Beau Lamarre-Condon, the former New South Wales police officer accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, asked a fellow officer about the Lilie James murder just a day before the alleged killings, a Sydney court has heard. The shocking testimony emerged during a supreme court trial on Friday, where the prosecution is building its case against Lamarre-Condon, 31, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter.
The Chilling Conversation Before the Alleged Murders
According to Ben Higginson, a former colleague of Lamarre-Condon in the NSW police force criminal investigation team, the two officers were working at a pro-Palestine protest on 18 February 2024 when Lamarre-Condon asked Higginson about his work. Higginson replied that it had been a “bit of a rough time” as he had been investigating the murder of Lilie James, a 21-year-old water polo coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School who was killed by Paul Thijssen in October 2023.
Higginson became emotional while discussing the case, noting that the crime occurred at his old school, so it “hit home a bit more.” The court heard that Lamarre-Condon then asked Higginson whether Thijssen would have “gotten away with it” if he had not taken his own life. Thijssen killed himself at the Vaucluse cliffs after murdering James.
Key Details of the Case
- Lamarre-Condon is accused of fatally shooting Jesse Baird and Luke Davies with his police service weapon on 19 February 2024.
- The alleged murders took place at Baird’s Paddington home in Sydney.
- Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter.
- The conversation about Lilie James occurred the day before the alleged murders.
- Higginson’s testimony revealed that Lamarre-Condon showed interest in how a high-profile killer might evade justice.
Comparing the Lilie James and Jesse Baird/Luke Davies Cases
The trial has drawn attention to parallels between the two cases, particularly regarding the use of violence and the backgrounds of the victims. Below is a comparison of key facts:
| Case | Victims | Alleged/Convicted Killer | Weapon | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilie James | Lilie James (21) | Paul Thijssen | Hammer | October 2023 |
| Jesse Baird & Luke Davies | Jesse Baird, Luke Davies | Beau Lamarre-Condon (accused) | Police service weapon | February 2024 |
What This Means for the Trial
The testimony from Higginson could be crucial for the prosecution, as it suggests Lamarre-Condon may have been contemplating the consequences of high-profile murders just before the alleged killings. The defence has not yet presented its case, and the trial continues.
Legal experts suggest that the conversation might be used to establish motive or state of mind. However, the defence may argue that it was merely a casual remark. The court will ultimately decide the weight of this evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Beau Lamarre-Condon?
Beau Lamarre-Condon is a former New South Wales police officer accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024. He has pleaded not guilty.
What did Lamarre-Condon ask about the Lilie James murder?
According to court testimony, Lamarre-Condon asked a colleague whether Paul Thijssen, who murdered Lilie James, would have “gotten away with it” if he hadn’t killed himself.
What charges does Lamarre-Condon face?
He faces two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial continues to unfold, with more witnesses expected to testify in the coming weeks. GrandGoldman.com will provide updates as the case progresses.
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