How Sydney murder case unfolded as couple found dead and police officer charged
Two bodies have been found in the search for missing couple who were allegedly murdered by a senior police officer in Sydney, Australia.
New South Wales Police said on Tuesday that the remains found at a property in Bungonia, a small town south of Sydney, are believed to be those of Jesse Baird, 26, and Luke Davies, 29.
Formal identification was yet to take place, police said.
The force, which alleges the couple were murdered by Senior Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon last week, said a post-mortem examination will be carried out to confirm the cause of death.
Sunday, 18 February
Mr Baird, a former TV presenter, and his flight attendant boyfriend, were last officially seen at the opening party for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival at the Beresford Hotel in the Surry Hills neighbourhood in the city’s inner east, 1News reports.
Monday, 19 February
Neighbours report hearing gunshots at Mr Baird’s home in the nearby suburb of Paddington at about 9.50am local time, according to police.
A call is made to Australia’s main emergency number from Mr Davies’ phone a few minutes later but it is disconnected before anything is said.
Police dispatch a patrol car to the area but lack details to act on. This is when they allege the couple was murdered.
Mr Lamarre-Condon allegedly hires a white van on Monday night. “We will allege in court that van was used to transport the bodies … and dispose of the bodies,” Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty said.
Tuesday, 20 February
In the evening, former colleagues of Mr Baird received texts from his phone, police allege. The identity of the person behind those messages is yet to be established, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reports.
Wednesday, 21 February
Police report to Mr Baird’s property after bloodied items belonging to him and Mr Davies were found in a skip in Cronulla in Sydney’s south east.
Det Supt Doherty said police believe the property, where a “large amount of blood” was found, is where the alleged murders were carried out.
A projectile is found at the scene that allegedly matches a police firearm, Det Supt Doherty added.
Thursday, 22 February
Police appeal for information as the disappearance of the couple becomes public.
Friday, 23 February
Mr Lamarre-Condon turns himself in at Bondi Beach Police Station. He is transferred to Waverley Police and charged with the murder of the two men.
The van is discovered on Friday close to where the bloodied items had been found in the skip.
Saturday, 24 February
Police continue searching for the bodies of Mr Baird and Mr Davies.
Sunday, 25 February
Police begin searching a dam at a property in Bungonia, according to 9News.
Monday, 26 February
Search of the property continues.
Tuesday, 27 February
Investigators speak to Mr Lamarre-Condon in Silverwater Jail, west of Sydney.
He allegedly tells police where the bodies are.
At 3.30pm local time, senior police hold a news conference saying two bodies have been found at a second property in Bungonia.
“While the bodies are yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be that of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird.
“A post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the cause of death,” a statement on NSW Police’s website says.
