Sunrise host Nat Barr has confronted NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb after an officer allegedly shot his ex-boyfriend and his new partner with his service pistol.
Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28, is behind bars after being accused of murdering his former partner, ex-Ten reporter Jesse Baird, 26, and the man’s new boyfriend, Luke Davies, 29, in Sydney on 19 February.
Investigators allege Lamarre-Condon’s crimes were the result of a months-long campaign of “predatory behavior,” which culminated in the fatal double shooting.
Webb was confronted by Barr and her cohost Matt Shirvington about her lack of leadership.
Sunrise presenter Nat Barr confronted Karen Webb after the murder of a gay couple in Sydney
“You have been criticized for your lack of public presence on this issue. It wasn’t until three days later that I actually heard from you,” Shirvington said. ‘Why was that so?’
Webb responded, “It really was a live investigation. The officer reported himself on Friday. He was not charged and was due to appear in court in the afternoon. I got up yesterday. I issued a statement on Sunday.
“I’ve been off doing other things, I have a big organization and a $5 billion budget for 22,000 people.
‘The great thing about being a commissioner and leader is that you have great people around you. I have a great director. I have a great team. And they all have a role to play. I let them do their job and they do it well.’
But Barr was unimpressed by her response.
‘Commissioner, it is about leadership. You said you’re the leader. And no matter how busy you are, you have a police officer who is allegedly involved in this. You have a crime that has gripped this nation, especially this city, three days to speak? Come on.
Webb hit back.
“It’s still a live investigation, it’s very complex.”
But Barr kept calling for Webb.
‘You don’t have to argue with anyone. To stand there and speak and be human, would it be a mistake not to?
Webb responded, “What I did on Sunday was talk to Jesse’s family. What I did yesterday was discussed with Luke’s family.
“I want them to know that we are doing everything we can to find Jesse and Luke.
She was then asked if she deserves the criticism.
“There will always be haters. Haters love to hate. Isn’t that what Taylor says? I have a job to do. It’s a big job. This is just one of many. We had seven murders last week.
‘But this is of course a complex matter. All we have to do now is find Jesse and Luke.”
More to come