Ballistics expert rejects defence claim in alleged Qantas host murder

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:04 · Archive

A ballistics expert has rejected the defence suggestion that a bullet could have become lodged in a bedroom door in the trial of an ex-police officer accused of murdering a Qantas host.

Beau Lamarre-Condon, 31, is accused of shooting Luke Davies, a TV presenter, through a bedroom door at a Paddington home on 19 February 2024. The bullet hole was discovered in July 2026, months after the alleged incident, as it had been covered with a hook during the 2024 investigation. Davies' new partner was Jesse Baird. Mr Lamarre-Condon allegedly dressed as an Uber Eats rider before the incident.

Mr Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty and is arguing self-defence. He claims his police firearm discharged twice during a struggle, fatally wounding Mr Baird, and that Mr Davies then emerged with the gun and fatally shot himself. No bullet or impact mark was found in Mr Baird's bedroom.

NSW Police ballistics expert Lucas Van Der Walt told the NSW Supreme Court there was no possibility a bullet could have become stuck in the door with the firearm in question. When the defence barrister John Stratton SC suggested a bullet could become lodged if it passed through a body before striking the door, Mr Van Der Walt responded: 'That's impossible'.

How it is being reported

• Suggestion by Beau Lamarre-Condon’s lawyer about Qantas host’s death ‘impossible’: expertA suggestion about a Qantas host’s death made by the legal team of an ex-cop accused of his murder has been branded “impossible” in court.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 05:54
• Suggestion by Beau Lamarre-Condon’s lawyer about Qantas host’s death ‘impossible’: expertA suggestion about a Qantas host’s death made by the legal team of an ex-cop accused of his murder has been branded “impossible” in court.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 05:53

In this story: Beau Lamarre-Condon · Luke Davies · Jesse Baird · Lucas Van Der Walt · John Stratton SC · NSW Supreme Court · Paddington

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