Police reveal major update in the case against Beau Lamarre-Condon – as a mystery USB comes under scrutiny
A former police officer accused of shooting dead Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird and his friend Luke Davies with his service weapon at an inner Sydney home has dropped multiple charges.
Beau Lamarre-Condon, 29, appeared in Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday via AVL, charged with two counts of murder and domestic violence, and one count of burglary.
Police allege the former NSW police officer murdered the couple at their Paddington home in February, with their bodies later found in surfboard bags in the Southern Tablelands.
When Lamarre-Condon’s attorney, John Walford, appeared in court, he said the police department had approved the charges against the former officer and that the violent murder charges against him would be dropped. In addition, the two counts of domestic violence murder and the burglary charge would continue.
Judge David Covington told the court that general access was also granted to a subpoenaed, password-protected USB device. The case will return to court in October, following a hearing next month.
Asked outside court about the case’s progress, another attorney for Lamarre-Condon said he would not comment, including on the USB, adding “next time,” without elaborating.
Lamarre-Condon was seen on the video link wearing a prison green hooded sweatshirt and he has not entered a request for bail.
He spoke only briefly, saying to Mr. Covington, “Thank you, Your Honor.”
Former NSW police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon faces two counts of domestic violence-related murder
Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird is pictured
Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies is pictured. Lamarre-Condon has been charged in his death
Police said the killings followed a series of “predatory” acts by Lamarre-Condon, a senior police officer who had a brief relationship with Mr Baird several months before his death.
After his arrest, Lamarre-Condon provided information to police, which led to the discovery of the couple’s bodies after an extensive search.
He has since been dismissed from the police force.
The case will return to court on October 8.
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