American Individual Linked to Aussie Gunmen Strikes Plea Bargain with Prosecutors
A US man associated with the perpetrators behind the fatal Wieambilla shooting that claimed six lives – including two Queensland police officers – has accepted a watered-down plea deal.
Resident of Arizona Donald Day Jr. will appear in court on October 21 after striking the bargain with American authorities.
The individual with prior convictions, referred to online as “Geronimo's Bones”, is expected to admit guilt to a sole charge of illegally owning firearms and ammunition in a deal to be approved by the court this month.
Connections to Aussie Gunmen
Investigators established direct links between the defendant and Gareth and Stacey Train through online posts.
The Trains, along with Nathaniel Train, killed Queensland police officers Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbor Alan Dare at a isolated location in Wieambilla, Queensland in 2022.
They were fatally shot in a gun battle with law enforcement, following a protracted siege at the regional property.
US prosecutors said Day corresponded via social media with the Trains during the period of the deadly ambush.
Day referred to Queensland officers as “evil, corrupt, and wicked”, and declared they should be shown “no mercy whatsoever”, informing them he desired to be at the scene in person.
Court documents outlined how Gareth and Stacey Train had uploaded an end-times video on the video platform after the shootings, saying authorities “came to kill us and we killed them”.
“Failing to stand against these evil forces makes one a coward … we’ll see you at home, Don. Love you,” they said.
Weapons Stockpile and Court Case
Court documents show the defendant stockpiled a collection of multiple powerful guns and hundreds of rounds of ammo at a rural property in Heber, AZ, that was outfitted with a gun range, gun room and sniper’s nest.
“The guns and ammo were stored in the trailer I occupied with S.S., within a space we named the 'gun room',” Day admitted in the agreement filed in court.
Day said he regularly accessed both the weapons storage and the firearms, and also instructed others on how to use the guns properly.
The plea deal will result in dismissed counts that relate to the accused making of threats to public figures and FBI agents.
Based on legal files, Day had been prohibited from owning guns and arms because of his violent criminal history.
Day, who has completed two years in custody, could receive a highest sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment in jail or a fine of $250,000 (A$381,500), but the agreement specifies he will be judged under the minimum range of the sentencing guidelines.
