A detective broke down in court after describing how she found the bodies of two men allegedly murdered by former police officer Beau Lamarre‑Condon. Senior Constable Christine Abela recounted the moment she discovered the remains of Jesse Baird, 26, and his boyfriend Luke Davies, 29, who were shot dead in a Sydney terrace in February 2024.
Lamarre‑Condon, who was a police officer at the time, has pleaded not guilty, arguing the men died in separate violent confrontations after he entered the home disguised as a food‑delivery rider. Prosecutors say he then tried to dispose of the bodies at Bungonia, 200 km south of Sydney, a move they say shows panic over the unexpected deaths.
Abela, who coordinated the search of Cella Farm where Lamarre‑Condon allegedly attempted to sink the bodies in a dam, told the jury that eight days after the shooting she found the remains. She described a cut padlock on the dam, concrete blocks, gym weights and a strong smell of decomposition.
The detective recalled the scent growing stronger as she approached two blue and silver surfboard bags covered with sticks, branches and stones. Her emotional reaction was prompted by the prosecutor’s detailed recollection of the odor.
Prosecutors allege Lamarre‑Condon had become infatuated with Baird after their breakup in November 2023 and had planned the murders. A close friend, Nicole Harvell, testified that she could not remember any discussion of Baird with Lamarre‑Condon after the breakup, despite daily contact. Harvell also described an Instagram story with flowers that was meant to mislead Baird, and a bouquet sent to Baird to further the ruse.
The trial continues.
