Story perspectives

NSW Police Officer’s Murder Trial Opens Over Jesse Baird

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 10:49 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Lamarre-Condon Murder Trial

Beau Lamarre-Condon, an NSW Police officer, began his murder trial in the Supreme Court.
He faces two murder counts and one break-and-enter count for killing Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
Lamarre-Condon pleaded not guilty and rejected a manslaughter plea offered by the defence.
He entered Baird’s home disguised as an Uber Eats driver using a key.
Defence barrister John Stratton SC claims self-defence, saying Davies fired the gun himself during the struggle.

Summary

Justice Adams Targets Christmas

Justice Natalie Adams set a target to conclude the trial by Christmas.
The trial is expected to last at least 12 weeks because over 100 witnesses will testify.
Lamarre-Condon may use a laptop in court, but it cannot access the internet.
The courtroom was filled with media, public observers, and victims' families.
Prosecutors disclosed a bullet hole in the bedroom door that was concealed with putty and paint in July.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Wood Royal Commission into New South Wales Police, sparked by a suspect’s fatal shooting, exposed systemic misconduct and prompted sweeping reforms. The inquiry examined 3,000 officers, resulting in 28 dismissals and a $30 million budget for new oversight bodies such as the Police Integrity Commission. Today, Beau Lamarre-Condon faces murder charges before Justice Natalie Adams, with defence barrister John Stratton SC invoking self-defence, echoing the commission’s focus on police accountability. The trial’s 12-week schedule and extensive media scrutiny underscore the lasting impact of the 1995 reforms on contemporary judicial transparency and public trust.

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Lamarre-Condon Murder Trial

Beau Lamarre-Condon, an NSW Police officer, began his murder trial in the Supreme Court.
He faces two murder counts and one break-and-enter count for killing Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
Lamarre-Condon pleaded not guilty and rejected a manslaughter plea offered by the defence.
He entered Baird’s home disguised as an Uber Eats driver using a key.
Defence barrister John Stratton SC claims self-defence, saying Davies fired the gun himself during the struggle.

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