Beau Lamarre-Condon murder trial opens as he pleads not guilty
The trial of former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon over the murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies has opened, with prosecutors alleging premeditation and the defence arguing self-defence.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Former Sydney police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has gone on trial over the deaths of his former partner, TV presenter Jesse Baird, and Baird's new boyfriend, Luke Davies. The 31-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder and one charge of aggravated breaking and entering. The alleged killings took place at a home in Paddington, in Sydney, in February 2024. The court heard that he was allegedly driven by a jealous infatuation with his ex. The former officer is accused of using his work gun in the killings.
On the first full day, the court heard opening addresses from both sides. Prosecutors set out their case and gave a hint of the evidence expected during the trial. They allege that Baird's death was premeditated. They also allege that Davies was killed after he tried to speak to emergency services, and that he was eliminated as a witness. Lamarre-Condon is also accused of entering the home before the alleged killings to steal or remove a wallet and a phone. He denies that aggravated breaking and entering charge.
The defence says the case is about self-defence. It says Lamarre-Condon went to the Paddington home to remove some of his belongings and was not expecting anyone to be there. In that account, there was a confrontation between the men, and the two men were shot dead in self-defence.
The trial is expected to last 12 weeks, and witnesses have started giving evidence. Fifteen jurors are in place. That number will be cut to 12 before deliberations, a step meant to keep the trial running if a juror falls ill or another unexpected change occurs.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC News |
|---|---|
| Beau Lamarre-Condon pleaded not guilty to murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. | |
| Prosecutors allege that Luke Davies was killed after he tried to contact emergency services. | |
| Prosecutors allege that the killing of Lamarre-Condon's former partner was premeditated. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC News treated the opening day as a major, closely watched case in Sydney. It focused on the competing accounts from the prosecution and the defence, then set out trial logistics, including the expected 12-week length and the 15 jurors. Its tone was neutral and explanatory, using an Australia correspondent to explain the allegations and the not guilty pleas.
- “31 year old Beau Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to murdering his former partner, TV presenter Jesse Baird and Baird's new boyfriend, Luke Davies.”
- “The defence say this was about self-defence, that he tried to go to the home in Paddington to remove some of his belongings.”
- “It's going to be 12 weeks long.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.