Fugitive’s Chilling CCTV Calm: Julian Ingram Seen Vaping Casually Hours Before Alleged Triple Murder in Remote NSW Town

Manhunt intensifies for 37-year-old suspect in Lake Cargelligo shootings as police release pre-killing footage amid domestic violence concerns.

Lake Cargelligo, a quiet outback community in New South Wales’ Central West, remains on edge more than a week after a suspected domestic violence-related shooting left three people dead and one seriously injured. On January 22, 2026, the bodies of Sophie Quinn (pregnant former partner of the suspect), her aunt Nerida Quinn, and a third victim were discovered in a home, victims of apparent gunshot wounds in what authorities describe as a targeted spree.

The prime suspect, 37-year-old Julian Ingram, a local council worker with prior domestic violence history, fled the scene and has evaded capture despite an extensive manhunt involving NSW Police, specialist units, and aerial searches. Police believe Ingram remains alive, possibly receiving assistance from associates, and have warned the public against harboring him amid a punishing heatwave scorching the region.

In a bid to jog memories and pressure potential helpers, NSW Police released nearly one-minute CCTV footage on January 29, captured hours before the killings. The clip, recorded outside Lake Cargelligo police station that same morning, shows Ingram reporting for bail—seemingly routine and untroubled.

Dressed in a yellow-and-navy high-visibility work shirt, navy cargo pants, black boots, and a red cap, Ingram stands casually, vaping and appearing relaxed. He interacts minimally with surroundings, no visible agitation or haste. The nonchalant demeanor contrasts starkly with the violence that followed: within hours, the alleged shooter carried out the deadly attacks.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon addressed the footage’s release, calling domestic violence a “scourge on the community” and vowing no reduction in search efforts until Ingram’s capture. “This was not random,” Lanyon emphasized. “It was targeted, linked to personal relationships gone tragically wrong.”

Former deputy commissioner Mick Willing likened the pursuit to the prolonged hunt for fugitive Malcolm Naden, describing it as a “needle in a haystack” in vast, rugged terrain. Police released additional images, including a close-up of Ingram’s tattooed arm, urging sightings despite the suspect’s local knowledge and bush skills.

The case has reignited national debate on domestic violence prevention. Sophie Quinn reportedly had an apprehended violence order against Ingram, yet he was free on bail—prompting questions about risk assessment in such cases. Community advocates highlighted how early-release decisions and inadequate monitoring can enable escalation.

Ingram’s background as an experienced council worker familiar with the area’s backroads and remote properties complicates the search. Authorities suspect he may be sheltering in isolated bushland or among sympathetic contacts. Anyone providing aid faces arrest and prosecution.

The released footage has gone viral on social media, with viewers expressing shock at the suspect’s composure. “He looks like he’s just clocking off work,” one commenter noted. “How does someone go from vaping at the cop shop to this horror in hours?” Online speculation ranges from survivalist preparations to fears of further violence, though police assess the threat as lowered due to the targeted nature.

As temperatures soar above 40°C, the manhunt presses on with thermal imaging, drones, and ground teams. Rewards for information remain active, and police urge the public to report sightings without confrontation.

This tragedy underscores the deadly intersection of domestic abuse, bail decisions, and remote living. For Lake Cargelligo’s residents, the search is personal—safety hangs on one man’s apprehension.