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 four people 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 on February 24. Two suspects, Gerard Andrews (29) and Daniel Stevens (24), were charged in February with murder and kidnapping, while a 23-year-old man and woman were arrested on March 20 during a Seven Hills search warrant. Investigators allege the crime was part of a larger operation targeting a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, with up to nine people potentially involved. CCTV footage and a blue Hyundai sedan linked to the crime have been released, and the vehicle was later found burnt out at Glenbrook. Baghsarianâs family has described him as a gentle, beloved grandfather, and his funeral took place on March 16. While all sources agree on core details, discrepancies include the seizure of drugs and firearms (reported only by NEWSCOMAU), the specific CCTV descriptions, and the intended victimâs identity. Investigations continue to identify all participants in the alleged crime.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old Armenian grandfather, 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 11â12 days after abduction)
- 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 additional suspectsâa 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old womanâwere arrested on March 20 during a search warrant at a Seven Hills property
- Police released CCTV footage showing three men near a Dural property (alleged âstrongholdâ) on the night of the abduction, including one holding a torch-lit phone
- A blue Hyundai sedan (missing hubcap) was linked to the crime; the vehicle was later found burnt out at Glenbrook railway station on February 26
- No ransom demand or communication was made to Baghsarianâs family
- Baghsarian was buried on March 16 at Macquarie Park Cemetery, North Ryde
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Family described Baghsarian as âdeeply loved, gentle, and the kindest personâ who would ânever hurt a flyâ
- Police released images of a blue car (unspecified make) believed involved in the kidnapping
- No mention of firearms, drugs, or prohibited weapons seized during arrests
- Andrews and Stevens did not apply for bail and are due back in court in April
- Search warrant executed at 6:30am on Wednesday (March 20) in Seven Hills
- CCTV footage showed three men walking toward the Dural âstrongholdâ; no mention of a torch-lit phone detail
- Blue Hyundai sedan with a missing hubcap was highlighted as the suspect vehicle
- Firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, prohibited weapons, and a significant quantity of prohibited drugs were seized during the Seven Hills search
- The 23-year-old man was charged with murder, kidnapping, unauthorized firearm possession, drug supply (three counts), and digital evidence offenses
- The man was alleged to have âfacilitated and recruited others,â arranged body disposal, and was physically present during the abduction
- Inspector Marks stated police believe up to nine people were involved in the crime
- The man was captured in CCTV footage holding a torch-lit phone near the Dural property
- The blue Hyundai was identified as a 2016 Hyundai i30 (implied by âmissing hubcapâ detail)
- Baghsarianâs cousin Arthur Hagopian described him as âupbeat, kind, and gentleâ who âlived for his family and grandchildrenâ
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC does not mention seized drugs or firearms, while NEWSCOMAU reports police seized firearms, ammunition, and prohibited drugs during the Seven Hills search
- GUARDIAN describes the CCTV footage showing three men walking toward the Dural property without specifying a torch-lit phone, while NEWSCOMAU explicitly states the man was âholding a mobile phone with the torch onâ
- NEWSCOMAU claims the blue Hyundai was found burnt out at Glenbrook railway station on February 26, but ABC and GUARDIAN do not specify the exact model or confirm this detail
- ABC states the intended target was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, while GUARDIAN and NEWSCOMAU do not mention this detail
- NEWSCOMAU reports the man was arrested in his underwear, while ABC and GUARDIAN do not describe his attire during arrest
Source Articles
Two more arrested over grandfather's alleged kidnapping murder
Two more people have been arrested in relation to the alleged mistaken identity kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian....
Two more people arrested over alleged Sydney kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian
Man and woman assisting with inquiries after search warrant executed in Seven Hills, NSW police say Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or dai...
Alleged key player in 85yoâs murder arrested
An alleged key player in the kidnapping and murder of an 85-year-old grandfather in a suspected case of mistaken identity has been charged with murder, following major arrests....