US Man Linked to Aussie Gunmen Strikes Plea Bargain with Federal Attorneys
A US man linked with the perpetrators behind the deadly Wieambilla shooting that took six lives – among them two Queensland police officers – has agreed to a watered-down plea deal.
Resident of Arizona Donald Day Jr. will face court on October 21 after finalizing the plea deal with US prosecutors.
The individual with prior convictions, referred to online as “Geronimo’s Bones”, is expected to admit guilt to a sole offense of illegally owning guns and bullets in a arrangement to be sanctioned by the court this month.
Links to Aussie Gunmen
Investigators established clear connections between the defendant and Gareth and Stacey Train through online posts.
The Trains, along with Nathaniel Train, murdered Queensland police officers Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare at a remote property in Wieambilla in 2022.
They were fatally shot in a gun battle with police, following a protracted siege at the regional property.
American officials stated Day communicated via online platforms with the Trains during the period of the deadly ambush.
He referred to Queensland police as “evil, corrupt, and wicked”, and said they should be shown “absolutely no quarter”, telling them he wanted to be at Wieambilla physically.
Legal filings outlined how Gareth and Stacey Train had posted an apocalyptic recording on the video platform after the shootings, stating authorities “attempted to kill us, and we retaliated”.
“If you don’t defend yourself against these devils and demons, you’re a coward … we’ll see you at home, Don. Love you,” the Trains said.
Weapons Stockpile and Court Case
Legal records reveal the defendant accumulated a collection of nine high-powered firearms and numerous bullets of ammunition at a country estate in Heber, AZ, that was outfitted with a gun range, weapons room and sniper’s nest.
“The firearms and ammunition were kept in the mobile home I shared with S.S., in a room we called the ‘gun room’,” he said in the agreement filed in the legal system.
Day stated he frequently used both the weapons storage and the firearms, and also trained individuals on how to operate the firearms correctly.
The bargain will lead to dismissed counts that pertain to the accused issuing threats to public figures and FBI agents.
According to legal files, Day had been prohibited from owning weapons and firearms because of his history of violent crimes.
Day, who has served 24 months in detention, could receive a highest sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment in prison or a fine of US$250,000 (A$381,500), but the agreement specifies he will be judged under the low end of the legal sentencing standards.
