Cross-examination of accused double-murderer Beau Lamarre-Condon has continued as prosecutors test his account of the fatal shootings of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024.
The 31-year-old former senior constable has pleaded not guilty to both murders, claiming the men were killed in self-defence. He ended his evidence last week with an often tearful account of the events.
Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC challenged Lamarre-Condon over his decision to enter Mr Baird’s Paddington terrace while wearing an elaborate disguise, despite seeing the door open.
“You saw the door open but thought the house was empty?” Mr Hatfield asked.
“I thought (Mr Baird’s housemate) hadn’t closed the door properly,” Lamarre-Condon replied. “I was not under the belief anyone was home … I couldn’t see Jesse’s ute.”
The Crown alleges Lamarre-Condon watched the property for several hours on the morning of February 19, 2024, waiting until Mr Baird was alone. Prosecutors say he was motivated by a jealous obsession and intended to kill his former partner.
Lamarre-Condon told the court he had gone to the house in an Uber Eats driver outfit to recover expensive shirts and a Cartier ring. He said he kept his helmet on while searching the property.
“All with the helmet on … you didn’t lift the visor?” Mr Hatfield asked.
“No,” Lamarre-Condon replied.
He claims Mr Baird mistook him for an intruder and lunged at him with a knife, leading to the shooting. The prosecution disputes that account, alleging the disguise was intended to prevent Lamarre-Condon being identified on CCTV.
Lamarre-Condon said he ran upstairs after realising Mr Baird was home and removed only his high-visibility jacket, keeping his backpack and helmet on. He told the court he did not want the waterproof material to make noise as he moved.
The Crown further alleges that, after shooting Mr Baird, Lamarre-Condon killed Mr Davies through a bedroom door to remove him as a witness. Cross-examination is continuing.
