The trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon, an accused double-killer and former NSW police senior constable, began Monday with prosecutors detailing a narrative of obsession and jealousy leading up to the deaths of Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies.
Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC told the NSW Supreme Court that Lamarre-Condon believed Baird, a TV presenter, was "the one" early in their relationship, but that Baird did not reciprocate these feelings. Lamarre-Condon is accused of shooting Baird, 26, and Davies, 29, with his service pistol in February 2024 at Baird's Paddington home. Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to two counts of domestic-violence related murder and one count of aggravated break and enter.
Allegations of Obsession and Deception
Hatfield described Lamarre-Condon as a "devastated" and increasingly obsessed former lover following his break-up with Baird. The court heard that Lamarre-Condon engaged in "melodramatic" conduct, including falsely claiming to have cancer and faking hospital visits.
Lamarre-Condon and Baird met in late 2022. Baird, who had recently ended a long-term relationship, was reportedly enjoying dating within Sydney's gay scene. Lamarre-Condon, who had been a police officer for approximately six-and-a-half years, allegedly became jealous and "surreptitiously" accessed Baird's phone to monitor his communications with other men. Prosecutors allege he deleted messages and blocked some of Baird's friends.
Their initial amicable separation occurred in April 2023. Baird expressed in a message that he was "nervous" about one of them getting hurt and that he was "afraid that this would happen, getting to a point where we have to stop seeing each other." He added, "I would appreciate if you could refrain from contacting me."
Lamarre-Condon allegedly offered friends different reasons for the breakup, including Baird having a Tinder account or moving to Brisbane. The court heard that his jealousy intensified, and he reportedly followed Baird, "bumping into" him at various locations and using his police authority to obtain CCTV footage of Baird on dates. He allegedly watched Baird through the window of his home having sex with other men.
Escalation and Break-in
In August 2023, six months before the killings, Lamarre-Condon allegedly used a stolen or copied key to enter Baird's home. He is accused of stealing Baird's phone and wallet, leaving a bobby pin in the door lock to suggest a burglary. Baird reportedly chased the intruder but did not recognize his former boyfriend.
Although Lamarre-Condon and Baird resumed some contact in September 2023, with Lamarre-Condon inviting Baird on a trip to Bali, Baird reportedly viewed their connection as primarily "physical." The final breakup occurred in mid-November 2023 after Baird allegedly discovered Lamarre-Condon had accessed his phone and deleted messages.
Lamarre-Condon allegedly posted a picture of a large floral arrangement on social media via Instagram's "Close Friends" feature, with a caption implying Baird had sent them. Prosecutors claim the image was downloaded from the internet and that Lamarre-Condon ensured Baird and his close friends could not see it. When confronted, Lamarre-Condon allegedly claimed the flowers were a gift from his stepfather, then rushed to a florist to purchase a similar bouquet and create a false note to support his story.
Baird texted Lamarre-Condon on November 16, stating he was "exhausted," "hurt," and felt "lied to." He concluded, "I think it's best if we focus on ourselves and stop seeing each other. I would appreciate if you could refrain from contacting me."
Lamarre-Condon responded, in part, "Jesse, I'm literally sitting here in tears, trying to piece this all together..." Later, on November 22, he allegedly used a friend's Instagram account to send Baird a message blaming his behavior on purported cancer treatment. The message falsely claimed Lamarre-Condon was diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment, including potential amputation and chemotherapy. Hatfield asserted, "The accused did not have cancer, nor was he being treated for cancer."
The Killings
Baird and Davies began their relationship around New Year's Eve 2023, with their relationship progressing quickly. Lamarre-Condon reportedly became aware of their relationship and complained to friends that Baird was taking Davies to places they had visited together. Prosecutors allege that in late 2023 and early 2024, Lamarre-Condon interfered with Baird's life by claiming to have cut his car tires, watching his house, and damaging his diesel ute.
On February 19, 2024, Lamarre-Condon allegedly drove to Baird's home, arriving around 6 a.m. He was later seen at 9:10 a.m. disguised as a delivery rider. Prosecutors contend Lamarre-Condon used a copied or stolen key to enter Baird's home with his service pistol. He allegedly shot Baird twice in the kitchen. Hatfield stated one bullet went through Baird's neck and jaw, while a second shot entered his right temple and exited, describing it as an "execution-style shot."
Davies was reportedly in Baird's bedroom and attempted to call emergency services. Hatfield said Lamarre-Condon then shot Davies in the head through the bedroom door to prevent him from calling for help. Lamarre-Condon presented himself to a police station four days later. The bodies of Baird and Davies were discovered approximately 185km south-west of Sydney four days after that.
The trial is ongoing and is set to run for three months.
