Fresh Sighting Shifts Manhunt for Alleged Triple Murder Suspect Julian Ingram to Kiacatoo Area
In a significant development in the ongoing manhunt across remote New South Wales, police have confirmed a fresh sighting of 37-year-old Julian Ingram in the Kiacatoo area. This small settlement lies along the Lachlan River, approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Lake Cargelligo and about 112 kilometers southeast of Mount Hope.
The sighting has prompted authorities to redirect their intensive search efforts to this region, which sits roughly midway between Lake Cargelligo and the larger town of Condobolin. Police believe the extreme heat—temperatures exceeding 40°C and even reaching 46°C in parts of the Central West—may have forced Ingram to turn back toward water sources, such as the Lachlan River, after earlier movements in more northerly directions.
The search operation, now in its second week, follows the alleged shooting deaths of three people in Lake Cargelligo on January 22, 2026. Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, is wanted on murder charges and is considered armed and extremely dangerous. He was last seen fleeing the town in a dual-cab Ford Ranger utility vehicle with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, which may feature a Lachlan Shire Council magnet near the driver’s door and the number 1947 above it.
Previous leads had drawn police resources to areas like Mount Hope, around 70-100 km northwest of Lake Cargelligo, where earlier possible sightings were reported and investigated with tactical teams, aerial support, and riot squad assistance. Despite those efforts, no confirmed capture has occurred, and police remain confident Ingram is still alive, potentially receiving assistance from acquaintances in the community to evade detection amid the harsh conditions.
NSW Police have released CCTV footage and images of Ingram and his vehicle in recent days to aid public identification. Community members in the affected areas have been urged to stay vigilant but not approach the suspect if sighted—instead, immediately contact authorities. Extra patrols and security measures have been implemented in Lake Cargelligo to reassure residents, many of whom remain on edge following the tragedy that claimed the lives of Sophie Quinn (25, who was seven months pregnant), John Harris (32), and Nerida Quinn (50).
The case has reignited discussions about domestic violence, with Ingram reportedly known to police for prior related offenses and out on bail at the time of the alleged incident. Police Commissioner comments during a visit to Lake Cargelligo highlighted the broader issue of family violence as a community scourge.
As ground searches intensify along the Lachlan River corridor, authorities continue to appeal for any information. The public is encouraged to report sightings of Ingram or the vehicle without delay, while the small communities of the NSW Central West grapple with the aftermath of the violence and the prolonged tension of the fugitive search.
