Sydney 85-year-old Man Accused Kidnapped and Murdered After 12 Days Missing

An 85-year-old grandfather was found dead 12 days after he went missing. Two men are now charged with his murder and kidnapping.
By Newsroom | Crime, Sydney |

SYDNEY — Authorities have formally accused two men in connection with the abduction and death of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, whose remains were found on the outskirts of the city. The arrests occurred 12 days after Baghsarian disappeared from his North Ryde residence.

==Forensic evidence discovered in a burned-out car in Westmead on February 16 linked Baghsarian to the vehicle.The 29-year-old man from Kenthurst and the 24-year-old man from Castle Hill have each been charged with murder and kidnapping with the intent to hold for ransom and cause bodily harm.==

Authorities state that Baghsarian's remains were likely left near Pitt Town Bottoms Road on February 14. Investigators recovered the body near a golf course in Pitt Town on Tuesday, February 24. Detectives have also seized electronic devices and clothing from three properties as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Initial reports suggest the incident may have stemmed from a case of mistaken identity, with police suspecting the perpetrators may have been targeting a relative of an individual associated with a known crime network. Baghsarian himself, a widower, and his family reportedly had no ties to criminal elements. The abduction is believed to have taken place on February 13.

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Investigators are reportedly focusing on identifying other potential offenders involved. One of the accused men is said to have visited a specific property after Baghsarian's alleged kidnapping. Police have confirmed speaking with a resident at this property, though that individual is not considered a suspect.

Baghsarian is understood to have died shortly after being taken to a property following his abduction from his North Ryde home. The recovered body was positively identified as the missing grandfather on Tuesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who has been charged over the kidnapping and death of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney?
Police have charged a 29-year-old man from Kenthurst and a 24-year-old man from Castle Hill. They face charges of murder and kidnapping with intent to hold for ransom and cause bodily harm.
Q: When and where was Chris Baghsarian last seen and when was his body found?
Chris Baghsarian, 85, disappeared from his North Ryde home on February 13. His remains were found near Pitt Town on Tuesday, February 24, 12 days after he went missing.
Q: What evidence led to the arrests in the Sydney kidnapping and murder case?
Forensic evidence found in a burned-out car in Westmead on February 16 linked Baghsarian to the vehicle. Police also seized electronic devices and clothing from three properties.
Q: Why do police believe Chris Baghsarian may have been kidnapped by mistake?
Investigators think the kidnappers may have targeted someone else, possibly a relative of someone in a crime network, due to mistaken identity. Baghsarian and his family had no known ties to crime.
Q: What happened to Chris Baghsarian after he was kidnapped from his North Ryde home?
It is believed Baghsarian was taken to a property after his abduction and died shortly after. His body was later found near a golf course in Pitt Town.