Police in New South Wales say a body discovered in a remote area is believed to be that of Julian Ingram, the man wanted over the killing of three people in the small town of Lake Cargelligo earlier this year.
The body was found beside an abandoned ute around 50 kilometres northwest of the town where the murders happened. According to police, the body appeared to have been at the location for a long time. Wildlife officers searching the area for feral pests made the discovery.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said investigators confirmed that the vehicle found at the scene belonged to Ingram. He added that the clothing and identification found with the body strongly suggested it was him.
Police said formal identification is still ongoing. However, authorities believe the discovery may finally bring the long investigation to an end.
Triple killing shocked small town community
The case began on January 22 when police alleged that Ingram shot and killed his former partner Sophie Quinn, her friend and her aunt in Lake Cargelligo. Quinn was reportedly seven months pregnant at the time and was expecting a baby boy in March.
In addition, a 19 year old man was seriously injured in the shooting. He was later released from hospital after receiving treatment.
At the time of the killings, Ingram was on bail for domestic violence related offences. Soon after the attack, police launched a large scale search operation involving around 100 officers.
Authorities believed Ingram knew the local area very well because he had worked for the local council. Police feared he could stay hidden for a long time without being noticed.
Lake Cargelligo, located in central New South Wales, is home to around 1,500 people. Therefore, the killings deeply shocked the small community.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Holland said the discovery of the body has given some comfort to local residents. He said the town could now begin to move forward after months of fear and uncertainty.
