Police in New South Wales, Australia made a gruesome discovery on a rural property, revealing the bodies of a couple concealed under rocks and debris following a “crime of passion” committed by the couple’s former lover, a police officer. The victims, former television reporter Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies, were found in surfboard bags allegedly used by Senior-Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon to transport their bodies from Baird’s Sydney home. The bodies were located near Bungonia, only a short distance from where police divers had been searching waterways.
Lamarre-Condon, who had a previous relationship with Baird, was arrested and charged with the double murder. He has not entered a plea or applied for bail. The investigation, led by Detective Sergeant Sasha Pinazza, concluded with the discovery of the victims’ remains, with a breakthrough occurring when Lamarre-Condon provided crucial information to the authorities after initially refusing to cooperate.
The case has shocked the nation, as it is suspected to be the first murder involving a New South Wales police officer in decades. The use of a police firearm in the crime has raised concerns about gun handling procedures and prompted organizers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to request that police refrain from participating in the upcoming parade, citing the devastating loss of the couple who had planned to attend.
Despite calls for police exclusion from the parade, State Premier Chris Minns ruled out withdrawing government funding for the event. The decision to exclude police from the march has sparked controversy, with some political figures suggesting a withdrawal of funding and LGBTQ+ rights activists expressing grief and anger over the tragic events.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, originally a protest against discrimination, dates back to 1978 and has seen uniformed police participation since 1998. The decision to exclude police from this year’s parade reflects the deep impact of the crime on the LGBTQ community, highlighting the complex relationships between law enforcement and marginalized groups.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the progress made in police-LGBTQ community relations but also recognized the profound sorrow following the recent tragedy. The dynamics surrounding police participation in the Mardi Gras parade serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts to foster understanding and inclusivity within society.