Two Arrested in Connection with Alleged Kidnapping and Murder of Sydney Grandfather
Two men, aged 24 and 29, have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, whose remains were discovered earlier this week.
The arrests took place on Wednesday morning, with a 29-year-old man taken into custody in Kenthurst and a 24-year-old man arrested in Castle Hill, both suburbs in northwest Sydney. Both men are currently being questioned at Riverstone Police Station.
The case began on February 13th when Baghsarian was abducted from his North Ryde home shortly before 5am. Police believe the abduction was a case of mistaken identity, initially suggesting the intended target was a relative of a Sydney businessman with underworld links.
On Tuesday, human remains were found near a golf course in Pitt Town, and forensic testing confirmed on Wednesday that the remains were those of Chris Baghsarian. Superintendent Marks stated, “We can now confirm that the remains that were located yesterday were, in fact, Mr Baghsarian. We have done this through forensic testing.”
Police executed search warrants at both properties where the arrests were made. During the raids, detectives seized electronic devices, clothing, and other items believed to be linked to the kidnapping and murder. “I can tell you at the search warrants at Kenthurst and Castle Hill, detectives seized electronic devices, clothing and other items that will suggest link to the hostage to the kidnaping and murder of Mr Baghsarian,” Superintendent Marks said.
The recklessness of the alleged perpetrators, both in taking the wrong man and in targeting a family member, has drawn strong condemnation from authorities. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks expressed outrage, stating, “I speak for not only the police but the public in general, that we’re outraged at this happening and the recklessness of these people.”
Throughout the investigation, police repeatedly appealed to the kidnappers, emphasizing that they had the wrong person and urging them to release Baghsarian, who required daily medication. The discovery of the remains near Pitt Town followed reports from the public of a vehicle linked to the investigation in the area shortly after Baghsarian’s disappearance.
Baghsarian’s family released a statement through police, acknowledging the arrests while expressing continued devastation over their loss. “We welcome the news of the recent arrests in relation to the kidnapping of our father and grandfather,” the statement read. “As we continue attempting to come to terms with this incident, we ask that media respect our privacy.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been laid as of Wednesday. Police are continuing to examine evidence collected from the search warrants and are working to identify all those involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder.
This case comes amid concerns about organized criminal groups targeting relatives of their rivals, a practice described as “ridiculously disgusting” by Detective Acting Superintendent Brad Abdy in a separate investigation involving the shooting of former NRL player Matt Utai.
