As the search continues across regional New South Wales for Julian Ingram, specialists in criminal behaviour are offering sobering insights into why this case has proven so difficult — and why authorities are approaching it with extreme caution. The situation has captured national attention not only because of the scale of the alleged events, but because of what experts believe is driving the man at the centre of the investigation.
Julian Ingram, 37, has remained out of sight since January 22, following a series of alleged incidents in the town of Lake Cargelligo that left several members of the same extended family dead and another young man seriously injured. Police have maintained a strong presence across a wide rural area, including isolated bushland and small settlements, as they work through an expanding list of leads.
Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro, who has spent more than four decades analysing serious offenders, has described Ingram as someone with a deeply distorted sense of self and entitlement. According to Watson-Munro, individuals with these traits rarely view themselves as accountable in the same way others do. Instead, they often see themselves as wronged, misunderstood, or betrayed — perceptions that can fuel prolonged attempts to avoid capture.
“He is not someone who is likely to calmly accept responsibility,” Watson-Munro explained in an interview. “People with this profile are driven by control, ego, and the fear of losing status. That combination can make them unpredictable.”
The psychologist suggested that the alleged actions were not spontaneous, but rather reflected long-standing emotional volatility tied to control and resentment. He pointed to a common pattern seen in relationship breakdowns, where the period following separation can become the most dangerous and volatile stage, particularly when one party refuses to accept the loss of control.
Ingram’s former partner, Sophie Quinn, had moved on with her life and was preparing for the birth of her child. Watson-Munro believes this shift — rather than speculation surrounding paternity — may have been the deeper emotional trigger. “This is not about romance or jealousy in the traditional sense,” he said. “It’s about ownership, control, and rage.”
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Ingram may be receiving assistance while evading police, particularly given his familiarity with rural terrain and extreme summer conditions. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed investigators are actively contacting known associates and following up every credible report.
“It is possible he is being helped,” Holland said previously. “That is one of the avenues we are pursuing.”
Experts warn that prolonged isolation, heat, exhaustion, and fear can further destabilise someone already operating outside rational boundaries. For this reason, police continue to urge members of the public not to approach anyone matching Ingram’s description and to immediately report sightings.
Watson-Munro echoed that advice, stressing that individuals in this psychological state may act defensively if confronted. “This is not someone members of the public should engage with under any circumstances,” he said. “If seen, distance and communication with authorities is the safest response.”
Ingram is described as being of average height with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. He was last known to be travelling in a Ford Ranger utility vehicle, though police have said this may no longer be the case.
As the manhunt stretches on, the small communities affected by the search remain on edge, with many residents adjusting daily routines amid ongoing police activity. While authorities remain confident the investigation is progressing, they acknowledge the emotional toll such cases take on regional towns.
For now, the focus remains on bringing the situation to a safe conclusion — and understanding how a series of personal grievances, unchecked emotions, and a refusal to let go may have escalated into one of the most troubling cases the region has seen in years.