Police have brought new charges against accused double killer and former senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon.
Lamarre-Condon has been in custody on two charges of murder after the February 19 shooting of 26-year-old TV presenter Jesse Baird and his partner, 29-year-old Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies.
As first reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, police have laid three new charges which allege the murders were domestic violence related.
The police have confirmed to Gay Sydney News that they have added two counts of domestic violence-related murder and one count of aggravated breaking and entering with intent to commit a serious indictable offence.
The additional domestic violence charges were initially laid on July 18 and are expected to replace the two original charges as the case proceeds through the courts.
The maximum penalty for the homicide charges is life imprisonment, while the break-and-enter charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years behind bars.
Police allege Lamarre-Condon used his police-issued Glock to shoot the young couple at Baird’s Paddington share house before dumping their bodies in surfboard bags.
Lamarre-Condon was removed from the force in March, with police alleging he killed Baird due to an obsession with the Network Ten presenter, and that Davies was killed as collateral damage because he was also at the home.
The alleged killer is yet to enter any plea. However, his lawyer John Walford previously told reporters in June that the matter “may go to trial” and his client may rely on mental health grounds.
“He’s coping but it’s tough for everyone. It’s tough for him as well,” Walford said in June.
Lamarre-Condon remains in custody at Silverwater Correctional Complex.
Magistrate Daniel Covington previously granted the Davies family, who live in Queensland, special privileges to remotely watch the proceedings, which is not typically allowed in local court.
The case is due back before Downing Centre Local Court on August 13.
This article was written by Eliot Hastie, who knew Baird.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
