US Man Connected to Aussie Shooters Strikes Plea Bargain with Prosecutors
An American citizen linked with the culprits behind the deadly Wieambilla shooting that took the lives of six individuals – among them two Queensland police officers – has agreed to a less severe plea agreement.
Arizona-based Donald Day Jr. will face court on October 21 after finalizing the bargain with US prosecutors.
The individual with prior convictions, known online as “Geronimo's Bones”, is anticipated to admit guilt to a sole offense of illegally owning firearms and ammunition in a arrangement to be sanctioned by the judiciary this month.
Links to Aussie Gunmen
Investigators confirmed clear connections between Day and Gareth and Stacey Train through digital communications.
The Trains, along with Gareth’s brother Nathaniel, killed officers from Queensland Arnold and McCrow, and neighbor Alan Dare at a remote property in Wieambilla in 2022.
They were fatally shot in a gun battle with law enforcement, following a protracted siege at the regional property.
US prosecutors said the accused corresponded via online platforms with the Trains during the period of the deadly ambush.
Day described Queensland police as “evil, corrupt, and wicked”, and declared they should be shown “absolutely no quarter”, informing the Trains he desired to be at Wieambilla physically.
Legal filings detailed how Gareth and Stacey Train had uploaded an apocalyptic video on the video platform after the incident, saying police “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,” the Trains said.
Weapons Stockpile and Legal Proceedings
Court documents show Day stockpiled a collection of nine high-powered firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammo at a rural property in Heber, AZ, that was outfitted with a gun range, weapons room and sniper hide.
“The guns and ammo were stored in the trailer I occupied with S.S., within a space we named the 'gun room',” Day said in the plea deal filed in court.
He stated he frequently used both the gun room and the firearms, and also trained individuals on how to use the guns properly.
The plea deal will lead to charges dropped that pertain to the alleged issuing threats to public figures and FBI agents.
Based on legal files, the individual had been prohibited from owning guns and arms because of his history of violent crimes.
Day, who has served 24 months in detention, could receive a maximum penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment in prison or a fine of $250,000 (A$381,500), but the plea deal stipulates he will be sentenced under the low end of the legal sentencing standards.
