Former police officer pleads not guilty to murder of TV presenter and alleged witness

The New South Wales Supreme Court heard evidence that former police officer Beau Lamarre‑Condon, 31, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of television presenter Jesse Baird and the shooting of Luke Davies on 19 February 2024. Prosecutors allege that Lamarre‑Condon killed Baird execution‑style at close range in an inner‑city terrace and then shot Davies to eliminate him as a witness.

According to court documents, after the killings Lamarre‑Condon led police to a rural property where the bodies of both men, described as being in their twenties, were found concealed in surfboard bags. The discovery was made following a search prompted by the investigation into the terrace murders.

Baird had been hired by Breakout Productions to film a shark documentary in Sydney, with his start date set for 19 February. Company co‑owner Lana Thrupp testified that she had been impressed with Baird and had corresponded with him by email and phone. After Baird failed to respond, Thrupp received a text from his mobile number on 20 February stating, “Hey Lana sorry to do this for you but after a lot of thought I thought it would be best to resign effective immediately.”

Prosecutors presented a narrative that Lamarre‑Condon and Baird had ended a relationship in November 2023, and that Lamarre‑Condon sought an exclusive relationship with Baird, which the television producer allegedly rejected. The trial continues as the court examines forensic evidence, witness statements and the circumstances surrounding the text message sent after Baird’s death.