Manhunt continues for alleged shooter Julian Ingram after three people killed in Lake Cargelligo

A manhunt is underway for Julian Ingram, who is accused of fatally shooting three people. Photo / NSW Police

Warning: This article contains images of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who has died.

A manhunt is underway after a man allegedly shot three people dead in NSW’s Central West, including his pregnant ex-partner.

Emergency services were called to Bokhara St in Lake Cargelligo on Thursday afternoon after reports of a shooting.

Two people, 25-year-old Sophie Quinn – believed to be the shooter’s ex-partner – and her friend John Harris, 32, were found with gunshot wounds inside a car.

Both were declared dead at the scene.

A short time later, reports emerged of shots being fired on Walker St, where police found the body of Quinn’s aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50 and an injured man, 19, in a driveway.

The woman died at the scene and the teenager was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Sophie Quinn, 25, has been identified as one of the victims of a triple shooting in Cargelligo on NSW's Central Weston Thursday afternoon. Photo / Facebook

Heartbreak as pregnant woman killed in shooting

Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said the shooting could be a domestic-violence incident, with all victims related to the offender.

“It looks like it’s a domestic violence-related incident,” he said.

“All the victims appear to be related to the offender at this stage, and that’s the avenue our investigations will take at this point.”

In a post on social media, independent MP Roy Butler said the shooting was a “horrible situation for Lake Cargelligo”.

“They are a close-knit community, and these tragic events will be felt by everyone here, as well as across NSW and Australia,” he wrote.

Butler confirmed one of the victims in the shooting was a pregnant woman.

“We do not yet have full details, but it is devastating to confirm that three people have died, including a pregnant woman,” he wrote.

Town in lockdown as manhunt continues

A large-scale manhunt is underway to locate the alleged shooter, who police identified as 37-year-old Julian Ingram, also known as Pierpoint.

Residents were ordered to stay indoors as officers continue their search.

Online, residents said their “quiet” and “beautiful” town was shaken by the incident.

“The best little town on the planet, Lake Cargelligo,” one person wrote.

“Usually so serene and friendly.”

Businesses have also been forced to shut their doors while the hunt for the alleged shooter continues.

“We have been advised by NSW Police to keep businesses closed until further notice due to recent incidents in town and the ongoing investigation,” an IGA Lake Cargelligo spokesman wrote online.

“The safety of our staff, customers and community is our highest priority, and we appreciate your understanding and co-operation during this time.”

Ingram is described as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance, 165cm to 170cm tall and with a medium build.

He was last seen driving in a Ford Ranger utility with the NSW registration DM-07-GZ.

The vehicle has council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings on the side and an emergency lightbar on the roof.

Anyone who sees Ingram has been urged not to approach him, and instead ring triple-0 immediately.

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