Court records have exposed a troubling criminal history for Julian Ingram, the man police believe is responsible for the triple murder on Walker Street in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, on January 21, 2026. Ingram, 38, remains on the run after the shooting deaths of his 38-year-old ex-girlfriend Sophie Quinn, her 42-year-old partner, and their 14-year-old daughter inside their family home. The killings are being treated as targeted and linked to a long-running domestic conflict, but the revelation of Ingram’s prior convictions and bail history has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the justice system’s handling of high-risk offenders.

According to documents obtained from the NSW courts, Ingram has a documented pattern of violence and intimidation dating back more than a decade. In 2015, he was convicted of common assault after an altercation with a former partner, receiving a 12-month good behaviour bond. In 2018, he was issued with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) prohibiting him from approaching or contacting Sophie Quinn when intoxicated, following reports of threatening behaviour and property damage. The AVO was breached multiple times, leading to further court appearances and fines, but no custodial sentence was imposed.

Most disturbingly, Ingram was granted bail just six months ago on stalking charges related to Sophie Quinn. In mid-2025, police charged him with stalking/intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical harm after a series of alleged incidents: repeated unwanted contact, driving past her home, and leaving threatening voicemails. Despite the history of violence and the active AVO, a magistrate granted him conditional bail with restrictions on contact and alcohol consumption. He was free when the triple homicide occurred.

The family of the victims has spoken out in anguish. Sophie’s sister released a statement through supporters: “We warned the courts. We begged them to keep him away. They let him walk free — and now my sister, her partner and their 14-year-old girl are dead. How many more warnings do we need?” The 14-year-old victim’s school held a minute’s silence, and grief counsellors have been made available for students and staff.

NSW Police have intensified the manhunt for Ingram, describing him as “armed and dangerous.” He is believed to be driving a dark-coloured utility vehicle last seen heading west from Lake Cargelligo. Strike Force detectives are working with highway patrols, regional commands and the Dog Unit to locate him. Residents in the Lachlan Shire and surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant, keep doors locked, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

The case has reignited fierce public debate about bail laws in New South Wales. Critics argue the state’s bail system remains too lenient for repeat violent offenders, especially in domestic violence cases. “This is a failure of the courts,” one victim advocate told media. “An AVO, breaches, stalking charges — and he still got bail? Three people are dead because of it.” The NSW government has faced renewed calls to tighten bail conditions for high-risk defendants, with opposition politicians labelling the current framework “dangerously weak.”

Lake Cargelligo, a small farming community of about 1,200 people, remains in lockdown. The Walker Street house is still a crime scene, cordoned off with a growing memorial of flowers, candles and teddy bears outside. Messages read “Rest in peace beautiful family,” “You were loved,” and “Justice now.”

As the search for Ingram continues, the pain of the victims’ family is compounded by the knowledge that earlier interventions might have changed everything. Three lives were taken in a single, violent morning. A teenage girl who should have been safe at home is gone. And a town that has always felt secure is now asking: how did this happen — and how can it be prevented next time?

The gunman is still out there. The questions are only growing louder.