In brief
Police have arrested a major suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather taken from his North Ryde home. The body of Baghsarian was found almost two weeks after his abduction, which authorities state was a case of mistaken identity. The arrested man, 23, faces multiple charges including murder and is believed to have played a significant role in the crime, with further investigations suggesting involvement from as many as nine individuals.
A major player in the alleged kidnap and murder of an 85-year-old grandfather in Sydney has been arrested and charged with murder, police report.
Chris Baghsarian, a widower, was abducted from his home in North Ryde on February 13, and his body was discovered nearly two weeks later near a golf course.
Authorities stated that the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity. Two other men have already been charged in connection with his death. Recently, a 23-year-old man faced multiple charges including kidnap, murder, and firearm offenses.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks confirmed the man is a significant figure in the investigation, asserting that he facilitated the kidnapping and arranged for the disposal of Baghsarian's body.
The suspect was arrested in Seven Hills, refused bail, and is scheduled to appear in court. Another woman arrested alongside him faced charges unrelated to Baghsarian's case.
Detectives suspect up to nine people were involved in the crime, connected to a targeted attack possibly linked to organized crime. Following the abduction, police had publicly urged those responsible to return Baghsarian safely, citing health concerns requiring daily medication.
Surveillance footage released shortly after showed three men near a stronghold in Dural, where Baghsarian was reportedly detained. The charged suspect is believed to have been one of those individuals.
In addition to his kidnapping role, police claim that he was physically present at the location of Baghsarian's abduction and maintained a presence in the area throughout the time Baghsarian was held captive.
Two other suspects, Gerard Andrews and Daniel Stevens, aged 29 and 24, respectively, were previously charged with kidnap and murder shortly after Baghsarian's body was discovered and are set to appear in court again in April.
