Sydney community honours Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in public vigil

Hundreds gathered to remember Jesse Baird and Luke Davies almost two weeks after the couple were allegedly murdered.

Hundreds of people have gathered to grieve during a special vigil in honour of Sydney couple Luke Davies and Jesse Baird following their alleged murders.

The pair were allegedly slain by police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon at Mr Baird’s Paddington home on February 19.

The bodies of Jesse Baird (left) and partner Luke Davies were found earlier this week. Picture: Instagram

Police found the bodies of Mr Davies, 29, and Mr Baird, 26, a week later at a remote property after an extensive search.

Lamarre-Condon has since been charged with two counts of murder after handing himself into a police station in Bondi on February 23.

The community gathered for the vigil in Green Park, Darlinghurst, from 6.30pm on Friday, where people were given the chance to sign a book of condolences.

MPs Allegra Spender and Alex Greenwich, and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore were also seen paying their respects to Mr Davies and Mr Baird.

Hundreds of people gathered for the vigil for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies held at Green Park, Darlinghurst. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Mourners were given the opportunity to sign the condolence book. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

People were brought to tears as they watched photos of the pair. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Those gathered sat in silence on the grass, embracing each other as they watched a photo montage of the men.

People also paid their respects by laying flowers in front of framed photographs of the pair.

Earlier, friends of Mr Davies shared their fond memories of their “incredibly kind, special friend”.

“His smile lit up every room he walked into, and his cheeky eyes said so much without him uttering a word,” Mr Davies friends shared in a joint statement.

Sydney community leaders also gathered on Friday to pay their respects. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

People laid flowers for their friends. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“Luke lived his life with the attitude of saying yes to everything he could and with friends and family being his core values, you knew he was the friend to count on to join on your adventures.

“His energy was infectious, he would lift you up from your lowest points and even in his absence, his positivity continues to lift us up.

“We hope he will not be remembered for the tragic events of the last week and a half, but for his beautiful soul, adventurous spirit, and the joy he brought into all of our lives.

“He had the world at his feet and wasn’t wasting a minute.

“Luke, we were so privileged to be a part of your life. We miss you so much.”

Luke Davies has been remembered by friends and family as someone who could always be counted on. Picture: Instagram

Meanwhile, Mr Baird, who had worked at Network 10 as a presenter, was remembered by his friends and colleagues as “the life of every party”.

“Someone who was kind and funny and genuinely interested in everyone around him,” Mr Baird’s friends shared in a joint statement.

“His life-loving attitude was infectious, and he was pure joy to be around. It didn’t matter if you knew Jesse for five minutes or five years.

“He touched everyone’s lives the moment you met him. That’s what we want to carry with us, how lucky we were to know and adore him.

“We want to thank all the people from far and wide who have been touched by Jesse and Luke and offered their support.

“The boys’ network of friends has been brought together now to remember the huge amount of love and adventure they packed into our worlds.”

Former Channel 10 entertainment reporter Jesse Baird was allegedly murdered in his Paddington home. Picture Instagram

Independent MP Alex Greenwich encouraged anyone who wanted to pay their respect to Mr Baird and Mr Davies join in the vigil.

“I did not know Luke or Jesse, but the memories and stories shared with me show how these two young men brought positive energy and goodwill with them everywhere they went,” Mr Greenwich said.

“Tonight is a solemn celebration of the lives of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird.

“It’s also a reminder of the importance of the LGBTQ community coming together, looking after each-other, and looking out for one another.”

A group of at least 60 people gathered on Tuesday in Bronte in Sydney’s east to honour Mr Davies.

At least 60 people gathered at Bronte on Tuesday to mourn Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Ben Symons

Mr Davies’ employer, Qantas, will also be paying tribute to him at the upcoming Mardi Gras parade.

Police will allege Lamarre-Condon killed the couple with his service firearm in the Paddington home.

He allegedly then transported their bodies to a property near Bungonia before relocating them to a second property.

Their bodies were later found in surfboard bags dumped along the fence near the entrance to the property following a widespread search.

In an interview with Nine News, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said police would allege Mr Baird was Constable Lamarre-Condon’s sole intended target.

“We will be strongly claiming in our case this murder was premeditated and the second murder occurred because of, unfortunately, Luke’s presence at the house,” he said.