A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old widower. The arrest marks the fourth charge laid in relation to the incident.
The 19-year-old was charged with murder and kidnapping with intent to ransom. He was refused bail and is expected to appear before Mount Druitt Local Court today. Detectives reportedly believe Baghsarian's body was dumped at a golf course on February 14, the day after his abduction.
Further Charges and Suspects
The recently charged 19-year-old joins three other individuals previously taken into custody. Prosecutors will allege that one of the accused, identified as Ohrok, provided a gun used in the kidnapping.
Another accused, a 23-year-old man, is believed by police to have been a "major player" in the events. He faces multiple charges, including kidnap, murder, and firearms and drugs offences. The initial charges of kidnapping and murder were brought against Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, following the discovery of Baghsarian's remains. These two men were arrested on February 25, a day after police confirmed they believed they had found the elderly man's body.
Read More: Grandson of Coach K Charged in Fatal Bicycle Crash
Background of the Abduction
Chris Baghsarian was allegedly snatched from his bed at his North Ryde home just after 5 a.m. on February 13. Investigators suspect the abduction was a case of mistaken identity. His body was eventually discovered near a golf course in Pitt Town, in Sydney's north-west, on February 24, eleven days after his disappearance.
Police believe Baghsarian may have been killed on the night of February 14, possibly at a property in Dural, described as a potential "meeting point" for several of the alleged offenders. Forensic evidence, including that linked to Baghsarian, was also reportedly found in a car discovered torched in Westmead on February 16. Police had previously made public appeals for the safe return of the 85-year-old.
Read More: Bondi Man Mimics Attack, Says "Drunken Stupidity"
