American Man Connected to Australian Shooters Secures Plea Deal with Federal Attorneys

A US man associated with the perpetrators behind the fatal Wieambilla, Australia attack that took six lives – among them two officers from Queensland – has accepted a less severe plea deal.

Arizona-based Donald Day Jr. will appear in court on October 21 after striking 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 single charge of illegally owning firearms and ammunition in a deal to be sanctioned by the court this month.

Connections to Australian Shooters

Authorities established direct links between the defendant and Gareth and Stacey Train through online posts.

This couple, along with Gareth’s brother Nathaniel, murdered Queensland police officers Arnold and McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare at a isolated location in Wieambilla, Queensland in 2022.

They were killed in a final shootout with law enforcement, following a protracted siege at the rural site.

American officials said the accused communicated via social media with the perpetrators around the time of the fatal attack.

He described Queensland officers as “malignant, malformed and malevolent”, and said they should be shown “absolutely no quarter”, telling the Trains he desired to be at Wieambilla physically.

Court documents detailed how Gareth and Stacey Train had posted an apocalyptic video on the video platform after the shootings, saying police “came to kill us and we killed them”.

“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 expressed.

Weapons Stockpile and Court Case

Court documents reveal the defendant accumulated a collection of multiple powerful guns and numerous bullets of ammunition at a country estate in Heber, AZ, that was outfitted with a shooting range, weapons 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 said in the plea deal submitted in court.

He stated he frequently used both the weapons storage and the weapons, and also instructed others on how to operate the firearms properly.

The bargain will lead to dismissed counts that relate to the accused making of threats to officials and federal agents.

Based on legal files, Day had been prohibited from possessing guns and arms because of his violent criminal history.

Day, who has completed 24 months in detention, faces a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in jail or a penalty of US$250,000 (A$381,500), but the agreement specifies he will be judged under the minimum range of the sentencing guidelines.

Pamela Drake
Pamela Drake

A certified wellness coach and nutrition expert passionate about holistic living and Italian traditions.