An 85-year-old grandfather, snatched from his Sydney home in a terrifying case of mistaken identity, has been found dead near a golf course. Chris Baghsarian, a beloved father and widower, was abducted on February 13th, plunging his family into a nightmare they couldn’t comprehend.
Police believe Baghsarian was targeted by up to three men, individuals who tragically confused him with someone else. Detectives have repeatedly emphasized that Baghsarian and his family had absolutely no connection to criminal activity, making the entire ordeal even more senseless and brutal.
The discovery of remains near Pitt Town, a 45-minute drive from Baghsarian’s home, has led investigators to suspect the worst. While formal identification is pending, evidence strongly suggests the remains are those of the missing grandfather. The condition of the remains speaks to the horrific nature of his final hours.
“We’re outraged at this happening, and the recklessness of these people,” stated a visibly shaken Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks. The sentiment echoed throughout the community, with the Premier of New South Wales condemning the act as a display of unacceptable brutality.
The investigation quickly focused on a burned-out Toyota Corolla discovered in nearby bushland. The car was spotted in the Glenorie area shortly after Baghsarian’s abduction and later linked directly to the case. Its presence near the Pitt Town crime scene solidified suspicions about the location of the remains.
Further forensic evidence recovered alongside the remains provided a chilling connection to both Baghsarian and a property where detectives believe he was held captive and subjected to unspeakable horrors. This convergence of evidence led investigators to the heartbreaking conclusion.
Disturbing videos and images of a severely injured Baghsarian had already begun circulating within Sydney’s criminal underworld, adding another layer of anguish to the case. Police acknowledged the existence of these images, emphasizing the urgency of finding Baghsarian, who required daily medication.
Investigators now believe the kidnappers were actually seeking a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, a convicted armed robber with ties to a prominent crime family. Messages allegedly exchanged between the kidnappers and Stepanyan reveal a ransom demand of $50 million, highlighting the desperation and ruthlessness of the perpetrators.
Baghsarian’s family, in a desperate plea for his safe return, described him as the “kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly.” They expressed their disbelief and devastation, emphasizing their family’s complete innocence and lack of involvement in any criminal activity. Their nightmare has now reached its most tragic conclusion.
The search for those responsible continues, with authorities vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they face the full weight of the law. The community mourns the loss of an innocent man, a devoted family member, and a victim of a horrific and senseless crime.
