Two individuals face charges in connection with the alleged abduction and killing of an 85-year-old retiree. Gerard Andrews, aged 29, and Daniel Stevens, aged 24, are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday following the discovery of Chris Baghsarian’s remains. The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force received a report indicating that Mr. Baghsarian had been taken from his North Ryde residence on February 13th.
Police revealed that Mr. Baghsarian became a victim of mistaken identity during the kidnapping. Human remains identified as his were found near a golf club in Pitt Town. Authorities conducted raids at two locations with the assistance of the Raptor Squad targeting serious crimes in Australia. A 29-year-old man was detained in Kenthurst, while a 24-year-old was apprehended in Castle Hill. Items like vehicles, electronics, and clothing were confiscated during the operation.
The investigation, known as Strike Force Chobat, was led by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad. Both suspects have been charged with murder and kidnapping and have been denied bail. The arrests were made after Mr. Baghsarian’s remains were discovered in Pitt Town, eleven days post the abduction.
According to the police, the accused individuals mistook Mr. Baghsarian for a relative of a local businessman they intended to abduct. Allegedly, masked intruders forced Mr. Baghsarian into a dark SUV, took him to a property in Dural, assaulted him, and made him record a hostage video. The tape was purportedly overseen by a criminal figure in the area and circulated within New South Wales’ underworld.
Following the abduction, Mr. Baghsarian’s family expressed bewilderment, stating their family’s unfortunate entanglement in a situation unrelated to them. Gerard Andrews and Daniel Stevens are expected to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.
