Former cop's friend recalls evasive van ride with bodies in back

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

A childhood friend of accused former senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon recalled a two-hour van journey where she was unaware two bodies were in the back.

Beau Lamarre-Condon, a 31-year-old former senior constable, stands trial for the murders of his ex-partner Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024. A childhood friend of Lamarre-Condon's testified that she was picked up by him in a hired white van on 21 February, two days after the alleged killings, unaware that two bodies were concealed in the back.

The friend, referred to as Elizabeth Kennedy in court, recalled that during the two-hour drive to the NSW Southern Highlands, Lamarre-Condon kept the windows down and the air-conditioning on full, making the van unusually cold. She said she noticed a blue tarp in the back and a 'fresh lemony smell' consistent with a rental vehicle. When she asked how much longer the journey would take, Lamarre-Condon would change the subject rather than answer directly.

During the drive, the friend said Lamarre-Condon made cryptic statements and asked her about mental health medication. He told her he had hired the van to move furniture to an inner-city apartment, despite still living with his mother in Balmain. Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to both murders, claiming self-defence occurred at Mr Baird's Sydney terrace and that his subsequent disposal efforts reflected panic rather than intent to kill.

How it is being reported

• Freezing van ride with killer cop recalled by friendA killer cop made cryptic statements and asked about mental health medication during a cold van ride with a friend to dump two bodies, a jury has heard.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 17:31
• Freezing van ride with killer cop recalled by friendA killer cop made cryptic statements and asked about mental health medication during a cold van ride with a friend to dump two bodies, a jury has heard.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 17:31

In this story: Beau Lamarre-Condon · Jesse Baird · Luke Davies · Elizabeth Kennedy · NSW Supreme Court · Sydney · Balmain · NSW Southern Highlands

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