Full Breakdown
Former NSW Police Officer on Trial for Double Murder
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The Trial’s Central Facts
Former senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon is on trial in the Supreme Court of New South Wales for the murders of Jesse Baird, 26, and his partner Luke Davies, 29. Prosecutors say that on the morning of February 19, 2024, Lamarre-Condon entered Baird’s Paddington terrace house disguised as an Uber Eats rider, armed with his police-issued Glock pistol. CCTV recorded three shots: 9:49:33 am, a second four seconds later, and a third at 9:50:28 am. The Crown alleges Baird was shot execution-style in the kitchen and Davies was shot through a bedroom door after attempting to call emergency services. Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty; a 15-person jury is hearing the case, expected to last up to 12 weeks.
Background and Context
The alleged motive is an “obsessive and jealous infatuation” that grew after Baird ended a casual relationship with Lamarre-Condon in November 2023. Earlier, Lamarre-Condon was charged with aggravated break-and-enter for an August 2023 incident in which he allegedly used a key Baird gave him to enter the home and stole a wallet and phone. In November 2023 he posted an Instagram story featuring flowers and a heart-eyes emoji from a friend’s account, which prosecutors say was a deceptive ruse to manipulate Baird.
Timeline of Key Events
- May 19, 2023 – CCTV captures Baird on a date with another man.
- August 2023 – Alleged break-in and theft.
- November 9, 2023 – Instagram story posted.
- February 19, 2024 – Disguised officer arrives; three shots fired; bodies later moved in surfboard bags.
- Early February 2024 – Trial commences in Sydney’s Supreme Court.
Data and Statistics
- Victims: Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
- Shots fired: three, recorded at 9:49:33 am, 9:49:37 am, and 9:50:28 am.
- Disguise: Uber Eats rider attire, motorcycle helmet, paper bag.
- Weapon: Police-issued Glock pistol.
- Purchases: two surfboard bags (one two days before, another hours after).
- Jury: 15 members; trial projected up to 12 weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC described the actions as premeditated, highlighting the disguise, the timed street presence, and the surfboard-bag purchases as evidence of planning. He argued Davies was killed to eliminate a witness.
Defence barrister John Stratton SC contended Lamarre-Condon entered to retrieve personal belongings, wore the disguise to avoid recognition, and was surprised by Baird’s presence. He claimed a struggle led to an accidental discharge and that Davies accidentally shot himself while defending himself with a knife.
Lamarre-Condon has remained largely impassive, communicating with his legal team via handwritten notes and a court-provided laptop.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of Davies’s death: Crown says Lamarre-Condon shot him; defence says Davies accidentally shot himself.
- Health claim: Prosecutors allege Lamarre-Condon fabricated a cancer diagnosis in an Instagram message to manipulate Baird; defence has not contested the falsehood but focuses on intent.
- Self-defence narrative: Defence frames the incident as a spontaneous struggle; prosecution portrays it as a calculated killing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I never heard him so scared,” — Dean Thorpe
- “He did say he would do anything to get him back … he was really mad about it,” — Rubina Shrestha
What’s Next
The trial will continue over the next several weeks, with the jury expected to deliberate after all evidence is presented. The court has indicated the case could conclude within the 12-week timeframe, after which a verdict will be delivered.