Police in New South Wales have offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Julian Ingram, the suspected triple murderer accused of fatally shooting his pregnant ex-partner, her boyfriend and his aunt in Lake Cargelligo in January.
Authorities have been searching for Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, 37, since Jan. 22. He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger van with council signs.
Ingram is accused of murdering 25-year-old Sophie Quinn and her unborn child; John Harris, 32 years old; and Nerida Quinn, 50. A 19-year-old man was also seriously injured in the attack.
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Police said several teams, including tactical and search and rescue operations, had been searching the Lake Cargelligo area for almost two months without success. The reward reflects the need for broader community support to help find the man, authorities said.
“This was a shocking and brutal act of violence that has left families grieving and a community deeply shocked,” New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley said in a statement. “New South Wales Police will not stop working to locate Julian Ingram, and this $250,000 reward is intended to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
“If you know anything about his whereabouts, now is the time to speak up. Even the smallest piece of information could help police find him and ensure those responsible for this horrific crime face justice.”
Paul Pisanos, NSW Police deputy commissioner for regional field operations, said the reward was aimed at “bringing resolution to the families and all those affected”.
Police have faced scrutiny over the decision to grant Ingram bail for allegedly assaulting Sophie Quinn two months before the alleged murder.
Ingram pleaded guilty to two domestic violence-related offenses for threats made against another woman in 2016, according to court documents obtained by Guardian Australia. A month later, he breached the AVO granted to protect that woman and was charged with an additional offense of domestic violence.
Officials maintain that a risk assessment conducted at the time determined that he did not pose an unacceptable risk and that he had complied with court orders in the past.
