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Former NSW Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Gay Sydney Couple
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On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former New South Wales police officer, appeared before the NSW Supreme Court and pleaded not guilty to the murders of Jesse Baird, a 26-year-old TV presenter, and Luke Davies, a 29-year-old flight attendant . The couple disappeared in February last year after attending a party ahead of Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations. Their bodies were found eight days later in surf bags in Bungonia, approximately 200 kilometres south of Sydney .
According to police, the men were allegedly shot with a police-issued handgun in Baird’s Paddington home, and their bodies were subsequently transported and concealed . Lamarre-Condon, who had previously served as a constable with the NSW Police, was arrested after presenting himself at a Bondi police station . He has been in custody since February 2025.
During Tuesday’s arraignment, Lamarre-Condon’s lawyer entered not guilty pleas to all charges: two counts of domestic-violence-related murder and one count of aggravated break and enter . The Supreme Court set the case for trial, with a further arraignment scheduled for early October . The proceedings have experienced repeated delays over the past eighteen months, including the withdrawal of Lamarre-Condon’s previous legal team .
Police investigations earlier this year alleged that Lamarre-Condon had exhibited a pattern of predatory behaviour prior to the murders. It was reported that he had a brief relationship with Jesse Baird, and while police believe Baird’s murder was planned, the death of Davies may not have been premeditated .
The deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies have sent shockwaves through both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider public, raising urgent questions about the safety of queer people and the prevalence of domestic violence in same-sex relationships. The fact that the accused is a former law enforcement officer has intensified scrutiny of police culture and its relationship with LGBTQ+ communities, especially in the context of Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebrations—a time intended for pride and visibility .
In the aftermath of the killings, advocacy groups have renewed calls for comprehensive reform and increased support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing domestic violence. Organizations such as QLife (1800 184 527, qlife.org.au), Discharged ([email protected], discharged.org.au), Lifeline (13 11 14, lifeline.org.au), and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636, beyondblue.org.au) have offered counselling and support services for those affected by the tragedy .
As news of the killings broke in February 2025, vigils and memorials were held across Sydney and beyond, honoring the lives of Baird and Davies. Friends, colleagues, and loved ones remembered them as vibrant, caring individuals who contributed positively to their communities . Baird was well-known for his work as a TV presenter, and Davies was respected in the aviation industry. Both had been seen at a pre-Mardi Gras party shortly before their disappearance, a detail that has underscored the sense of loss felt during what should have been a celebration of queer joy and solidarity .
The case has also prompted critical discussion about how violence against LGBTQ+ people is reported and investigated. Media organizations have faced calls to ensure respectful coverage, avoid sensationalism, and center the voices of survivors and community advocates .
Legal experts note that the upcoming trial will be closely watched not only for its implications on criminal justice, but also for its potential impact on community trust in law enforcement. The involvement of a police-issued weapon and allegations of prior misconduct have prompted calls for independent oversight and accountability .
LGBTQ+ advocates emphasize the importance of affirming the dignity and humanity of victims in cases involving intimate partner violence, regardless of gender identity or sexuality. They stress the need for resources and education tailored to the specific vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ people, and for ongoing dialogue between police, policymakers, and community leaders .
As the trial approaches, the families of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies have requested privacy and respect, while expressing hope that justice will be served . The LGBTQ+ community continues to mourn the loss of two cherished members and to advocate for safer, more inclusive futures.
