Authorities have charged a key suspect in the February kidnapping of an elderly Sydney resident, which ended in his death.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, and related offenses in connection with the death of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney. Baghsarian was taken from his North Ryde home on February 13 in what police describe as a case of mistaken identity.
Police found Baghsarian's body near a golf course almost two weeks after his disappearance. The incident involved up to nine people, according to detectives, who continue their investigation.
Details of the Arrest
The suspect was apprehended at a residence in Seven Hills early on Wednesday and faces charges including firearms and drugs offenses. Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks stated that the man is a major player in the case, alleging he recruited others and facilitated the kidnapping.
Marks further claimed the suspect arranged for the disposal of Baghsarian's body and was physically present during the initial abduction. The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
A 23-year-old woman was arrested alongside him but only faces charges for breaching an apprehended violence order, with no connection to Baghsarian's death.
Two other men, 29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens, were previously charged with kidnapping and murder shortly after Baghsarian's body was discovered. They are set to appear in court again in April.
Police released CCTV footage last week showing three men near a location in Dural where Baghsarian was allegedly held. Investigators believe the newly charged suspect was one of those individuals and was involved in transporting Baghsarian to that site.
In the days following the kidnapping, authorities urged those responsible to return Baghsarian safely, citing his health issues and need for medication. Local media reported that the attack may have targeted a family linked to organized crime, based on police statements.
