A major police operation remains underway in the NSW Central West after three people were shot dead and a fourth seriously injured in the small town of Lake Cargelligo, with police issuing an urgent public appeal to help locate a man wanted on a murder warrant.
NSW Police said emergency services were first called about 4.30pm on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to reports of a shooting on Bokhara Street, where officers found a 25-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. Both died at the scene.
A short time later, police were called to a second location on Walker Street, where a 50-year-old woman was found with gunshot wounds and died at the scene. A 19-year-old man was also shot and was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Suspect named; residents warned not to approach
On Friday morning, NSW Police identified Julian Ingram, also known as “Pierpoint”, as the man wanted on an outstanding murder warrant, and warned the public not to approach him.
Police described Mr Ingram as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165–170cm tall, of medium build, with short dark hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, described as having council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility markings on the side and an emergency light bar on the roof.
Police have urged anyone who sees him to call Triple Zero (000) immediately and not to engage.
The shootings triggered a rapid escalation of police resources, with specialist officers and aerial support deployed as investigators attempt to track the suspect and establish what led to the violence.
The ABC reported a large-scale search extending beyond the township, with police warning residents to remain indoors as officers look for both the suspect and the vehicle.
Police have also appealed for public assistance, asking anyone in the area who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, mobile phone videos, photos or screenshots relevant to the incident to provide it to investigators via the NSW Police public upload portal.
While investigators have not publicly outlined a motive, police comments reported by media outlets indicate a domestic violence-related line of inquiry is being examined, with authorities emphasising the seriousness of the incident and the risk posed while the suspect remains at large.
Community on edge in a town of 1,400
Lake Cargelligo, around 550–570 kilometres west of Sydney, is a close-knit community of about 1,430 residents (2021 Census). In small towns, violent incidents can reverberate quickly, with residents reporting widespread anxiety as police cordons and patrols restrict movement and local services are disrupted.
Authorities have repeatedly urged locals to prioritise safety, remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, while the investigation proceeds across multiple scenes.
NSW Police have asked anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, and anyone who sees the wanted man to call 000.
Investigators are also seeking any relevant footage from the Lake Cargelligo area through the NSW Police evidence upload link.
This is a developing story. Authorities have warned timings and operational details may change as the search continues.
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