American Man Linked to Australian Gunmen Secures Plea Deal with Prosecutors
An American citizen associated with the culprits behind the deadly Wieambilla, Australia shooting that took six lives – including two Queensland police officers – has agreed to a less severe plea agreement.
Resident of Arizona Donald Day Jr will face court on 21 October after striking the plea deal with US prosecutors.
The convicted felon, known online as “Geronimo's Bones”, is anticipated to admit guilt to a single offense of unlawfully possessing guns and bullets in a arrangement to be sanctioned by the judiciary this month.
Connections to Australian Shooters
Investigators confirmed direct links between the defendant and Gareth and Stacey Train through digital communications.
This couple, along with Nathaniel Train, killed Queensland police officers Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare at a isolated location in Wieambilla, Queensland in 2022.
The Trains were fatally shot in a gun battle with law enforcement, following a extended standoff at the regional property.
American officials said Day communicated via online platforms with the Trains around the time of the deadly ambush.
He described Queensland police as “evil, corrupt, and wicked”, and declared they should be shown “no mercy whatsoever”, informing them he wanted to be at Wieambilla in person.
Legal filings detailed how the couple had posted an apocalyptic recording on YouTube after the incident, stating authorities “attempted to kill us, and we retaliated”.
“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 show Day accumulated a collection of nine high-powered firearms and numerous bullets of ammo at a country estate in Heber, Arizona, that was outfitted with a gun range, gun 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 court.
He said he frequently used both the weapons storage and the weapons, and also trained individuals on how to operate the firearms correctly.
The bargain will result in charges dropped that relate to the accused issuing threats to public figures and FBI agents.
According to court documents, the individual had been prohibited from possessing guns and arms because of his violent criminal history.
Day, who has completed 24 months in detention, could receive a highest sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment in prison or a penalty of $250,000 (A$381,500), but the agreement stipulates he will be judged under the low end of the sentencing guidelines.
