An ‘offensive’ mural depicting murdered Sydney couple Luke Davies and Jesse Baird has been removed amid controversy over the graphic depiction of their alleged murder at the hands of a New South Wales police officer.
The young couple were allegedly murdered by Beau Lamarre-Condon at Mr Baird’s home, before being abandoned at a remote property.
This week, Sydney residents spotted an explicit mural on an alley wall depicting what appears to be the alleged murder committed by a figure in a police-style uniform.
The image, posted on Reddit, appears to show Baird and Davies lying down after allegedly being fatally shot, with a rainbow-colored pattern that appears to be blood.
Luke Davies, left, and Jesse Baird were allegedly murdered at Mr Baird’s home in Sydney.
In a statement, police said they were called to Earl Pl in Potts Point on Wednesday after a member of the public reported “offensive graffiti”.
“Sydney City Council has since painted over the graffiti,” police said.
“Officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command are investigating the incident.”
A City of Sydney spokesperson confirmed the graffiti had been removed, adding that “the work represented a violent act.”
“We remove such graffiti or posters as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
The alleged double murder caused great pain within the city’s LGBTQI community, as well as a strong backlash against the state’s police force.
NSW Police were initially told they were no longer invited to attend last month’s Mardi Gras parade, before organizers agreed they could do so but without uniforms.
The alleged double murder caused great pain within the city’s LGBTQI community, as well as a strong backlash against the state’s police force.
Online users were quick to condemn the mural as “very confrontational” and “in poor taste,” while some pointed out that the alleged murders were not related to gay hate crimes.
“I’d say it’s in bad taste, given how recent the (deaths) are and with family and loved ones still very much grieving,” said one Reddit user.
‘However, I don’t think we should rule out the defendant’s role as a police officer, just because he was gay.
“I think it’s relevant and something that shouldn’t be quickly dismissed.”
Another user said he was “glad it was removed” and rejected initial plans to ban police from the Mardi Gras parade.
Beau Lamarre-Condon is in custody accused of murder
“There are many gay police officers and officers who would find this disgusting and should not be punished,” they said.
‘It’s just one step too far. “It’s a tragedy, but it’s far from a hate crime.”
Police had previously said they would argue in court that the murders were likely related to domestic violence and not the couple’s sexual identity.
Lamarre-Condon currently remains in police custody on remand. No pleas have been entered and she will reappear in court in April.
