Australian police officer charged with murder of missing TV star ex-boyfriend and his new partner

An Australian police officer has been charged with the double murder of two men believed to be his ex-boyfriend and his new partner.

Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28, is accused of killing flight attendant Luke Davies and TV personality Jesse Baird, whose possessions were found in a nearby skip.

The couple have been missing since Monday and were last seen at Mr Baird’s home, in the eastern Sydney suburb of Paddington. He worked as a presenter at Network 10 and as an Australian Football League (AFL) umpire.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon led tributes to Baird and his partner Davies, writing in a statement that Baird was a "popular and respected member of the AFL family" and that the AFL would continue to support their families and staff members in the wake of the news.

Writing on X, 10 News National Affairs Editor Hugh Riminton paid tribute to his "beloved colleague".

He wrote: "RIP my beloved young colleague, Jesse. Happy with a new man - and that, it is being alleged, was the problem. Condolences also to the family and friends of Luke Davies. Many tears tonight."

New South Wales Police Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty told reporters blood was also found in a search of Mr Baird’s home, as well as a “projectile” and a fired cartridge case.

“This has now been ballistically matched to a New South Wales Police firearm… and that firearm belongs to the 28-year-old man who was charged today,” Mr Doherty said.

Police said in a statement that the off-duty officer, who handed himself in at Bondi Police Station on Friday, was a senior constable attached to a specialist command.

Lamarre-Condon appeared in Waverley court charged with two counts of murder, an NSW Court spokesperson confirmed to CNN. He didn’t apply for bail.

Police said the officer had reportedly been in a relationship with Mr Baird, and while investigators wouldn’t comment on a potential motive, he said a line of investigation will include whether it was a “domestic-style incident.”

Neighbours report hearing a loud argument early on Monday morning.

Doherty said it will be alleged that Lamarre-Condon hired a van later that day to dispose of the bodies.

The van was found on Friday morning, but police have not revealed what was inside.

“It’s really important we get the movements in relation to that van, as hopefully we can find the bodies and this is important for the family,” Doherty said. “They’re obviously devastated by the news.”

Doherty said finding the bodies would shed more light on how the men died.

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