A jury in the NSW Supreme Court has heard that former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon allegedly told a close friend he had killed television presenter Jesse Baird and flight attendant Luke Davies shortly after the pair died in Sydney in February 2024.
Lamarre-Condon, 31, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and charges relating to the alleged theft of Baird’s phone and wallet. The prosecution and defence agree that the two men were fatally shot at Baird’s Paddington home, but they have presented sharply different accounts of how and why the deaths occurred.
Prosecution alleges planning and a confession
In his opening address, Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC told the jury that Lamarre-Condon visited his friend Ethan Lynch after leaving the Paddington property. The court heard that Lamarre-Condon allegedly asked Lynch not to judge him for killing the men and, when asked how it happened, referred to a gun while making a firing gesture.
According to the prosecution’s account, Lamarre-Condon allegedly said he waited for Baird’s housemates to leave before entering the home. He is accused of shooting Baird and then shooting Davies through a bedroom door while Davies was attempting to contact emergency services.
These statements are allegations being tested at trial and have not been accepted as fact by the jury.
Prosecutors argue that the killings were planned. The jury was told Lamarre-Condon allegedly tested whether an adult could fit inside a surfboard bag at a sporting goods store two days before the deaths. He is also alleged to have purchased another surfboard bag after speaking with Lynch.
Defence says shootings occurred during struggles
Defence barrister John Stratton SC has argued that both deaths occurred during separate struggles and that Lamarre-Condon acted in self-defence.
The defence case is that Lamarre-Condon went to the Paddington home to retrieve belongings. His police firearm discharged during a confrontation with Baird, the court has heard. The defence further alleges that Davies later emerged with the weapon and was fatally shot during another struggle.
Stratton has argued that his client’s conduct after the deaths, including moving the bodies, reflected panic rather than proof of a premeditated plan. The defence also says Lamarre-Condon attempted to call emergency services.
Earlier messages examined by the jury
The trial has also heard evidence about Lamarre-Condon’s relationship with Baird. Another friend and fellow officer, Mitchell Quercigrossi, told the court about messages in which Lamarre-Condon sought advice about the relationship.
Prosecutors allege Lamarre-Condon became obsessively and jealously infatuated with Baird after their relationship ended. The court heard that he had photographed messages on Baird’s phone and sent them to Quercigrossi, who advised him to leave the relationship.
Baird’s sister, Kourtnee, previously told the jury her brother had been fearful and had accused Lamarre-Condon of going through his phone and blocking male contacts. The defence has acknowledged that Lamarre-Condon was upset after the relationship ended and had behaved badly, but disputes that this establishes an intention to murder.
Trial continues in Sydney
The case is continuing before a jury in the NSW Supreme Court. Further witnesses are expected to be called as prosecutors seek to prove their allegation of deliberate killings and the defence advances its self-defence account.
Lamarre-Condon is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The jury will be required to assess the evidence presented in court and determine whether the prosecution has proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
