Lamarre-Condon Testifies in Double Murder Trial: Shooting 2026

Beau Lamarre-Condon, the former police officer accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, has told the New South Wales Supreme Court that the shooting of Baird was not intentional but that "it was my fault." The double murder trial continues to draw intense public interest as Lamarre-Condon gave evidence on Friday, describing the moment he fired his police 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. He told the jury he is "guilty of manslaughter" but maintains the shooting was not premeditated. The case has gripped the nation, raising questions about police training, mental health, and the circumstances leading to the deaths of Baird and Davies.

What Happened in the NSW Supreme Court?

During his testimony, Lamarre-Condon described the chaotic moments before the shooting. He said he had a "split second" to react when he saw Baird holding a knife. "As police officers we are trained to shoot people at the centre of body mass … I had a split second moment where I said drop the knife … It was just police mode now," he told the court.

He further stated, "If I didn't do that I was 110% going to have that knife driven into my throat. And Jesse Baird was going to be sitting in my position today." The emotional testimony prompted Baird's mother, Helen, to leave the courtroom.

The court also heard about an incident in the Royal National Park where Lamarre-Condon fired his gun at a tree. He said he was contemplating taking his own life at the time and wanted to test how loud the weapon was. "I was very aware of making sure the bullet didn't hit any innocent person," he said.

Why This Testimony Matters

Lamarre-Condon's admission that he is "guilty of manslaughter" but not murder is a key part of his defense. The distinction hinges on intent: the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. By claiming he acted in self-defense and in accordance with police training, Lamarre-Condon's legal team is attempting to negate the element of intent.

The testimony also sheds light on his state of mind leading up to the incident. The court heard that he had signed out his firearm for a shift three days before the shooting, which could be significant in establishing premeditation or lack thereof. The defense is likely to argue that his actions were a spur-of-the-moment response to a perceived threat.

Key Takeaways from the Trial So Far

• Lamarre-Condon admits to shooting Jesse Baird but claims it was not intentional.
• He says he acted in self-defense, fearing Baird would stab him with a knife.
• The former officer described using police training when he fired his weapon.
• He also testified about firing his gun in a national park while contemplating suicide.
• The trial continues to examine the circumstances around the signing out of his police firearm.

Who Is Affected by This Case?

The families of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies are deeply affected, as evidenced by Baird's mother leaving the courtroom during the graphic testimony. The LGBTQ+ community has also been vocal, given that Baird and Davies were a couple, and the case has raised concerns about violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.

The New South Wales Police Force is under scrutiny, with questions about how one of their officers could allegedly commit such a crime with a service weapon. The trial may lead to calls for reforms in how police firearms are managed and how officers' mental health is monitored.

What to Watch Next in the Trial

The prosecution is expected to cross-examine Lamarre-Condon vigorously, challenging his account of self-defense. They may present evidence to contradict his claim that Baird was holding a knife or that he feared for his life. The jury will also need to weigh the testimony about his mental state and the prior incident in the national park. The background to this story is set out in Beau Lamarre-Condon Testifies About Homophobic Abuse in Police. A related thread runs through Beau Lamarre-Condon Trial: Shocking Murder Confession Revealed.

Legal experts suggest that the outcome may hinge on whether the jury believes Lamarre-Condon's claim of a split-second decision or whether they see it as a deliberate act. The trial is likely to continue for several more weeks, with more witnesses and evidence to be presented. Earlier coverage in Beau Lamarre-Condon Trial: Sydney Double Murder Case Begins shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Beau Lamarre-Condon Faked Cancer Before Alleged Double Murder.

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The trial has also drawn attention to other high-profile cases in Australia, such as the lobbyist's testimony at the ICAC hearing, which highlighted issues of integrity and transparency. Meanwhile, the AFL's recent move to stop AI-generated player content shows how technology is reshaping sports and media.

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As the Alan Jones trial continues to unfold, the Lamarre-Condon case serves as a reminder of the complexities within the justice system. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched by legal experts and the public alike.