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Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers reveal special tribute to allegedly murdered couple

The West Australian
Luke Davies and mum Sandy Davies.
Camera IconLuke Davies and mum Sandy Davies. Credit: Facebook/Supplied

Organisers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade have revealed how they will pay tribute to alleged murder victims Jesse Baird and Luke Davies amid sombre reflections on the couple’s lives.

Mr Baird, 26 and his boyfriend Mr Davies, 29, were allegedly murdered at Baird’s sharehouse in Paddington on February 19.

Senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of using his police-issued gun to kill them, before dumping their bodies at a rural property in Bungonia, two hours southwest of Sydney.

A moment of silence will be observed for the young couple during the parade, which will kick off at 6pm.

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“We will take a moment to honour and remember Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, whose lives were tragically taken from us,” Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras said in a statement on Saturday.

“This moment of commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us and the memories of those we hold dear.

“As the Dykes on Bikes approach Taylor Square for their second pass — the heart of our Parade — they will come to a pause.

“This serves as a signal for all attendees to join in a moment of silence.”

Hundreds gathered in Green Park in Darlinghurst on Friday night, an evening that would usually signal the start of a weekend of celebration and partying.

Instead, friends, family and members of the LGBTQIA+ community gathered at dusk to pay tribute to the lives of the young couple whose lives were cut so short.

Both men will be remembered for their dazzling smiles and love of life.

Mourners laid flowers, lit candles and signed condolence books as a slideshow of images and videos played.

Federal Sydney MP Tanya Plibersek, Police Minister Yasmin Catley, Independent MP Alex Greenwich, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Network 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs were among those who paid their respects.

Friends of Mr Davies said he would be remembered not for the tragedy, but for his “beautiful soul”.

Luke Davies and Jesse Baird vigil
Camera IconLuke Davies and Jesse Baird vigil Credit: instagram/ instagram

“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,” they said in a statement.

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

NSW police allege Mr Lamarre-Condon murdered Mr Davies, a Qantas flight attendant because he happened to be in the Paddington property at the time of his partner’s killing.

Detectives allege the killing of Mr Baird was a premeditated attack after a months-long campaign of “predatory behaviour” towards him after they briefly dated.

The Mardi Gras parade will run through Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, not far from Mr Baird’s house in Paddington, on Saturday night.

Qantas is expected to honour Mr Davies on its parade float while the AFL is expected to announce a tribute for Mr Baird, who umpired 62 games, in coming weeks.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

— With AAP & NCA Newswire

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