Arrests and investigation into alleged mistaken-identity kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney
Consensus Summary
Police in New South Wales have arrested two additional people—both aged 23—in connection with the alleged mistaken-identity kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was taken from his North Ryde home on February 13 and found dead near Pitt Town days later. The arrests followed a search warrant at a Seven Hills property where firearms, drugs, and electronic devices were seized. Two men, Gerard Andrews (29) and Daniel Stevens (24), were previously charged with murder and kidnapping, with neither applying for bail. Investigators allege the intended victim was a relative of businessman Dimitri Stepanyan and that up to nine people may have been involved. The case involves a blue Hyundai sedan, now burnt out at Glenbrook, and a Dural property used as a ‘stronghold.’ Family members have described Baghsarian as a gentle and devoted grandfather, and his funeral was held on March 16. While all sources agree on core details, discrepancies include the timing of the search warrant, the extent of seized evidence, and specific charges against the arrested individuals.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Chris Baghsarian, 85, was allegedly kidnapped from his North Ryde home on February 13 in a case of mistaken identity
- His remains were found near a golf club in Pitt Town, northwest Sydney, on February 24 (discovered days earlier but not reported)
- Two men—Gerard Andrews (29) and Daniel Stevens (24)—were charged in February with murder and kidnapping with intent to ransom or cause grievous bodily harm
- Two more people (a 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman) were arrested on March 6 during a search warrant at a Seven Hills property
- Police allege the intended target was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, not Chris Baghsarian
- No ransom demand or communication was made to Mr Baghsarian’s family
- Andrews and Stevens did not apply for bail and are due back in court in April
- The case involves a blue Hyundai sedan (later found burnt out at Glenbrook railway station) and a Dural property described as a ‘stronghold’
- Mr Baghsarian was buried on March 16 at Macquarie Park Cemetery, North Ryde
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Videos and images circulated showing Mr Baghsarian allegedly tortured in a Dural safe house
- Police released CCTV footage of three people walking near the Dural site and a blue car linked to the kidnapping
- Family described Mr Baghsarian as ‘devoted, gentle, and the kindest person’ in a statement
- Search warrant executed at 6:30am on Wednesday (March 6) in Seven Hills
- CCTV footage released earlier showed three men heading toward the Dural ‘stronghold’ and a blue Hyundai with a missing hubcap
- Police seized firearms, ammunition, prohibited weapons, a significant quantity of prohibited drugs, and electronic devices during the Seven Hills search
- The 23-year-old man was charged with murder, multiple drug offenses, unauthorized firearm possession, and failing to comply with a digital evidence order
- The woman was charged with violating an AVO (domestic violence order)
- Detective Marks alleged the man ‘facilitated and recruited others,’ arranged body disposal, and was physically involved in the kidnapping and detention
- The man was captured in CCTV footage holding a torch-lit phone near the Dural property and was seen in the blue Hyundai (later burnt out at Glenbrook)
- Inspector Marks stated police believe up to nine people were involved in the crime
- Family member Arthur Hagopian described Mr Baghsarian as ‘upbeat, kind, and gentle’ who ‘lived for his family and grandchildren’
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC and The Guardian do not specify the exact time of the Seven Hills search warrant execution (Newscom Australia states 6:30am on Wednesday)
- No contradiction in dates for Baghsarian’s kidnapping (all agree February 13) but Newscom Australia specifies ‘just after 5am’ while others omit the time
- The Guardian and ABC do not mention the seizure of firearms, drugs, or prohibited weapons during the search (only Newscom Australia reports this)
- Newscom Australia states the man was arrested ‘clad in nothing but his underwear’ during the search, which is not mentioned in other sources
- The Guardian and ABC do not specify the exact charges for the 23-year-old woman (Newscom Australia states she was charged with violating an AVO)
Source Articles
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