A body found in a decomposed state next to an abandoned vehicle in a nature reserve in New South Wales is believed to be that of alleged triple murderer Julian Ingram, bringing an end to a four-month manhunt. Ingram, 37, had been wanted since January after allegedly shooting dead his pregnant former partner Sophie Quinn, her new boyfriend John Harris, and her aunt Nerida Quinn in the remote town of Lake Cargelligo, about 450 kilometres west of Sydney.
Discovery at Round Hill Nature Reserve
Police were alerted to an abandoned Ford Ranger ute at Round Hill nature reserve on Monday. Next to the vehicle, officers found a male body in an advanced state of decomposition, along with a firearm. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland stated that investigators believe the body is that of Julian Ingram. The body appeared to have been there for some time, and formal identification is pending.
Details of the Alleged Murders
On 22 January, Quinn, who was seven months pregnant with a boy she planned to name Troy, was sitting in a car with Harris outside a house in Lake Cargelligo. A ute approached from the opposite direction, and at least three shots were fired from the driver's side, killing both Quinn and Harris. Shortly after, Ingram allegedly fatally shot Quinn's aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50. Ingram fled the town and had not been seen since.
Manhunt and Reward
The search for Ingram involved hundreds of police officers and covered vast areas of land. In March, a $250,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest. Police had scoured 60,000 acres and planned to cover another 600,000 acres. Holland noted that the investigation would have continued until Ingram was found.
Bail and Domestic Violence History
Ingram was on bail at the time of the alleged murders for domestic violence offences against Quinn. He had been charged in November with stalking, harassment, common assault, and property damage, and was granted bail on 30 November. An apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) had been taken out against him in December, due for review in February. Police have faced scrutiny over the decision to grant bail, but stated that a risk assessment found he did not pose an unacceptable risk and that he had previously complied with court orders.
Court documents reveal a history of violent behaviour. A decade before the incident, Ingram told a former partner he had a gun and a hole for a man he assumed to be her new partner, and made threats towards her, their child, and her mother. He was sentenced to eight months in prison for stalking and intimidation but overturned the sentence on appeal. In 2022, he was convicted of grabbing a family member by the throat and received an 18-month community corrections order. Since 2014, six AVOs have been issued against him relating to five different people.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with the cause of death not yet determined and the weapon found next to the body being examined to see if it matches the one used in the shootings. Holland expressed relief that the discovery brings closure to the investigation and the community of Lake Cargelligo, allowing them to relax after months of tension.
