Authorities are expanding their efforts to locate a suspect in a triple homicide case, suspecting he may have accomplices aiding his escape.

The hunt is on for Julian Ingram, who is believed to have carried out a shooting spree that sent shockwaves through the remote town of Lake Cargelligo in western New South Wales last Thursday afternoon.

The 37-year-old, employed by the local council, remains at large following allegations that he fatally shot three individuals, including his pregnant ex-partner, Sophie Quinn.

Tragedy struck when Quinn, aged 25, and her companion John Harris, 32, were gunned down in a dark hatchback at approximately 4:20 pm on Bokhara Street.

Moments later, the violence continued as Quinn’s 50-year-old aunt, Nerida Quinn, was found dead in a residence on Walker Street, just a short drive from the initial scene.

A 19-year-old man was also shot at the home but survived and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police allege the shootings are linked to domestic violence.

Ingram, a gardener for the local council, was last seen driving out of town in a work ute after the shootings and remained on the run on Friday night.

Police on Saturday released a photo of the council-marked Ford Ranger with NSW registration DM-07-GZ.

About 100 police officers are working alongside army personnel to search the region.

Police raise possibility suspect is being assisted

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said police searched two properties over Friday night but were unable to locate Ingram.

“At this point our search area is widening and we’re looking at other locations in the broader districts,” Holland told reporters on Saturday.

“There is the possibility that people are assisting him to avoid police apprehension,” he added.

“He could be accessing people and we are making contact with known associates trying to cut down those possibilities.”

Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, is regarded as an experienced bushman capable of surviving long periods in remote areas with limited resources.

He has a long criminal history and was on bail after being charged with domestic violence offences in November.

Police freed Ingram on strict conditions after an assessment deemed him low risk because he had not committed any violent crimes in the last five years.

A magistrate confirmed bail when Ingram appeared at Lake Cargelligo Local Court on December 3 and an interim apprehended domestic violence order was made on Sophie Quinn’s behalf.

According to his bail conditions, Ingram was required to report to Lake Cargelligo police station daily.

He had reported to police at 8.12am on Thursday, Holland said.

Investigation to cover how suspect obtained firearm

Police will also investigate how Ingram, who never held a gun licence, was allegedly able to access a weapon.

Lachlan Shire Council mayor John Medcalf said the town of just 1100 had never seen such a serious crime.

“You don’t think of something like this happening out in a community like this,” Medcalf told reporters on Friday.

Independent state MP Roy Butler said “serious questions” remained about how a man with a long criminal history and no gun licence could get a weapon.

Federal MP Jamie Chaffey said the shootings had “rocked” the people of Lake Cargelligo, who considered the small town their safe place.

“There’s a lot more investigation to go, but it appears that … at the core of this is domestic violence,” Chaffey said.

“We’re seeing far too many women, particularly in regional communities … that are losing their lives to domestic violence and it needs to be stamped out.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

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