Former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon faces murder trial as prosecution prepares closing arguments
In the NSW Supreme Court, former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon continues to deny murder charges related to the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, while prosecutors outline a series of alleged stalking, weapon use and body-disposal actions ahead of closing statements.
The NSW Supreme Court heard the final phase of the prosecution’s case against former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, who is charged with murdering TV presenter Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies in Paddington on 19 February 2024. Over six weeks, more than 60 witnesses, dozens of statements and over 100 exhibits, including crime-scene photographs, have been presented to the jury.
Prosecutors allege that Lamarre-Condon developed an obsessive fixation on Baird after their relationship ended in April 2023, repeatedly entering Baird’s home, monitoring his activities and sending deceptive messages. They contend he fabricated a cancer diagnosis in an attempt to regain Baird’s affection and that he sought assistance from friends to conceal the bodies, including purchasing cleaning supplies and using a surfboard bag for transport.
The defence, led by John Stratton SC, maintains that Lamarre-Condon acted in self-defence, entered the home to retrieve personal belongings and his firearm, and that the shootings occurred during a struggle in which the second victim was accidentally shot. Stratton emphasized that Lamarre-Condon, as a police officer, was aware of the appearance of his actions.
Key evidence presented includes text messages, a secret jail-recording in which Lamarre-Condon discusses the murders, CCTV footage of his movements, and testimony from acquaintances about his planning and post-incident behaviour. The Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC described the alleged actions as a calculated effort to conceal the crimes.
The prosecution will close its case on Tuesday, after which the defence is scheduled to begin its presentation on Thursday. The jury will continue deliberations following the closing arguments.