The short version
- Lamarre-Condon testified that he endured daily bullying and homophobic remarks from supervisors during his tenure with the New South Wales police force.
- The defense argues the shootings were accidental struggles in self-defense, followed by panic-driven cleanup efforts, contradicting prosecution murder charges.
- Prosecutors presented extensive digital evidence and witness testimony over seven weeks before the defense began its case with the accused taking the stand.
Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former police officer in New South Wales, has begun giving evidence in his double murder trial, marking a significant shift as the defense presents its first witness. The 31-year-old pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter, facing accusations that he fatally shot Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at Baird’s home in Paddington on February 19, 2024. Lamarre-Condon took the stand at the NSW Supreme Court before a 15-person jury, dressed in a light grey suit with a dark tie and white shirt, vowing to provide truthful testimony regarding the events leading up to the deaths.
Central to his defense is an account of severe workplace harassment during his time as an openly gay officer. Lamarre-Condon alleged that he suffered from daily bullying while stationed at Surry Hills police station, which ultimately prompted him to transfer to the youth command division in an attempt to escape torment from colleagues. He described a hostile environment where he felt targeted by peers and superiors alike, citing specific instances of abuse that he claims contributed to his psychological state prior to the incident.
In court, Lamarre-Condon detailed allegations of homophobic remarks made by a former supervisor. He testified that this individual had previously stated they used to assault gay people while stationed in Jindabyne. On another occasion, while responding to a domestic violence report, the supervisor allegedly used derogatory language referring to the individuals involved. These claims were presented to illustrate the pervasive nature of the discrimination Lamarre-Condon says he faced within the force.
The testimony also touched upon the traumatic experiences inherent in police work, which Lamarre-Condon argued compounded his stress levels. He recalled witnessing numerous graphic incidents during his career, including suicides by hanging and individuals jumping in front of trains. He specifically recounted a conversation with a coworker who later shot himself in the head at work while off duty. Lamarre-Condon stated that nothing in the colleague’s behavior suggested such an outcome, emphasizing the unpredictable and disturbing nature of the situations he encountered.
Regarding his personal relationship with victim Jesse Baird, Lamarre-Condon provided a timeline to the jury. He described their interaction from October to November 2022 as a friendship involving sexual encounters. By December of that year, he stated the dynamic had evolved into romantic dates. This context was offered to clarify the nature of his connection with one of the victims prior to the fatal confrontation.
The defense strategy hinges on the assertion that the shootings were not premeditated acts of murder but rather accidental discharges during separate struggles in which Lamarre-Condon acted in self-defense. Defense lawyer John Stratton SC has previously argued that after the incidents occurred, Lamarre-Condon panicked considerably. This panic, according to the defense, led him to clean up the scene and dispose of the bodies, actions he claims were driven by fear rather than an intent to conceal a crime.
This testimony follows a lengthy prosecution case that spanned seven weeks. Prosecutors called more than 50 witnesses and presented hours of CCTV footage alongside extensive records of social media messages. The sheer volume of evidence presented by the state contrasts with the defense’s focus on Lamarre-Condon’s mental state and the circumstances of his employment. The jury is now tasked with weighing these competing narratives as the trial progresses under Justice Natalie Adams.
As the defense continues to build its case, the courtroom remains focused on whether Lamarre-Condon’s actions constitute murder or a tragic series of accidents exacerbated by workplace trauma. The allegations of systemic bullying within the police force add a layer of complexity to the proceedings, raising questions about institutional culture and its impact on individual officers. The trial is expected to continue with further witness testimony and legal arguments in the coming weeks.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Beau Lamarre-Condon tells double murder trial he suffered ‘daily bullying’ when working for NSW police
