Police have apprehended a key suspect in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney, Australian Capital, in February.
Authorities confirmed the 23-year-old man has been charged with murder, kidnapping, and multiple firearms and drug offenses.
Baghsarian, a widower, was abducted from his North Ryde home on 13 February, reportedly due to a case of mistaken identity.
His body was discovered nearly two weeks later near a local golf course.
Two other men had previously been charged in relation to the killing. Det Chief Insp Andrew Marks described the newly arrested man as “not the highest but… a major player in this matter.”
“We will allege that he facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian,” Marks said. “We will also allege that he arranged for people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian’s body.”
The suspect was taken into custody at a residence in the north-western suburb of Seven Hills early on Wednesday. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
A 23-year-old woman, arrested alongside him, faces charges for breaching an apprehended violence order but is not accused of involvement in Baghsarian’s death.
Detectives believe up to nine individuals were involved in the abduction and murder, and investigations are ongoing, Marks added. Local media reports suggest the attack may have targeted a family with alleged ties to organised crime.
Following the kidnapping, police had made public appeals for Baghsarian’s safe return, emphasizing his health issues and the need for daily medication. CCTV footage released last week showed three men near a property in Dural, which police described as a “stronghold” where Baghsarian was held. Authorities believe the 23-year-old charged on Wednesday was among those seen in the footage.
Marks stated the man was “physically involved” in the abduction. “He was there at the North Ryde address, and we will allege he conveyed Mr Baghsarian to the stronghold,” he said, adding that the suspect was “in and around the area” during the 40 hours Baghsarian was detained.
Earlier arrests include 29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens, who were charged with kidnapping and murder a day after Baghsarian’s body was recovered. Both are due back in court in April.
