Investigation Continues into Fatal Abduction of 85-Year-Old Chris Baghsarian

Police are continuing investigations into the abduction and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian from his North Ryde home, an event authorities believe was a case of mistaken identity. Three men have been charged in connection with the incident, which led to the discovery of Mr. Baghsarian's remains in Pitt Town 11 days after his disappearance. The investigation is exploring the involvement of up to nine individuals and potential international orchestration.

Authorities believe the abduction and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was a case of mistaken identity, with police now exploring potential international orchestration involving up to nine individuals.

Abduction Details Emerge

Chris Baghsarian, 85, was abducted from his residence on Northcott Street, North Ryde, at approximately 5:00 AM on Friday, February 13. Reports indicated disturbances from his home before three men forced him into a dark-colored SUV. Surveillance footage showed a dark Toyota pulling onto Northcott Street, with two individuals exiting—one in high-visibility clothing—and later escorting Mr. Baghsarian.

The vehicle, described as a 2022 Toyota Corolla that had been reported stolen from Victoria and was believed to be displaying cloned numberplates, was later found burnt out near Mr. Baghsarian’s home.

Police quickly identified the abduction as a suspected case of mistaken identity. The intended target was reportedly Karo Stepanyan, 67, who lived on the same street and is a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, 37. Dimitri Stepanyan, a convicted armed robber, is reported to have connections to the Alameddine crime family. Police confirmed that the intended target was safe and not involved in Mr. Baghsarian's death.

Mr. Baghsarian, a widower who lived alone and reportedly had dementia, required daily medication. His family expressed significant concern for his welfare, describing him as a gentle and kind individual with no known criminal ties.

The Horrific Holding Period

Investigations led police to a semi-rural property on Wildthorn Avenue in Dural, approximately 36km north-west of Sydney. A crime scene was established there on February 19, following a search warrant. Evidence found at the vacant, derelict house suggested Mr. Baghsarian had been held at this location during the week following his abduction. Police believe he later died at this property.

During this period, video footage reportedly circulated showing Mr. Baghsarian tied up, with his face covered, and held at gunpoint while a captor obstructed his breathing. Police allege torture sessions were filmed, leading investigators to suspect the involvement of additional individuals.

A ransom demand of $50 million was reportedly made to the Stepanyan family, who informed the alleged kidnappers of their mistake. However, no ransom was paid, and Mr. Baghsarian's family did not receive any ransom demands directly.

Further forensic links were established between the Dural property, Mr. Baghsarian, and the stolen Toyota Corolla. Additionally, a blue Hyundai sedan, noted for a missing hubcap, was sighted in the Glenorie area on February 14 and later at the Dural property. This vehicle was found burnt out on February 26 at Glenbrook train station.

Discovery, Arrests, and Charges

After 10 days of searching, including extensive efforts in dense bushland near Glenorie, human remains were discovered on February 24 or 25 near a golf club in Pitt Town, Sydney’s north-west. Police confirmed the remains belonged to Mr. Baghsarian.

Authorities believe he died within 36 hours of his abduction and that his body was deposited at the Pitt Town location days before its discovery. Reports indicated the body showed injuries consistent with extreme and prolonged violence. The specific cause of death has not been publicly released.

Less than 24 hours after the discovery of Mr. Baghsarian's remains, police made initial arrests. Gerard Anthony Andrews, 29, was apprehended in Kenthurst, and Daniel Stevens, 24, was arrested in Castle Hill. Both men were charged with murder and take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm. Police seized electronic devices, clothing, and vehicles during searches. Both Andrews and Stevens, who reportedly communicated using pig Latin, did not apply for bail and were remanded in custody.

On Wednesday, Deklin James Donnelly, 23, was arrested at his Seven Hills residence. Police allege Donnelly was a "major player" in the operation, involved in organizing the kidnapping, recruiting others, being present at the North Ryde abduction, transporting Mr. Baghsarian to Dural, and organizing the disposal of his remains. Donnelly was charged with murder, take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm, and several firearms and drug offenses after a shotgun, handgun, and prohibited drugs were seized from his residence. He was refused bail. Jenessa Thurston, 23, Donnelly's girlfriend, was also arrested at the Seven Hills address and charged with breaching an apprehended violence order in an unrelated matter.

Expanding Investigation

Police estimate that up to nine individuals may have been involved in various aspects of the alleged kidnapping and murder. Investigators are exploring the possibility that a local ringleader may have fled overseas and are examining whether the entire operation was orchestrated internationally. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon described the crime as a "heinous offense."

The Dural property is considered by police to have been a central coordination point for many of the alleged offenders. Investigations are continuing, with police releasing CCTV footage of three additional men sought for questioning and a blue Hyundai sedan connected to the Dural address.

Broader Context: Abductions in NSW

Criminologists have noted that abductions like Mr. Baghsarian's, particularly those involving mistaken identity, are "highly unusual" in Australia. While NSW Police receive numerous reports of kidnapping and abductions annually, statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) indicate a stable rate of such events over the past decade.

Approximately 40 percent of recorded abductions are linked to domestic violence. For non-domestic related abductions, about two-thirds of victims are male, and 80 percent are adults. Most incidents are short-lived, typically not exceeding five hours.