A major murder trial involving a former New South Wales police officer is set to begin in Sydney on Monday. Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 31, is accused of killing television presenter Jesse Baird and Baird’s new partner, Luke Davies, in February 2024.
Lamarre-Condon has denied the allegations. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of domestic violence-related murder. He also faces a charge of aggravated break and enter.
Prosecutors allege the killings happened at a home in Paddington, an inner-Sydney suburb. Police say Lamarre-Condon used his police-issued firearm during the alleged attack. Baird was 26 years old. He worked as a television presenter. Davies, 29, worked as a flight attendant for Qantas.
The case attracted widespread attention after the two men disappeared. Investigators launched a major search after concerns were raised about their whereabouts. Their bodies were later discovered in a rural area more than 200 kilometers southwest of Sydney. Police said they had been concealed inside surfboard bags.
The alleged killings followed the end of Lamarre-Condon’s relationship with Baird, according to police allegations presented during the investigation. The prosecution case is expected to examine what happened before and after the deaths. The trial is expected to last about three months. Evidence is likely to include details about the movements of the accused, the victims, and other people connected to the case.
The court will hear evidence from police and other witnesses as the prosecution presents its case. The defense will then have an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Because Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty, the charges remain unproven. The prosecution must establish the allegations against him to the required legal standard.
The court will hear evidence gathered during the investigation and forensic examinations. The proceedings are expected to draw significant public and media attention as the court examines the events surrounding the deaths of Baird and Davies.
