Outback Shooting: Survivor Recounts Horror as Manhunt Intensifies for Alleged Triple Murderer
A devastating act of violence has shaken the small New South Wales town of Lake Cargelligo, as police continue a large-scale search for a man accused of a horrific triple homicide. The incident, which unfolded last Thursday, has left a community reeling and a young man grappling with unimaginable trauma.
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names of Indigenous people who have died, used with the permission of family.
A 19-year-old man, identified as Kaleb Macqueen, was working on his car when the violence erupted. He had been visiting a friend at the home of Nerida Quinn, 50, when gunfire shattered the peace. Macqueen was struck multiple times – in the back of the head, hand, shoulder, and leg – and witnessed Quinn’s murder, allegedly at the hands of Julian Ingram, 37.
“The image in my head is still here to this day,” Macqueen recounted, describing the scene as Ingram allegedly laughed following the shooting. Instinctively, Macqueen attempted to assist Quinn, but quickly realized the futility of his efforts. He then made a life-saving decision, fleeing the immediate danger. “I went to run towards her but something told me to turn around and run the other way,” he said. “I quickly ran inside and that’s when he’s got me.”
Hospital staff later informed Macqueen he was fortunate to have survived his injuries. He recalls being shot while attempting to reach safety inside the home.
Escalation from Previous Conflicts
Police allege the shootings occurred immediately after Ingram allegedly killed his former partner, 25-year-old Sophie Quinn, who was heavily pregnant, and a 32-year-old man. The case is being treated as a matter of domestic violence, highlighting the devastating consequences of such abuse. Macqueen revealed that prior altercations between Ingram and members of the Quinn family had occurred, but no one anticipated such a violent outcome. “I never thought he’d be this dangerous,” he stated.
Manhunt Underway in Mount Hope District
A widespread search is currently focused on the Mount Hope district, following a reported sighting of Ingram on Sunday morning. New South Wales Police confirmed the sighting, approximately an hour west of Lake Cargelligo, where authorities believe he may be attempting to conceal himself.
Local pig hunters reportedly spotted a man matching Ingram’s description lying near the highway with multiple firearms, though police have cautioned against the spread of unconfirmed information. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, Western Region Commander, stated that tactical police are actively conducting searches in the area.
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Macqueen, now recovering from his injuries, lives in fear of Ingram’s potential return. “I feel like I’m unfinished… that he’s wanted to kill me but I’ve gotten away,” he said, adding that he experiences paranoia with every sound.
Authorities have not yet determined if Ingram remains armed, or the number of weapons he may possess. Assistant Commissioner Holland indicated the search will continue “for a number of days yet” at full capacity. The community remains on edge as the search for the alleged perpetrator continues, and the investigation into this tragic event unfolds.
