Two men have been charged with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, following the discovery of his remains near a golf course in Pitt Town on Tuesday.
Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, were arrested on Wednesday during raids at separate addresses in Kenthurst and Castle Hill, NSW Police confirmed. They were subsequently charged with murder and taking/detaining a person with intent to ransom and occasion actual bodily harm. Both men were refused bail and appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.
The arrests come after an eleven-day search for Mr. Baghsarian, who was abducted from his North Ryde home at approximately 5:00 am on February 13th. Police initially believed the abduction was a case of mistaken identity. Investigators now allege the two men participated in a joint criminal enterprise with others that led to Mr. Baghsarian’s death.
Human remains were located in grassland adjacent to a golf course in Pitt Town, and forensic testing positively identified them as belonging to the missing grandfather. Police suspect Mr. Baghsarian died at an address in Dural, which they have described as a “stronghold” for the alleged kidnappers.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks stated that investigators believe more than three people were involved in the alleged crime. “We know that there’s others involved,” he said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing. Police executed a third search warrant at a property in Lake Macquarie, seizing electronic devices believed to be connected to the case.
According to police, Stevens and Andrews were previously known to authorities for “insignificant matters.” Their lawyer indicated they are not the masterminds behind the alleged kidnapping and murder. Electronic devices and clothing were seized during the raids in Kenthurst and Castle Hill, and are currently being examined.
The investigation continues as police attempt to identify and locate additional individuals believed to have been involved in the abduction and death of Chris Baghsarian.
