Three people are killed in a small town, and police say the gunman is still on the move

A major manhunt is underway in the New South Wales central west after a shooting in the town of Lake Cargelligo left three people dead and another seriously injured. The incident came to light through reporting by The Guardian, which detailed an urgent police operation as officers searched for the alleged gunman.

Lake Cargelligo, a community of roughly 1,300 to 1,500 residents, was placed under strict warnings as police urged locals to remain indoors, echoing other disruptive public safety alerts like a woman calling out a major rental company. Authorities have said the matter is being treated as domestic violence-related and believe all those involved were known to one another.

Police are searching for Julian “Hoolio” Ingram, 37, who is believed to be armed, dangerous, and moving through the region in a vehicle. Investigators have asked the public to remain vigilant while avoiding any direct contact if they spot the suspect or his car.

The shootings unfolded within minutes across two streets

The violence began at about 4:20 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026, when officers were called to Bokhara Street. Two people were found inside a car with gunshot wounds, and despite treatment at the scene, a 25-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were pronounced dead.

A short time later, police responded to a second scene on Walker Street, where another shooting had occurred in a driveway. A 50-year-old woman was found dead at that location, while a 19-year-old man was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition, a situation that has dominated headlines and been discussed alongside broader political tensions, such as Trump’s Greenland stance intensifying.

Family members later identified the victims as Sophie Quinn, who was pregnant with her unborn son, Troy, her aunt Nerida Quinn, and John Harris. The surviving victim was identified as Kaleb Macqueen, and relatives said the incident had deeply affected their Indigenous family.

Assistant Police Commissioner Andrew Holland said all four people shot lived in the local area and confirmed Ingram was previously known to police for apprehended domestic violence issues. He also stated that Ingram did not hold a NSW firearms license and that how the weapons were obtained would be a central focus of the investigation.

More than 100 officers have been deployed as part of the search, supported by specialist units including tactical operations, negotiators, and homicide detectives. Police said these teams were flown into the region overnight with assistance from PolAir and the defense force.

Authorities believe Ingram fled in a Ford Ranger utility vehicle bearing council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings along the sides, and an emergency light bar on the roof. Residents have been advised to report any sightings directly to emergency services.