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Body discovered near abandoned vehicle in regional NSW
Police in New South Wales have located a body they believe belongs to Julian Ingram, the man wanted over the January murders of three people in the small outback town of Lake Cargelligo.
Timeline of the killings and manhunt
On 22 January, Ingram allegedly shot dead his pregnant ex-partner Sophie Quinn, her friend, and her aunt in Lake Cargelligo, a town 450 km west of Sydney. Quinn was seven months pregnant and due to give birth in March. A 19-year-old man was also seriously injured in the attack but has since been discharged from hospital.
Ingram, who was on bail for domestic violence offences at the time, disappeared following the shootings. Authorities launched an extensive search involving around 100 officers, noting his deep local knowledge and ability to evade detection.
Discovery of the body
On Monday, police announced that a man's body, believed to be Ingram's, was found beside an abandoned utility vehicle approximately 50 km northwest of Lake Cargelligo. The discovery was made by wildlife officers conducting feral pest eradication.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed the vehicle matched the one driven by Ingram. "The identification at the scene, including the clothing worn by the deceased, strongly suggests it is him," he told reporters, as quoted by the ABC.
Holland noted the body had likely been there "for some time," with Ingram last seen on 22 January.
Community impact and police response
Lake Cargelligo, a town of about 1,500 people in central New South Wales, was placed under significant strain during the weeks-long manhunt. Holland stated that the discovery of the body "brings closure to this investigation" and provides "some solace to the town so they can relax."
Ingram, an employee of the local council, was known to have extensive knowledge of the area, which police believed aided his ability to remain undetected.
Next steps
Police have not yet confirmed the cause of death but are treating the case as a suspected suicide. Formal identification and a post-mortem examination are expected to follow in the coming days.
