Beau Lamarre-Condon has accused a friend of lying to police about her involvement in the alleged disposal of the bodies of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, according to his first statement read to his double murder trial. The former police officer, 31, is accused of fatally shooting the couple with his service weapon at Baird's Paddington home on 19 February 2024.
Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter. His legal team argues the shootings were accidental and that he acted in self-defence.
The friend's evidence and the accused's rebuttal
One of Lamarre-Condon's friends, known in court under the pseudonym Elizabeth Kennedy, accompanied him while he allegedly disposed of the bodies, the trial has heard. She gave evidence last week that she thought the pair were going out for lunch when he picked her up two days after the alleged murders.
Kennedy denied helping Lamarre-Condon and told the court: "I didn't know anything." On Tuesday, Lamarre-Condon's statement was read to the court, contradicting her version of events.
He alleged that Kennedy "flat-out lied to police in her statement regarding her involvement" and said he wanted to do the "right thing" by the families of Baird and Davies because "they deserve to know the truth too".
Why this matters for the trial
The conflicting accounts go to the heart of the prosecution's case: whether Lamarre-Condon acted alone and with intent, or whether he was panicked and misled. The statement is not sworn testimony, but it gives the court an early window into the defence's narrative.
If the jury accepts that Kennedy was more involved than she admits, it could raise doubts about the reliability of her evidence. Conversely, the prosecution will likely argue that Lamarre-Condon is attempting to shift blame.
Key takeaways from the court proceedings
- Lamarre-Condon's first statement accuses friend Elizabeth Kennedy of lying to police about her involvement.
- Kennedy testified she thought she was going to lunch and denied helping dispose of the bodies.
- The accused claims he wanted to do the "right thing" for the victims' families.
- The trial continues with the defence arguing accidental shooting and self-defence.
- The credibility of both Lamarre-Condon and Kennedy will be central to the jury's decision.
What happens next
The trial is expected to continue with further evidence and cross-examination. The judge will ultimately instruct the jury on how to weigh the conflicting statements and the credibility of each witness.
Legal experts suggest that the defence may need to explain why Lamarre-Condon did not report the deaths immediately if he truly intended to, as the prosecution will likely highlight the delay.
Comparison of statements
| Party | Claim | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Kennedy | Thought she was going to lunch; denies involvement | Portrays herself as unaware |
| Beau Lamarre-Condon | Kennedy lied about involvement; he wanted to do the right thing | Suggests Kennedy encouraged disposal |
| Prosecution | Lamarre-Condon acted with intent | Argues deliberate murder |
| Defence | Shooting was accidental; self-defence | Seeks acquittal |
The case has drawn significant media attention, with details emerging about the relationship between the accused and the victims. For a deeper look at the background, see our report on why Jesse Baird was 'petrified' of Beau Lamarre-Condon, as told to the court. The background to this story is set out in Jesse Baird Housemate Unaware Surfboard Bags Held Bodies, Court Told. A related thread runs through ICE Officer Charged with Lying in Minneapolis Shooting Case.
The trial also raises questions about police conduct and the handling of evidence. In a separate matter, an undercover police officer was found to have lied about a sexual relationship, as detailed in our coverage of the spycops scandal. Earlier coverage in Lobbyist Tells Icac No Evidence of Reformers Involvement shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Brighton Sea Deaths: Police Rule Out Criminal Involvement.
For a broader roundup of recent Australian news, including the Swans sanctions and the Meta trial, read our Australia news update. And for context on how authorities classify politically motivated vandalism, see our analysis of anti-weapons vandalism as terrorism.
FAQ
What did Beau Lamarre-Condon say in his statement?
In his statement, Lamarre-Condon accused his friend Elizabeth Kennedy of lying to police about her involvement and said he wanted to do the right thing for the victims' families.
What is Elizabeth Kennedy's version of events?
Kennedy testified that she thought she was going to lunch with Lamarre-Condon and denied helping him dispose of the bodies, saying she didn't know anything.
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, with his defence arguing the shootings were accidental and in self-defence.
When did the alleged murders occur?
The alleged murders occurred on 19 February 2024 at Jesse Baird's home in Paddington, Sydney.