Sydney Police Officer Calls Own Killing Self‑Defence in Double Homicide Trial
A Sydney policeman charged with the killings of his former partner and her new girlfriend while wearing an Uber Eats uniform contended that he acted in self‑defence, a judge indicated during testimony.
Beau Lamarre‑Condon, 31, entered pleas of not guilty to the murders of Jesse Baird, 26, and Baird’s partner Luke Davies, 29, at a residence in Paddington earlier this year.
During proceedings held on Tuesday, his defence lawyer John Stratton SC testified that Lamarre‑Condon traveled to Baird’s house that morning to retrieve personal items, deliberately donning a motorcycle helmet to conceal his identity.
Upon entering, the accused encountered Baird; the men clashed, resulting in Baird being shot twice before Davies seized the firearm and inadvertently fired himself, according to counsel.
In his opening statement, Stratton asserted that Lamarre‑Condon was not responsible for either homicide and that he arrived at Baird’s residence believing the premises would be vacant.
Defence highlighted that Lamarre‑Condon adopted the Uber Eats attire to evade unnecessary contact with Baird, noting the outfit was intended to keep matters discreet.
The defendant utilized a key supplied by Baird to gain entry; upon spotting him inside, the confrontation erupted, with Baird failing to recognize his visitor because of the disguise.
Following Baird’s fatal wounding, the gun was hurled across the doorway and retrieved by Davies, as described by the advocate.
Lamarre‑Condon attempted to seize control by grabbing Davies’ arm, forcing the weapon away toward the boyfriend; during the ensuing fury, Davies unknowingly discharged the pistol.
Lamarre‑Condon appeared to panic under the circumstances, recognizing the severity of his actions.
Earlier in the week, the courtroom played recordings of the reported shots; prosecutors testified that Davies was struck while trying to dial emergency services.
Prosecution also claimed that Lamarre‑Condon confessed to a confidant about another killing and remarking a distinctive gesture along with the phrase “pew pew”.
Opening evidence revealed that Lamarre‑Condon and Baird, a television presenter, had briefly dated before breaking apart in late 2023.
The prosecution emphasised during its first session that Lamarre‑Condon harboured an obsessive, possessive fixation on Baird and had previously taken possession of her home key.
Subsequently, defence witnesses alleged that within weeks of their separation, Lamarre‑Condon used a colleague’s device to send false health notifications, pursued Baird with harassing conduct, and tampered with his vehicle.
The criminal trial is scheduled to proceed over a period extending to twelve weeks.
