Arrests and Charges in Fatal Kidnapping Case
Two men have been charged by New South Wales Police over the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, more than two weeks after he was abducted from his North Ryde home. Detectives allege the 24-year-old and 29-year-old men were involved in what police have described as a mistaken-identity abduction that ended in fatal violence.
Late on 25 February 2026, the suspects — identified in court documents as Daniel Stevens (24) and Gerard Andrews (29) — were formally charged with kidnapping, murder, and related offences including intent to ransom and causing actual bodily harm. Both were refused bail and are scheduled to appear in Blacktown Local Court as proceedings continue.
The Kidnapping and Discovery of Remains
Police allege Mr Baghsarian was taken from his home shortly before 5 am on 13 February in North Ryde by a group of men who bundled him into a vehicle, sparking one of the most shocking criminal investigations in recent Sydney history. CCTV footage later obtained by investigators shows the elderly man being forced into an SUV outside his residence.
After an extensive search that drew in specialist units and forensic teams, human remains discovered near a golf course in Pitt Town on 24 February were identified as belonging to Baghsarian. Authorities believe he was held and killed before his body was dumped in rural bushland on Sydney’s north-western fringe.
Evidence and Police Investigations
Investigators pieced together a complex trail of evidence linked to the alleged crime, including a burnt-out stolen Toyota Corolla found in Westmead that contained bloodied items and other forensic clues. Police tracked the vehicle’s movements and surveillance footage to build a more complete picture of the suspects’ actions in the days after the abduction.
In executing search warrants at addresses in Kenthurst, Castle Hill and Lake Macquarie, officers seized electronics, clothing and other items believed to be connected to the alleged kidnapping and murder. The suspects were taken into custody at those properties and transported to Riverstone Police Station, where they were questioned before formal charges were laid.
Mistaken Identity and Motive
Police have indicated that the abduction was likely a case of mistaken identity during what appears to have been a ransom plot. Authorities suspect the intended target may have been a relative of a Sydney businessman with organised crime associations, but instead Baghsarian, who had no known criminal connections, was abducted.
According to reports, a ransom demand of AU$50 million was later sent to the actual intended target — not Baghsarian’s family — prompting investigators to look into misleading communications and encrypted messaging links as part of the broader investigation.
Family Reaction and Community Impact
Baghsarian’s family described the ordeal as devastating and are said to have sought privacy as they grieve the loss of their father and grandfather. Known to friends and neighbours as a quiet and devoted family man, his death has prompted widespread shock and sorrow in the community.
Local residents in North Ryde and Pitt Town expressed horror at the violence and randomness of the crime, highlighting concerns about both public safety and the increasing sophistication — and recklessness — of organised criminal activity in metropolitan Sydney.
Ongoing Police Efforts and Broader Investigation
NSW Police have emphasised that the two charged men are believed to be part of a joint criminal enterprise involving additional suspects, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend others potentially involved in the crime.
The case has underlined the challenges law enforcement faces in dismantling criminal networks and preventing violent errors that can have fatal consequences for innocent civilians. Police have urged anyone with information — particularly about the movements of the SUV used in the abduction or the identities of additional suspects — to come forward as inquiries continue.
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