Police are continuing to search properties in remote New South Wales for suspected triple murderer Julian Ingram, as the only survivor of the shooting says the fugitive was laughing as he carried out the attack.
An unconfirmed sighting of Ingram at Mount Hope, in the state’s central west, was reported to police early on Sunday morning. But officers were also investigating other information that may link him to the isolated town, north-west of where the shootings occurred.
Assistant commissioner Andrew Holland said on Monday while police were unable to reveal more details about the reported sighting by a “couple” of witnesses, other possible incidents had also been reported which may link Ingram to Mount Hope.
Asked if that included break-ins or missing property, Holland said: “I’d rather not say at this point.”
Sign up: AU Breaking News email
Ingram, 37, is suspected of shooting dead his pregnant former partner, her new boyfriend, and her aunt on Thursday afternoon in Lake Cargelligo, before fleeing the town, which is about 70 south of Mount Hope.
He was on bail in relation to domestic violence allegations made by his former partner, Sophie Quinn, at the time of the shootings.
Quinn, 25, who was pregnant with a son, was shot in a car on Bokhara Street about 4.20pm on Thursday. Her partner, John Harris, was in the car with her and was also shot and killed.
Police were then called to Walker Street after reports of another shooting and found Nerida Quinn, 50, and Kaleb Macqueen, 19, shot in the driveway. Nerida Quinn was an aunt of Sophie, and later died. Macqueen is in a serious but stable condition.
Macqueen told Nine News that he was outside a home of his friend’s mother in the area when a suspect opened fire, killing Nerida Quinn.
“She’s obviously went towards the ute, I heard boom, boom … she was holding her neck,” he said.
“He was laughing, and gave her one good shot to the head and she was gone.
“I seen him point a gun out the window, and within seconds it was just too late. It was just fight or flight.”
Macqueen said he has “terrible nightmares” after the shooting.
Holland would not confirm the number of properties searched in Mount Hope, and said police were monitoring whether they had appropriate resources.
Some residents decided to leave town late Sunday, as rumours swirled about the sighting, including that Ingram had pointed a gun at those who spotted him on foot nearby.
Holland would not comment on speculation about the sighting, but said police were in the area to protect residents.
“We are giving extra attention to that area … if people feel insecure, I recommend people stay in their premises.
“They are not in lockdown, they are free to travel around the area, but again for those people who are camping in the area, or those people who are just visiting, my suggestion would be it’s time to go home.”
• In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org
