Sydney man charged in mistaken-identity kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian
Consensus Summary
A Sydney man named Deklin Donnelly, 23, has been charged with murder and kidnapping in connection to the mistaken-identity abduction and killing of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather. Baghsarian was snatched from his North Ryde home on February 13 and his body was found near a Pitt Town golf course on February 24, leading police to confirm the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity targeting a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan. Donnelly was arrested at a Seven Hills property on March 6, found in his underwear with an sawn-off shotgun hidden under the bed, along with drugs and ammunition. He remains in custody without bail, with his next court appearance set for May 22. Two other men, Gerard Andrews and Daniel Stevens, were charged earlier for their alleged roles in the crime. Police allege up to nine people were involved in the plot, with Donnelly described as a key figure in the abduction and disposal of Baghsarianâs body. A woman, Jenessa Thurston, was arrested alongside Donnelly for unrelated violence offenses and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment. The case continues to unfold as investigations into the broader conspiracy proceed.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Deklin Donnelly, 23, was arrested on March 6 at a Seven Hills home in Sydneyâs west for alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian
- Donnelly was charged with murder and kidnapping (take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm) in relation to Baghsarianâs death
- Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather, was abducted from his North Ryde home on February 13 and his body was found near a golf course in Pitt Town on February 24
- Police allege the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity, targeting a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan instead of Baghsarian
- Donnelly was found in his underwear during the raid, with an sawn-off shotgun allegedly hidden under the bed at the Seven Hills property
- Donnelly did not apply for bail and remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 22
- Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, were charged on March 5 with murder and kidnapping in connection to Baghsarianâs death
- Police allege up to nine people were involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder plot
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Donnelly was allegedly found with an sawn-off shotgun under the bed, ammunition, and prohibited drugs (heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis) at the Seven Hills property
- A 23-year-old woman, Jenessa Thurston, was arrested alongside Donnelly for an apprehended violence order breach and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment (non-parole period of six months) for unrelated offenses
- Thurston was also charged in 2025 for assaulting a police officer during duty execution
- Donnelly faces charges including possess unauthorised firearm, possess ammunition without license, acquire firearm without authority, and three counts of supply prohibited drug
- Donnelly allegedly murdered Baghsarian between February 13 morning and February 14 at 9pm
- Police allege Donnelly was a ringleader in Baghsarianâs kidnapping, detention, and disposal of the body
- Superintendent Andrew Marks stated Donnelly was a 'major player' in the kidnapping plot and allegedly conveyed Baghsarian to a 'stronghold in Dural' where he was kept
- The ABC notes Donnelly was not required to appear for his matter on Thursday, March 7, as he did not apply for bail
- The ABC clarifies the identity of the intended target was a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, but does not name the relative
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- NEWSCOMAU states Donnelly allegedly murdered Baghsarian between February 13 morning and February 14 at 9pm, while ABC does not specify a timeline for the murder
- NEWSCOMAU reports Thurston was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of six months on the same day as Donnellyâs arrest, while ABC does not mention her sentencing details
- NEWSCOMAU states Thurston was arrested for an apprehended violence order breach and assaulting a police officer, while ABC only mentions her arrest for a violence restraining order breach without detailing the assault charge
- NEWSCOMAU claims Thurston was not involved in Baghsarianâs alleged kidnapping and murder, but ABC does not explicitly state whether she was cleared of any involvement
- NEWSCOMAU lists Donnellyâs charges including three counts of supply prohibited drug, while ABC does not mention the specific drug charges beyond firearms
Source Articles
Concerning find in alleged killerâs home: cops
New details have emerged after a man accused of playing a key role in the alleged kidnapping and murder of a grandfather was charged....
23yo fronts court over alleged abduction and murder of Chris Baghsarian
The man who police have alleged to be a "major player" in the mistaken identity kidnapping and murder of a Sydney grandfather has fronted court for the first time....