Two bodies have been found in the search for a missing Australian TV presenter and his partner, who were allegedly killed by a police officer.
Jesse Baird, 26, and his flight attendant partner Luke Davies, 29, were allegedly shot dead in Mr Baird’s Sydney home last week.
Beau Lamarre-Condon, a police officer who was in a relationship with Mr Baird until late last year, was charged on Friday with the murders of both men.
Police said Lamarre-Condon provided them with information that led them to the bodies, which were found in a rural area around 124 miles southwest of Sydney.
The Mardi Gras board said LGBT+ communities across Australia had been devastated by the loss of the couple, who had planned to celebrate at the annual parade on Saturday.
The incident has prompted Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers to ask police not to march on the weekend, a move the police commissioner urges them to reconsider.
The board said police presence could “add to the distress within our communities”, which are “already deeply affected by recent events”.
Flowers laid outside Jesse Baird’s home in Sydney. Pic: AP
“This decision was not made lightly, especially considering that many… police members who participate in the parade are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community and are navigating the impact of this tragedy alongside us,” the board added.
“However, we believe that their participation at this year’s event could intensify the current feelings of sorrow and distress.”
The alleged killer has been part of the parade in the past, the board said.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb, who has taken part in the annual march since 2006, said she will meet with the organisers in a bid to reverse their decision.
Karen Webb (second left) waving as she marched in the 2023 Mardi Gras parade in Sydney. Pic: AP
“We’re not dealing with a gay hate crime here,” she said. “We’re dealing with a domestic homicide and… I’m disappointed (by) the position that Mardi Gras board has taken on this issue.”
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She added this time “more than any in our society” is “time to come together”.
We’re talking about inclusion, we’re talking about diversity and to exclude part of that community, I think, sends a wrong message,” she added.