Arizona Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearms After Communicating Online with Australian Killers

PHOENIX, Ariz. – An Arizona man who came to law enforcement’s attention as part of an investigation into the murder of two police officers and one civilian in Queensland, Australia, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to three years in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

Donald Day, Jr., 61, of Heber, Arizona, was sentenced on Feb. 12, 2026, by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Day previously pleaded guilty to being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.

“Donald Day Jr. chose to use online platforms to advocate for violence against law enforcement and public officials, disregarding the danger his actions created,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Day regularly shared the same rhetoric with a family in Australia, who tragically took the lives of their neighbor and two constables. Our thoughts continue to be with the colleagues and families of those lost in Queensland. I’m proud of the work done by this justice team to hold Day accountable for his crimes.”

"Donald Day Jr.'s use of social media to encourage attacks on law enforcement officers and government officials around the world was despicable," said Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. "This case exemplifies the lengths FBI Phoenix will go to avenge law enforcement partners, including those murdered overseas. Day's crimes were as harmful as the attacks they incited. Today's sentence shows that threats posted online will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted, and we'd like to thank the Queensland Police Service and the United States Attorney's Office for their dedication to ensuring justice was served."

“The tragic events of 12 December 2022 will forever be marked as a dark day for the QPS and Queensland communities. The loss of constable Matthew Arnold and constable Rachel McCrow, and neighbour, Alan Dare, continues to weigh heavily on the QPS family and the broader Queensland community, and our thoughts remain with their families, friends, and colleagues,” said Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scalon. “The QPS deeply values the strong partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, whose collaboration has been instrumental in bringing this matter to justice. The sentencing of Donald Day Jr. and legal proceedings highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing serious crimes that transcend borders. We remain committed to working closely with our national and international law enforcement partners to ensure justice for the victims and their families.”

Day, who had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, was residing on a rural property outside Heber, Arizona, when he began communicating anti-law enforcement sentiments via social media with the Trains, three Australian family members who murdered two police officers and a neighbor on their rural Queensland property. In a video post shortly after the killings, the Trains stated “[t]hey came to us, and we killed them.  If you don’t defend yourself against these devils and demons, you’re a coward.” They specifically mentioned Day in their video, saying “We’ll see you when we go home. We’ll see you at home, Don. Love you.” The Trains died later that day after a standoff with Australian law enforcement.

When Day learned of their death, he made an online post stating, “[w]ell, like my brother…, like my sister…, it is no different for us. The devils come for us, they [expletive] die.” Day made this statement after publicly posting on a social media platform that he is an “x-con, who’s armed to the teeth”. A later search of Day’s property revealed nine firearms, including a short-barreled rifle, and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition, a shooting range, and an elevated shooting position.       

FBI Phoenix conducted the investigation with assistance from the Queensland Police Service, Australia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pimsner, Abbie Broughton, and Glenn McCormick, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.

CASE NUMBER:            CR-23-08132-PCT-JJT

RELEASE NUMBER:    2026-027_Day

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

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