Jesse Baird’s housemate did not know surfboard bags contained bodies when she took photo, court hears

Jesse Baird's housemate, identified as Belinda Smith during the trial, testified that she witnessed surfboard bags emitting a red liquid on the night of the alleged murders in February 2024. She initially believed the liquid to be rust from outdoor furniture, unaware that the contents of the bags were the bodies of Baird and his partner, Luke Davies.

The court heard that Smith took a photo of the liquid and shared it with their other housemate, Sarah King, who was not present at the trial. The prosecution questioned Smith about her familiarity with surfing or surfboards in their home, to which she responded that she had no knowledge of either. Relations between Baird and his housemates had deteriorated, leading to Baird's decision to move out by February 20, 2024.

However, when Smith arrived at the house on the morning of the 20th, she found Baird's belongings still in place, which prompted her to send a worried message to King regarding Baird's failure to vacate. Baird subsequently sent a message claiming he had hired someone to collect his belongings and was possibly going on a road trip to Perth. The trial before Justice Natalie Adams is still ongoing.