Beau Lamarre-Condon Trial: Former Officer Testifies on Gun Use 2026

Beau Lamarre-Condon, the former police officer accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, continued his evidence in the double murder trial on Wednesday, telling the jury about the days leading up to the alleged killings and his use of a police-issued firearm. The Beau Lamarre-Condon trial has drawn intense public interest as the former officer details his actions and state of mind.

Lamarre-Condon told the court he signed out his firearm for a shift on 16 February 2024, three days before the alleged murders. He said he had permission to do so and that on his way to work he stopped at East Village in Zetland to get his car washed.

The former officer claimed it was common for police to get coffee or stop off elsewhere on the way to work. He said he was thinking of stopping at Paddington to get his belongings from Baird before the other man got home from work, which would have put him in the “exact same” position he was in today as his firearm was still in his backpack.

Firearm Sign-Out and Test Shot in Royal National Park

Lamarre-Condon also told the jury about an occasion when he went to the Royal National Park with a friend and shot his gun. At that time, he said, he was thinking of taking his own life and wanted to test how loud the gun was.

He said he fired at a tree and was “very aware of making sure the bullet didn’t hit any innocent person.” Police normally wear eye protection when firing their gun, Lamarre-Condon told the court, so when particulate entered his eyes from the shot, he said: “Shit there’s stuff in my eyes” and began rubbing it. He then retrieved a brown paper bag and put it over the firearm before firing a second shot, he told the jury.

The prosecution is expected to challenge the credibility of Lamarre-Condon’s account, particularly around his handling of the firearm and his movements in the days before the alleged murders. The trial continues.

Key Takeaways from the Testimony

• Lamarre-Condon signed out his police firearm on 16 February 2024, three days before the alleged murders.
• He claims he had permission to sign out the weapon and that stopping during work commutes is common among officers.
• He testified about firing the gun in Royal National Park to test its volume while contemplating suicide.
• The court heard he used a brown paper bag to cover the firearm before firing a second shot.
• The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution yet to cross-examine Lamarre-Condon on these details.

Context of the Trial

The Beau Lamarre-Condon trial has captivated Australia, raising questions about police procedures and the handling of service weapons. Lamarre-Condon, a former senior constable, is accused of killing Baird, a former television presenter, and Davies, a Qantas flight attendant, in February 2024.

The case has also brought attention to the broader issue of mental health within police forces and the protocols for firearm access. Legal experts suggest the testimony about the test shot could be pivotal in establishing the defendant's state of mind.

Comparison of Key Events

What to Watch Next

The prosecution is expected to cross-examine Lamarre-Condon in the coming days, focusing on inconsistencies in his account. The defense will likely argue that his actions were driven by personal turmoil and not premeditation.

The judge has reminded the jury to consider all evidence carefully and not to let emotion influence their decision. The trial is set to continue for several more weeks.

FAQ

The Beau Lamarre-Condon trial continues to unfold with each day of testimony. For related coverage on how courts handle sensitive testimony, see our report on Jesse Baird 'Petrified' of Beau Lamarre-Condon, Court Hears, which details the victim's fear before the alleged murders.

Other cases involving police misconduct have also drawn scrutiny. In the US, the Amber Guyger parole decision sparked debate about accountability, while the D4vd murder trial highlighted the impact of graphic evidence on proceedings.

In Australia, the Melbourne man guilty of rape case raised questions about evidence exclusion, and the Madison police shooting led to protests over use of force. These cases underscore the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding law enforcement.

For ongoing coverage of the Lamarre-Condon trial and other major Australian legal stories, stay tuned to Grand Goldman.