Share Subject: Jesse Baird: Policeman charged with murder of missing Sydney couple

This blog originally appeared at BBC.

Share Message – Jesse Baird: Policeman charged with murder of missing Sydney couple

A 28-year-old police officer has been charged with murdering missing Australian TV personality Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies.

Investigators initiated a frantic search on Wednesday following the discovery of bloodied belongings belonging to the couple in a bin near Sydney. Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, the former boyfriend of Baird, was pursued by law enforcement and surrendered himself on Friday. Despite ongoing efforts, detectives have yet to locate the bodies of the men or determine the cause of their demise.

Authorities allege that the couple met their demise on Monday within Jesse Baird’s residence in Paddington, an inner suburb of Sydney, before their remains were transported in a white van. Witnesses reported hearing “shouting” and a “verbal argument” on the morning of the incident, with CCTV footage capturing the rented van’s presence at the scene later that evening. The van was discovered in Sydney’s southern region on Friday morning.

New South Wales Police reported the discovery of a bullet resembling one from Beaumont Lamarre-Condon’s service-issued firearm at the crime scene in Paddington, alongside a “significant” volume of blood and overturned furniture. Although Lamarre-Condon failed to report to work on Tuesday, his service pistol was subsequently located in a secure facility at a police station, as confirmed by Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty during a press briefing.

Additionally, authorities have seized blood-stained garments, a mobile phone, and credit cards from an industrial bin in Cronulla, situated 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the scene of the crime, as well as various items from a residence in Balmain. Detective Superintendent Doherty noted that Lamarre-Condon was believed to have traveled to Newcastle – approximately 170 kilometers north of the crime scene – following the alleged homicides.

Detective Superintendent Doherty remarked that while information provided by Beaumont Lamarre-Condon thus far had not significantly aided the investigation, tips from the public had proven invaluable. He reiterated the plea for individuals with relevant information to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.

Highlighting the significance of locating the victims’ bodies, Detective Superintendent Doherty emphasized the importance of providing closure for the families and uncovering the circumstances surrounding their demise, acknowledging their profound grief.

Jesse Baird had previously served as a presenter and red carpet reporter on Network 10’s morning program Studio 10 until its cancellation in December, while Mr. Davies worked as a flight attendant for Qantas. Their social media accounts, adorned with joyful photographs, have been inundated with expressions of sympathy following their disappearance.

Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, who joined the police force in 2019, had previously garnered attention as a celebrity blogger, boasting encounters with stars such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Miley Cyrus. His interactions with celebrities were extensively covered by Australian media, with some publications even questioning whether he was “Australia’s biggest fan.”

Detective Superintendent Doherty refrained from speculating on the motive behind the alleged crimes. However, he noted that Beaumont Lamarre-Condon’s relationship with Jesse Baird had ended “a couple of months ago,” suggesting it as a plausible avenue of investigation.

Beaumont Lamarre-Condon was denied bail and appeared in court on Friday afternoon to face charges.