Beau Lamarre-Condon Underwent Surgery After Alleged Murders, Before Body Disposal

Beau Lamarre-Condon underwent what was described as a "minor" surgical procedure at St Vincent's Hospital on February 21, 2024, two days after he allegedly murdered Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, but before their bodies were disposed of, the NSW Supreme Court heard this week[1][7]. This detail emerged from a surgeon's statement presented during the ongoing murder trial[1][7].

The timing of the surgery adds a new detail to the chronology of events presented in court, offering insight into Lamarre-Condon's activities between the alleged murders and the discovery of the victims' bodies days later. For the jury, this provides another piece of the puzzle as they assess the accused's actions during that critical period[1][6][7].

What the records show

According to a statement read to the New South Wales Supreme Court, the surgeon performed the operation at 7:30 AM on February 21, 2024[7]. The surgeon stated that the procedure was "of a minor nature and would not lead to any physical restrictions"[7]. Lamarre-Condon was discharged two hours after the surgery and no follow-up was required[7]. The surgeon noted that Lamarre-Condon's demeanor appeared "unremarkable" during his hospital visit[7]. This was not his first interaction with the surgeon; Lamarre-Condon had previously undergone surgery in March and December 2023 for recurrent issues[7].

The timeline

Prosecutors allege that Lamarre-Condon fatally shot Jesse Baird and Luke Davies with his police service weapon on February 19, 2024, at Baird's Paddington home[1][7][11]. Two days later, on February 21, Lamarre-Condon had surgery[1][7]. The bodies of Baird and Davies were not discovered until February 27, 2024, at a rural property near Goulburn[6]. Police allege Lamarre-Condon attempted to sink their bodies in a dam before they were located elsewhere[6][9]. The court has been shown extensive CCTV footage tracking Lamarre-Condon's movements following the alleged murders[13][14][15][16].

What the defense says

Lamarre-Condon, a former police officer, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated break and enter[7][9][10]. His defense team maintains that the killings were accidental and occurred in self-defense during a struggle[8][9][10]. The defense claims that after the deaths, Lamarre-Condon's subsequent actions, including cleaning the property and moving the bodies, were those of a panicked man, not a murderer[8][9][10]. The defense barrister, John Stratton SC, told the jury that Lamarre-Condon entered Baird's home in a disguise to retrieve belongings and was carrying his police-issued Glock pistol because he believed police training prevented him from leaving it unattended[10].

What the prosecution alleges

The prosecution continues to present a detailed chronology of events, including CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimonies[1][13][14]. Prosecutors have introduced evidence suggesting Lamarre-Condon showed obsessive behavior towards Baird after their relationship ended in 2023 and had planned the murders in early 2024[11]. A police colleague testified that Lamarre-Condon had asked questions about tracking phones and hire cars weeks before the alleged murders[12]. The court has also heard about messages sent from Jesse Baird's phone after his alleged death, suggesting another person was sending them[2]. A computer-generated video reconstructing the alleged murder scene and ballistics evidence has also been presented[3]. Jurors recently visited the alleged crime scene at Baird's Paddington terrace house[4].

What we could not confirm

We could not independently confirm the specific medical condition that necessitated Lamarre-Condon's surgery on February 21, 2024[7].