Former Police Officer Testifies in Double Murder Trial of Two Men

Former New South Wales police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon testified Friday in his double murder trial, admitting he shot Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at a Sydney home in February 2024.

Lamarre-Condon, 31, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, telling the Supreme Court he was responsible for Baird’s death but did not intend to kill his former partner.

The proceedings examine the events of February 19, 2024, when the defendant allegedly used his police-issued firearm to kill Baird and Davies at a residence in the suburb of Paddington.

Lamarre-Condon testified that he entered the home to retrieve personal belongings, including a surfboard and a ring, while wearing a delivery helmet to avoid being recognized by Baird.

“I was worried if I knocked on the door it may be perceived as harassment,” said Lamarre-Condon, noting that Baird had previously asked him to refrain from contacting him.

The defendant told the jury that Baird, upon discovering him, yelled that they were being robbed and lunged at him with a knife, initiating a struggle in the kitchen.

“As police officers we are trained to shoot people at the centre of body mass,” said Lamarre-Condon, explaining his actions during the confrontation.

He stated he aimed for Baird’s shoulder to disarm him, adding, “The first shot was intentional, the second wasn’t.”

Lamarre-Condon claimed he was pinned against a wall with the knife near his throat when the weapon discharged, according to testimony reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Prosecutors allege the defendant developed an obsessive infatuation with Baird and took deliberate steps to cover up his involvement in the deaths following the incident.

Lamarre-Condon testified that he had signed out his firearm the previous day and had contemplated suicide due to work-related trauma, but had not yet returned the weapon.

The trial, which has spanned seven weeks, continues as the jury considers whether the former officer’s actions constituted self-defense or intentional murder.