Ex-officer claims accidental shots

Beau Lamarre-Condon told a New South Wales supreme court jury on Friday that the shots which killed Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were not intentional. The former police officer is currently standing trial for two counts of murder and one count of aggravated break and enter. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The incident occurred on February 19, 2024, at a residence in Paddington, Sydney.

Lamarre-Condon testified that he entered the home to retrieve a surfboard, clothing, and a Cartier ring. He stated he used his mother's vehicle to avoid recognition and parked in a spot vacated by Baird's housemate. He claimed he wore a helmet and riding gear to appear as a delivery driver. Baird's mother, Helen, left the courtroom while he described the moment he shot her son.

The defendant said he still had his helmet on with the visor lowered when Baird spotted him. He alleged Baird shouted that a robbery was in progress and lunged forward. Lamarre-Condon claimed he aimed at Baird's right shoulder and fired. He told the court his finger remained on the trigger during the struggle and the gun discharged when they tripped over a storage box. He accepted responsibility for the discharge but denied intending it.

After dialing the emergency hotline for Baird, Lamarre-Condon encountered Davies. He stated he did not recognize Davies at the time. The former officer alleged Davies picked up the firearm, pointed it at his chest, and threatened to shoot him. Lamarre-Condon said he grabbed Davies's wrist to redirect the weapon. He testified that the gun fired during that movement and struck Davies.

The court also heard that Lamarre-Condon signed out his service weapon for a shift three days before the killings. He said he had permission to do so. In separate testimony, he described firing at a tree in Royal National Park with a friend. He said he was considering taking his own life and wanted to hear the noise of the weapon. Justice Natalie Adams is presiding over the trial, which continues.