Extreme Police Misconduct Cases

ANDREW MALLARD MURDER CASE

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Overview

Andrew Mallard was wrongfully convicted in 1995 for the 1994 murder of Perth jeweller Pamela Lawrence. His conviction was based on flawed police practices, non-disclosure of evidence, and unreliable confessions. After years of appeals and a High Court intervention, his conviction was overturned in 2006, and he was acquitted. The case exposed serious misconduct within WA Police and prosecution, ultimately leading to a $3.25 million compensation payout. Mallard later died in a 2019 hit-and-run in Los Angeles.

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Timeline of Events

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• 23 May 1994 – Murder of Pamela Lawrence

  • Pamela Lawrence, owner of a jewellery shop in Mosman Park, Perth, was brutally murdered with a blunt instrument.

  • The crime attracted public shock and heavy police scrutiny.

• Mid–1994 – Police Investigation Begins

  • Police interviewed Andrew Mallard, a man with mental health issues who was living in the area.

  • Despite lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime scene, police focused on him as the prime suspect.

  • Interrogations produced inconsistent statements, later framed as “confessions.”

• 1995 – Trial and Conviction

  • Mallard was charged and tried for Lawrence’s murder.

  • Jury convicted him despite absence of direct forensic evidence.

  • He was sentenced to .

• 1996–2001 – First Appeals Rejected

  • Mallard appealed to the WA Court of Criminal Appeal, which upheld the conviction.

  • Applications for further reviews were rejected.

• 2002 – Journalist and Lawyer Involvement

  • Mallard’s case gained attention through investigative work by journalist Colleen Egan, and lawyers Malcolm McCusker QC (later WA Governor) and John Quigley MLA (later WA Attorney General).

  • They uncovered police and prosecutorial misconduct, including withheld evidence pointing to another suspect.

• 2004 – Petition to the High Court

  • Fresh evidence, including forensic reports previously concealed, was presented.

  • These showed alternative scenarios consistent with another offender.

• 6 October 2005 – High Court Hearing

  • Mallard’s legal team argued critical evidence had been withheld and the original trial was unsafe.

  • High Court agreed to hear the appeal.

• 6 October 2006 – Conviction Quashed

  • The High Court of Australia .

  • He was immediately released from prison after serving .

• 2006–2008 – Further Investigations

  • New evidence implicated serial killer , already serving time for another murder.

  • Rochford later committed suicide after being linked to the Lawrence case.

• 2009 – Official Acquittal

  • WA Director of Public Prosecutions formally withdrew the charge, confirming Mallard’s innocence.

• 2010 – Compensation Settlement

  • WA Government awarded Andrew Mallard in compensation for wrongful imprisonment.

  • It was one of the largest payouts in Australian legal history at the time.

• 2015 – Cold Case Findings

  • WA Police confirmed Simon Rochford as the prime suspect in Pamela Lawrence’s murder.

  • A cold case review officially cleared Mallard.

• 18 April 2019 – Andrew Mallard’s Death

  • While visiting Los Angeles, Mallard was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident at age 56.

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OFFICER ROGER ROGERSON CRIMES

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Overview

Roger Caleb Rogerson (1941–2024), once a highly decorated detective sergeant in the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force, became one of Australia’s most notorious figures in law enforcement due to his deep involvement in corruption, murder, drug trafficking, and obstruction of justice. He transitioned from acclaim to infamy, eventually dying in custody at age 83, serving a life sentence for murder.

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Timeline of Events

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1941–1958: Early Life and Entry into Policing

• 1941: Born 3 January in Sydney.

• 1958: Joined NSW Police Cadet Service at age 17.

1960s–1981: Rise and First Allegations

• Became a key figure in the NSW “Armed Hold-Up Squad,” known for his fearlessness and being “the life of the party.”

• 1970s: Involved in major investigations, including the Toecutter Gang murder and the Whiskey Au Go Go fire.

• 1976–77: Killed three people in line of duty: bank robber Phillip Western (1976), “Butchy” Burns (1977), and drug dealer Warren Lanfranchi (1981) — the latter case sparked lasting controversy.

• Lanfranchi’s girlfriend, whistleblower Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, accused Rogerson of corruption. She was found murdered in 1986; no charges were laid.

Mid-1980s: Corruption, Attempted Murder, and Dismissal

• 1984: Detective Michael Drury was shot in a failed assassination. Rogerson was charged with orchestrating it, but acquitted in 1989.

• 1986: Dismissed from the NSW Police following multiple allegations of misconduct.

1990s–2006: Convictions and Public Persona

• 1992: Convicted of perverting the course of justice over fraudulent bank deposits (approx. $110,000). Served ~3 years in prison.

• 2005: Convicted (with his wife Anne Melocco) for lying to the Police Integrity Commission; served about 12 months.

• Post-release, performed in stage shows recounting his policing exploits (“The Wild Colonial Psychos”).

2014–2016: Murder of Jamie Gao and Life Sentence

• 2014: Accused (alongside fellow ex-detective Glen McNamara) of murdering 20-year-old student and drug dealer Jamie Gao over a drug deal gone wrong. Gao’s body was found at sea in a surfboard bag.

• 2016: Convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Appeals rejected, including by the High Court in 2023.

2023–2024: Final Days and Death in Custody

• 2023: Health deteriorated. Transferred multiple times to hospital; bedridden and confused.

• January 2024: Suffered a brain aneurysm; taken off life support and died on 21 January at age 83. His death triggered mandatory custody inquests.

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OFFICER MARK STANDEN CRIMES

 

 

Overview

Mark Standen, a high-ranking NSW Crime Commission assistant director, was exposed in 2008 for conspiring to import $120 million worth of pseudoephedrine, used to manufacture methamphetamine. Once considered one of Australia’s most trusted anti-drug investigators, he abused his position to collude with drug traffickers. He was arrested in June 2008 following an international investigation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Dutch police. In 2011, Standen was convicted of conspiracy to import and supply drugs, and in 2012 he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. His case became one of Australia’s most notorious examples of police corruption and betrayal of public trust.

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Timeline of Events

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• Pre-2000s – Early Career

  • Standen joined law enforcement in the 1970s, working with NSW Police, the National Crime Authority (NCA), and later the NSW Crime Commission.

  • Built a reputation as a “drug buster” and rose to the role of Assistant Director at the NSW Crime Commission, overseeing major organised crime and drug investigations.

• 2000–2006 – Reputation and Influence

  • By the early 2000s, Standen had significant authority in targeting drug trafficking and organised crime.

  • Known as a “Mr Big” in NSW law enforcement, he wielded enormous investigative powers, including covert surveillance and confiscation of criminal assets.

  • Privately, he developed gambling debts and personal vulnerabilities that made him susceptible to corruption.

• 2006–2007 – Shift Towards Criminal Activity

  • Began conspiring with Michael Hurley, a Sydney criminal, and Dutch associate Willem van Boxtel to profit from large-scale drug imports.

  • Planned to import over 300kg of pseudoephedrine from Pakistan via Dubai and the Netherlands, with profits estimated at $120 million.

  • Leveraged his Crime Commission position to access sensitive information and shield conspirators.

• 2007–2008 – Surveillance and Investigation

  • International agencies, including the AFP, Dutch police, and UK authorities, began monitoring Standen’s activities.

  • Wiretaps, surveillance, and intercepted communications revealed his involvement in organising the drug shipment.

  • Authorities carefully built the case, given Standen’s senior law enforcement role and access to intelligence.

• 2 June 2008 – Arrest

  • Standen arrested at his Sydney office by the AFP in a dramatic operation.

  • Charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of pseudoephedrine, conspiracy to supply, and abusing his official position.

  • The arrest shocked the nation, given his senior standing and high security clearance.

• 2009–2010 – Pre-Trial Developments

  • Bail applications denied due to flight risk and seriousness of charges.

  • Defence argued entrapment and flaws in prosecution evidence.

  • Media coverage painted him as the highest-ranking law enforcement official ever charged with drug trafficking in Australia.

• 2011 – Trial and Conviction

  • Trial began in the NSW Supreme Court.

  • Jury heard evidence of Standen’s betrayal, including phone calls, financial records, and surveillance evidence.

  • In June 2011, Standen was found guilty of conspiracy to import and supply pseudoephedrine.

• 14 March 2012 – Sentencing

  • NSW Supreme Court Justice Bruce James sentenced Standen to 22 years in prison (non-parole period of 16 years).

  • Judge described his actions as a “gross breach of trust” by a senior crime fighter.

  • Sentence backdated to his 2008 arrest, meaning parole eligibility in 2024.

• Post-2012 – Aftermath

  • Standen lodged appeals, but his conviction and sentence were upheld.

  • The case damaged public confidence in the NSW Crime Commission, leading to calls for reforms and oversight.

  • NSW ICAC and other oversight bodies reviewed systemic failures that allowed Standen’s corruption to develop unchecked.

  • His downfall remains one of Australia’s most infamous corruption scandals.

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CLARE NOWLAND TASER DEATH CASE

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Overview

Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old woman with dementia, was tasered by NSW police officer Kristian White in May 2023 at her aged-care facility in Cooma while holding a steak knife. She fell, suffered a fatal head injury, and died a week later. The incident sparked national outrage over police use of force on vulnerable people. White was charged with murder, manslaughter and assault. The case has reignited debate on policing, accountability, and treatment of the elderly and mentally ill.

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Timeline of Events

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Incident & Death (May 2023)

 

• 17 May 2023: Officers, including Kristian White, were called to Yallambee Lodge, an aged-care facility in Cooma, NSW, where 95‑year‑old Clare Nowland—who had dementia—was wandering with a steak knife .

• Found in a nurses’ station, she advanced slowly on her walker, holding the knife. After unsuccessful disarmament attempts and reportedly saying “nah, bugger it,” White twice deployed his Taser, striking her in the back and chest.

• She fell, fracturing her skull, and later died on 24 May 2023 from an inoperable brain bleed.

 

Initial Charges & Police Employment

• 23 May 2023: White was suspended from duty. On 24 May, he was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault. These were later upgraded to manslaughter after Nowland’s death.

Legal Proceedings

Judge-Alone Trial Request

• October 2024: White’s defence requested a judge-alone trial, citing prejudicial media coverage and complexity of legal issues. This was denied, with the judge ruling that jurors could properly understand the case and that bail decisions might bias sentencing.

Trial & Conviction

• 11 November 2024: Trial commenced before a jury at the NSW Supreme Court.

• 27 November 2024: The jury found White guilty of manslaughter.

• 3 December 2024: Police Commissioner Karen Webb dismissed White from the NSW Police, stating she had no confidence in his continued suitability.

Sentencing Phase (February – March 2025)

Victim Impact Statements & Sentencing Hearing

• 7 February 2025: Family members delivered powerful victim impact statements—including Nowland’s children describing her death as undignified and traumatic. White’s apology letter was also tendered, prompting debate over its sincerity.

Sentence Delivered

• 28 March 2025: Justice Ian Harrison sentenced White to a two‑year Community Correction Order (CCO), including 425 hours of community service. No prison time was imposed. Justifications included:

  • The act was a “terrible mistake”, of low objective seriousness for manslaughter.

  • White lost his career, suffers mental health consequences, and posed low reoffending risk, making incarceration disproportionate.

• The family condemned the outcome as a “slap on the wrist.” Legal experts found the non-custodial sentence surprising and controversial, given most manslaughter cases result in imprisonment.

Appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Notice and Grounds of Appeal

• April 2025: The NSW DPP, Sally Dowling SC, appealed the sentencing as “manifestly inadequate.” Grounds included:

  1. Sentence was too lenient given the seriousness.

  2. Error of fact—judge misjudged White’s belief that force was necessary.

  3. Sentencing errors—minimising general deterrence impact

• 27 June 2025: Appeal hearing took place. Prosecutors argued White “did not give Clare Nowland a real chance to avoid being Tasered,” emphasizing her vulnerability and his impatience.

Appeal Decision

• 30 July 2025: The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed the appeal, unanimously finding that although the sentence was lenient, it was not manifestly inadequate. The judges affirmed Justice Harrison’s discretion, noting:

  • No significant sentencing error.

  • The context involved no proven malice or premeditation.

  • Harsh punishment was not mandatory in an error-of-judgment scenario.

• Family reaction: Devastated, stating they were still trying to comprehend how someone convicted of using deadly force on a vulnerable, elderly woman could remain free without spending a day in jail.

• The coronial inquest is pending, and further appeals to the High Court remain possible.

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MARK BOMBARA MURDERS OF JENNIFER AND GRETL PETELCZYC​

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Overview

Mark James Bombara, a licensed firearms owner in Perth, killed Jennifer Petelczyc (59) and her daughter Gretl (18) at their Floreat home in May 2024, before taking his own life. His daughter and ex-wife had previously warned police multiple times of his escalating behaviour and access to firearms, but police failed to act effectively. An internal investigation found eight officers did not fulfill their duty. The incident spurred urgent reforms in WA’s domestic violence protocols and firearm laws.

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Timeline of Events

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Background & Preceding Events

• March 28, 2024 – Mark Bombara’s ex-wife Rowena and their daughter Ariel fled the family home, fearing for their safety due to Mark's escalating behaviour and access to firearms.

• March 30–April 2, 2024 – Ariel and her mother reached out to police at least three times, warning of a “real and imminent threat” posed by Mark’s firearm access, including an unaccounted Glock handgun. They also requested a 72-hour temporary protection order, which police declined.

The Incident

• May 24, 2024 – Bombara visited the Floreat residence of Jennifer Petelczyc, a close friend of his ex-wife. Unable to find Rowena or Ariel, he fatally shot Jennifer and her daughter Gretl before turning the gun on himself as police arrived.

• Reports revealed he owned 13 firearms: 11 under a recreational licence and two collector's handguns, one of which was used in the attack.

Post-Incident Investigations & Findings

• Late May 2024 – Ariel publicly detailed her warnings to police and their failure to act. She stated police reassured her they “knew all about the guns” and dismissed her appeals. Authorities launched an internal investigation into police response.

• A health disclosure revealed Bombara had suffered a mini-stroke and had a "cricket ball-sized" brain cyst, with hospital staff expressing concern he was discharged while possessing 13 guns.

Internal Review & Reforms

• January 31, 2025 – WA Police’s internal investigation concluded eight officers failed to perform their duty by inadequately assessing the risk and failing to act on authority to issue police orders or seize firearms.

• The force adopted 18 recommendations, including enhanced risk assessment protocols, tighter firearm licensing, mandatory mental health considerations, and establishment of a family violence coordinator in the command centre.

Crime & Corruption Commission Inquiry

• June 2025 – The WA Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) launched an investigation into how Bombara’s firearms licence—particularly for the collector’s handguns—was approved and maintained despite red flags. Findings indicated the licence, renewed in 2009 under sentimental grounds, should not have been renewed. Police did not properly assess his fitness or revoke the licence.

 

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VIOLENT ASSAULT OF MENTALLY ILL WOMAN BY NSW POLICE OFFICERS

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Overview
In January 2023, NSW police officers Senior Constable Nathan Black and Constable Timothy John Trautsch conducted a welfare check in Emu Plains, Western Sydney, on a mentally ill—and naked—48- or 49-year-old woman experiencing a psychotic episode. What began as a duty to assist escalated into a prolonged and violent assault. Recorded on both body-worn cameras and CCTV, the officers repeatedly kicked, punched, dragged her by the hair, and sprayed pepper (capsicum) into her face, back, and genitals. Both pleaded guilty in mid-2025 and were sentenced to prison, receiving head sentences of around five to nearly six years, with non-parole periods of approximately three years. The case drew widespread condemnation for its brutality, abuse of power, and dehumanizing treatment of a vulnerable individual.

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Timeline of Events

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22 January 2023 – The Incident

• In plain clothes, Nathan Black and Timothy John Trautsch responded to a welfare check at an industrial cul-de-sac in Emu Plains, Western Sydney, after a naked 48-year-old (later cited as 49) woman was reported naked and distressed. She had a known history of schizophrenia and was off her medication at the time.

• Body-worn camera and CCTV footage captured the interaction. Initially, the officers tried to get her into an ambulance, but the situation rapidly escalated into an 18-minute assault involving excessive force.

Assault Details

• The woman was:

  • Pushed onto the road.

  • Dragged by her hair.

  • Punched and kicked repeatedly, including twice in the head.

  • Pepper-sprayed six times—twice to the face, once on her back (which was grazed), and onto her genitals.

• Disturbing behavior from the officers was captured, including verbal abuse (e.g., “Wash your dirty stinky arse”) and laughter. At one point, Trautsch said, “That’s enough, there could be cameras”.

Aftermath of the Assault

• The woman, distraught and defenceless, repeatedly cried out prayers: “God, make me strong… I’m sorry I didn’t listen… God, please” .

• She defecated during the ordeal—some of which landed on Black’s leg.

• The woman was taken to hospital, where paramedics and medical staff raised serious concerns. One nurse reportedly questioned whether she had been sprayed in the genitals. Black replied, “Yes, you have to do what you have to do”.

Initial Legal Response

• At first, the woman was charged with assault. However, those charges were dropped after body-worn footage came to light.

• NSW Police launched an internal Professional Standards investigation. Both officers were suspended, and ultimately resigned—Trautsch resigned in August 2023.

Prosecution and Guilty Pleas

• By July 2025, both men had pleaded guilty at Penrith District Court:

  • Nathan Black: Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault (three counts), using a prohibited weapon (pepper spray) without a permit, and two counts of publishing protected information after sending footage of the assault to colleagues, accompanied by graphic commentary (“She was f***ed the whole body-worn is so good…”).

  • Timothy John Trautsch: Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of common assault, and misuse of a prohibited weapon (pepper spray) without a permit.

Sentencing (August 2025)

• Trautsch: Received a head sentence of five years and nine months, with a non-parole period of three years.

• Black: Similarly had a head sentence of five-plus years, with a non-parole period of three years and three months.

• Crown prosecutor Nicholas Marney condemned their actions as intentionally cruel and dehumanizing, emphasizing they showed “complete and utter contempt for the victim” and had “no justification” for their behavior. Judge Graham Turnbull echoed the condemnation, calling the assault “egregious,” “gratuitous cruelty,” and “a most egregious breach of the law”.

Public and Professional Reactions

• Acting NSW Police Commissioner David Hudson described the behaviour as “unforgiveable” and among the worst he had seen in his over 40 years of service.

• This incident triggered broader criticism of police conduct, mental health response, and the handling of vulnerable members of the community.

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POLICE OFFICER ADRIAN MOORE SERIAL SEXUAL ASSAULTS​​

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Overview

Adrian Trevor Moore, a former Western Australia senior constable, abused his position of trust between approximately 2007 and 2019, drugging, sexually assaulting, and recording at least 13 women. He was charged in 2020 with over 100 offences including rape, sexual coercion, and stupefying victims met through online dating platforms. In October 2022, Moore was found guilty of 87 charges and in December 2022 he received a landmark 30-year prison sentence (with parole eligibility after 28 years). He had previously served six months in 2019 for misusing police computer systems to access personal data of women he pursued. This case is considered one of the darkest betrayals of public trust in WA policing.

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Timeline of Events

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2006–2018

• Misused WA Police databases to vet ~92 women he met online.

• Searched for personal details of potential dates.

February 2019

• Pleaded guilty to 180 charges of improper database access + possessing bestiality images.

• Sentenced to 6 months and 1 day in jail.

2010–2018 (and post-service in 2019)

• Drugged, sexually assaulted, and filmed at least 13 women.

• Offending overlapped his police service and continued after resignation.

March 2020

• Charged with 108 sexual offences, including 66 counts of rape.

• At least 8 victims identified at this stage.

April 2020

• Further charges added, bringing the tally to ~144 sexual offences and 84 rape charges.

September 2022

• Trial began.

• Prosecution outlined his use of stupefying drugs, preference for BDSM, and video recordings.

• Some victims were fellow officers.

October 2022

• Jury found him guilty of 87 offences after a five-week trial.

• Evidence included testimony from 13 victims and disturbing recordings.

December 2022

• Sentenced to 30 years in prison, parole possible after 28 years.

• Longest sentence for sexual offending in WA history.

Post-Conviction (2023–2024)

• Media (e.g., 60 Minutes, March 2024) highlighted systemic failures within WA Police.

• Public and institutional scrutiny increased, with calls for stronger oversight and accountability.

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ALLEGED MURDERS OF JESSIE BAIRD & LUKE DAVIES BY POLICE OFFICER

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Overview

Jesse Baird (26), a former Channel 10 presenter, and his partner Luke Davies (29), a Qantas flight attendant, disappeared in February 2024 from Baird’s Paddington home. A NSW police constable, Beau Lamarre-Condon—who had a brief past relationship with Baird—was arrested and charged with their murders. Evidence emerged including blood, a police-issued firearm casing, and personal items discovered in a skip bin. Their bodies were later found in surfboard bags at a rural property near Goulburn, following Lamarre-Condon’s information. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody awaiting trial.

 

Timeline of Events

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Before the tragedy

• Friends noted “warning signs” in the weeks before, with Baird seemingly unsettled in his private life.

Monday, 19 February 2024 – Last known moments

• Baird and Davies were last seen together at Baird’s Paddington home.

• Neighbors heard gunshots around 9:50 am; CCTV reportedly captured audio of three shots.

• Lamarre-Condon was seen near the house that morning, exiting a black SUV about 25 m away.

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 – Discovery and crime scene

• A skip bin in Cronulla contained bloodied clothes and personal items (phone, cards, keys, watch) belonging to the victims.

• Police entered Baird’s home finding overturned furniture, significant blood evidence, bullet casings, and signs of a struggle. A cartridge casing matched a NSW police-issued firearm.

• A crime scene was formally declared.

Thursday–Friday, 22–23 February 2024 – Arrest and charges

• The investigation quickly focused on Beau Lamarre-Condon, a serving officer and former romantic partner of Baird. A “gap in the timeline” was noted by police.

• Lamarre-Condon turned himself in at Bondi police station on Friday, 23 February, and was charged with two counts of murder.

Late February – Early March 2024 – Search for the bodies

• Investigators searched multiple rural sites; police divers scoured dams on a remote property near Bungonia (~200 km southwest of Sydney).

• On Tuesday, 27 February, based on Lamarre-Condon’s tip, police found the bodies of Baird and Davies in surfboard bags buried on a Bungonia property.

Late February – March 2024 – Community reaction and aftermath

• A silent vigil was held in Sydney’s Green Park; tributes and floral arrangements popped up outside Baird’s home, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community. Police were excluded from a Mardi Gras parade in response.

• Baird’s housemates, confronting the trauma and the site’s notoriety, moved out of the Paddington home.

• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb initiated Lamarre-Condon’s formal dismissal and ordered an internal review into how he accessed his service weapon.

Mid-2024 to 2025 – Legal proceedings

• The case has seen repeated court delays. Lamarre-Condon pleaded not guilty in August 2025 to two counts of domestic-violence-related murder and one count of aggravated break-and-enter. The case is committed for trial in the NSW Supreme Court.

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KRISTA KACH DEATH

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Overview

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Krista Kach, 47, barricaded herself in her Stockton, Newcastle home on 14 September 2023 after allegedly threatening others with an axe. Police responded, and after a prolonged standoff of around nine to ten hours, tactical officers used a taser and a bean-bag round to subdue her. Tragically, the bean-bag round penetrated her chest and struck her heart, resulting in her death at John Hunter Hospital. The incident sparked intense criticism from her family and led to the temporary suspension of bean-bag rounds by NSW Police, as investigations and reviews gained momentum.

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Timeline of Events

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14 September 2023 – Initial Incident

• Around 12:30 pm, NSW Police were called to a Stockton unit after reports that Krista Kach was threatening a real estate agent with an axe—linked to an eviction dispute—and barricaded herself inside her unit.

Afternoon to Evening – Standoff

• Negotiators faced a nine- to ten-hour standoff with Kach, involving tactical teams attempting to de-escalate the situation.

• Family members reportedly informed police that Krista was mentally distressed and in need of medical care, not confrontation—messages the family says were disregarded.Entry and Use of Force

• Around 9:45–10:00 pm, tactical officers entered the unit and deployed a taser and a bean-bag (super-sock) round.

• Despite being able to walk to an ambulance, Kach’s condition deteriorated, and she was transported to John Hunter Hospital.Death and Medical Findings

• Kach later died in hospital. Interim post-mortem and Coroner’s findings determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the chest—specifically the bean-bag round penetrating her chest and striking her heart.Immediate Response and Fallout

• NSW Police immediately suspended the use of bean-bag rounds in high-risk incidents pending a full internal review.

• The family publicly condemned the police's response as “disturbing” and demanded accountability, especially given Krista’s mental health struggles and the belief that she needed support rather than confrontation.

Ongoing Investigations

• NSW Police’s homicide squad launched a critical incident investigation. Officers involved were interviewed, and detailed investigations into the decision-making and deployment of force were initiated.

• The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) sought access to internal “less-lethal” tactics manuals and personnel logs. In June 2024, a court ruled the Police must hand these over to the watchdog.

Broader Reflections

• NSW Police Acting Commissioner David Hudson acknowledged that bean-bag rounds are intended to be non-lethal, and this was the first known fatality caused by such a weapon in the state. He emphasized that such tragic outcomes are extremely rare.

• The incident reopened debates over police responses to mental health crises, with experts and advocates calling for alternatives—arguing that armed police presence can often escalate rather than defuse such incidents.

• Political figures, including Greens MP Sue Higginson, called for parliamentary inquiries and systemic changes in how law enforcement handles mental health emergencies.

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