Lake Cargelligo: Sophie Quinn identified as pregnant woman shot in car as hunt for alleged gunman intensifies

A pregnant woman who was killed in a shooting spree in NSW’s Central West has been identified, as the manhunt for the suspected gunman widens.

Emergency services rushed to Bokhara Street in Lake Cargelligo on Thursday around 4.30pm following reports that 25-year-old Sophie Quinn and her 32-year-old friend John Harris had been shot inside a vehicle.

Both were treated but tragically died at the scene.

Ms Quinn was expected to give birth to a baby boy in March, meaning she was around seven months pregnant.

Her mother, Cathy Quinn, told the Sydney Morning Herald her daughter was “gentle, loving and caring” and “didn’t have a mean bone in her body”.

She loved fishing, pig hunting and her dogs, being described as “a fun girl to be around”.

Ms Quinn had separated from the suspected gunman, Julian Ingram, late last year, her family revealed.

Mr Ingram, 37, who is also known as Julian Pierpoint, remains at large. He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165-170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair and brown eyes.

Ms Quinn’s 50-year-old aunt Nerida Quinn was also killed and 19-year-old Kaleb Macqueen seriously injured after Mr Ingram allegedly opened fire at the pair in the driveway of a home on Walker Street shortly after the first shooting.

Nerida died at the scene, while Mr Macqueen was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Mr Ingram was seen driving a Ford Ranger utility vehicle with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, with council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings on the side, and an emergency light bar on the roof.

Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said the shooting could be domestic violence related, with all victims known to the accused killer.

“It looks like it’s a domestic violence-related incident,” he told ABC TV on Friday.

“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.”

He said Mr Ingram has “access to firearms” which were unknown, and did not have access to a gun license in the state.

“Please do not approach him,” he warned.

“He is considered armed and dangerous.”

Mr Ingram is known to police for previous domestic violence matters, Mr Holland confirmed.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach and contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

There are over 100 officers in the area aiding the search, including a number of tactical officers who have been sent from Sydney, Mr Holland told reporters on Friday.

Anyone with information in relation to Ingram’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.