American Man Linked to Aussie Gunmen Strikes Plea Deal with Prosecutors
A US man associated with the culprits behind the fatal Wieambilla shooting that claimed six lives – among them two officers from Queensland – has agreed to a watered-down plea agreement.
Resident of Arizona Donald Day Jr. will appear in court on 21 October after finalizing the plea deal with American authorities.
The convicted felon, referred to online as “Geronimo’s Bones”, is anticipated to admit guilt to a single charge of illegally owning firearms and ammunition in a arrangement to be approved by the court in the current month.
Connections to Australian Shooters
Authorities confirmed direct links between the defendant and Gareth and Stacey Train through digital communications.
This couple, along with Nathaniel Train, killed Queensland police officers Arnold and McCrow, and neighbor Alan Dare at a remote property in Wieambilla, Queensland in 2022.
They were fatally shot in a gun battle with law enforcement, following a extended standoff at the rural site.
US prosecutors said Day corresponded via online platforms with the Trains around the time of the fatal attack.
Day described Queensland officers as “malignant, malformed and malevolent”, and said they should be shown “no mercy whatsoever”, telling the Trains he desired to be at Wieambilla in person.
Legal filings detailed how Gareth and Stacey Train had uploaded an apocalyptic recording on YouTube after the incident, saying authorities “came to kill us and we killed them”.
“Failing to stand against these evil forces makes one a coward … We will meet you at home, Don. With love,” they expressed.
Weapons Stockpile and Court Case
Legal records reveal Day stockpiled a collection of multiple powerful guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition at a country estate in Heber, Arizona, that was equipped with a shooting range, weapons room and sniper hide.
“The firearms and ammunition were kept in the mobile home I shared with S.S., in a room we called the ‘gun room’,” Day said in the plea deal filed in the legal system.
He stated he frequently used both the gun room and the weapons, and also trained individuals on how to use the guns properly.
The bargain will result in charges dropped that pertain to the accused issuing threats to officials and federal agents.
Based on court documents, the individual had been prohibited from possessing guns and arms because of his history of violent crimes.
Day, who has served 24 months in detention, faces a maximum penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment in prison or a fine of US$250,000 (A$381,500), but the plea deal stipulates he will be sentenced under the minimum range of the sentencing guidelines.
