid arrest.

The manhunt for Julian Ingram, 37, who is also known as Julian Pierpoint has entered its third day, with searches of two properties overnight failing to turn up any sign of him.

A massive police operation involving up to 100 police officers flooded Lake Cargelligo, 130kms north of Griffith, on Thursday afternoon after three people known to Mr Ingram were shot dead and a fourth seriously injured.

Sophie Quinn, 25, her friend John Harris, 32, were found shot inside a vehicle on Bokhara Street on Thursday around 4.30pm.

Both were treated but tragically died at the scene.

Ms Quinn was pregnant and expected to give birth to a baby boy in March.

Ms Quinn’s aunt Nerida Quinn, 50, was also killed and here neighbour Kaleb Macqueen, 19, seriously injured after Mr Ingram allegedly opened fire at the pair in the driveway of a home on Walker Street shortly after the first shooting.

Nerida died at the scene, while Mr Macqueen was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The shooting is being treated as a domestic violence incident. Mr Ingram was on bail for domestic violence offences at the time of the shooting and had been due to appear in court next month.

Police have confirmed there has only been one sighting of Mr Ingram since the shooting, when he was seen driving on a road out of Lake Cargelligo.

Police have released images of the vehicle, a dual cab Ford Ranger utility, with NSW registration DM-07-GZ.

The vehicle is described as having a Lachlan Shire Council magnet in front of the driver’s door as well as four black numbers above the magnet.

The ute also has an emergency orange light bar on the roof and the utility’s tray may contain work tools and a silver toolbox.

At a briefing on Saturday morning, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said Mr Ingram, a council gardener, had worked in the area for a long time and was well known in the community.

“There is the possibility that people are assisting him to avoid police apprehension,” Mr Holland said.

Mr Ingram had a long criminal history, with his most recent violent offence over five years ago.

Mr Holland said Mr Ingram had never held a gun licence raising questions about how he had allegedly had access to them.

Two properties in nearby Euabalong where Mr Ingram grew up were searched overnight and the search area broadened.

Lake Cargelligo, which has a population of about 1500 people, is no longer in lock down, however residents have been warned to be alert.

“They need to use extreme caution with the knowledge in the back of their mind that the (alleged) offender is still on the loose, he is still armed, we believe, and there is the possibility they could come across him,” Mr Holland said.

Mr Ingram is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165-170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information in relation to Ingram’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Speak to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter on 13 YARN - 13 92 76.