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 11 days later. Two men, Gerard Andrews and Daniel Stevens, were charged with murder and kidnapping in February, while a 23-year-old man and woman were arrested on March 13 during a search warrant at a Seven Hills property, where police seized firearms, drugs, and electronic devices. Investigators allege the group targeted the wrong person in a botched kidnapping linked to a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, though no ransom was demanded. CCTV footage and a burnt-out blue Hyundai sedan have been key evidence, with police suggesting up to nine people may have been involved. Baghsarianâs family has described him as a gentle, devoted grandfather, and his funeral was held on March 16. The case remains under active investigation, with ongoing efforts to identify all participants.
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 after 11 days missing)
- Two menâGerard Andrews (29) and Daniel Stevens (24)âwere charged with murder and kidnapping with intent to ransom on February 20
- Two additional suspectsâa 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old womanâwere arrested on March 13 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
- A blue Hyundai sedan (missing hubcap) was linked to the kidnapping and later found burnt out at Glenbrook railway station on February 26
- No ransom demand was made to Baghsarianâs family, and no communication was received by captors
- 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
- Andrews and Stevens did not apply for bail and are due back in court in April
- Police released images of a blue car (unspecified make) believed involved in the kidnapping
- Intended target was allegedly a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan
- Videos and images circulated showing Baghsarian allegedly tortured in the Dural safe house
- During the Seven Hills search, police seized firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, prohibited weapons, a significant quantity of prohibited drugs, and electronic devices
- The 23-year-old man was charged with murder, kidnapping with intent to ransom, multiple drug offenses, unauthorized firearm possession, and failing to comply with a digital evidence order
- The woman was charged with breaching an AVO (domestic violence order)
- Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks alleged the man âfacilitated and recruited others,â arranged body disposal, and was physically involved in the kidnapping
- Police believe up to nine people were involved in the crime
- The blue Hyundai was identified as a 2017 model, and the man was allegedly seen holding a torch in CCTV footage
- Family member Arthur Hagopian called Baghsarian an âupbeat, kind and gentle soulâ who âlived for his family and grandchildrenâ
- No additional details beyond those in consensus_facts; no source-specific charges or seized items mentioned
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the intended target was a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, but NEWSCOMAU does not mention this detail
- NEWSCOMAU claims the blue Hyundai was a 2017 model and was found burnt out at Glenbrook railway station, while ABC only refers to it as a âblue carâ without specifying make or model
- NEWSCOMAU reports the man was arrested in ânothing but his underwear,â but ABC does not mention this detail
- NEWSCOMAU states the man was allegedly seen holding a torch in CCTV footage, while ABC does not specify this detail
- NEWSCOMAU reports the woman was charged with breaching an AVO, but ABC does not mention this charge
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