Police have released new CCTV footage as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, a case authorities describe as a tragic instance of mistaken identity.
Fresh CCTV Images Released
Detectives have shared CCTV images of three additional men they believe may hold crucial information regarding the abduction and killing. The footage captures the men heading towards the alleged kidnapper's Wildthorn Avenue base in Dural on the night of the incident, February 13.
Timeline of Events
Mr Baghsarian, 85, was allegedly abducted from his north-west Sydney home around 5am on February 13. Police believe he was murdered before 9pm on February 14 at a property in Dural. His body was then allegedly dumped in bushland near Pitt Town, approximately a 30-minute drive away, where it was discovered about ten days later.
On the following day, Saturday February 14, a blue Hyundai sedan was observed arriving at the same Dural property before departing shortly after 12pm. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the identity of the men in the CCTV footage or the driver of the blue vehicle to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
The new evidence emerges after Gerard Anthony Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, were arrested and charged last month for their alleged roles in the murder and kidnapping. Both men remain before the courts, having not applied for bail, with their next appearance scheduled for April 17.
Court documents allege that Andrews and Stevens transported the elderly victim to a semi-rural makeshift stronghold in Dural. The arrests were made by heavily armed police in February following an intensive investigation.
Legal Representation Challenges
Andrews' solicitor, Paul McGirr, a former police officer, described the allegations as "horrific" and acknowledged the difficulty of representing his client under such circumstances. "I have a job to do and it's very hard at this particular moment for me to do that job," McGirr stated, while asserting that his client was not the mastermind behind the incident.
During a court appearance via video link, Andrews wore the same white Gucci T-shirt he had on when arrested and confirmed he could see and hear the proceedings. Stevens' lawyer, Javid Faiz, requested antiviral medication for his client's shingles condition, with Stevens noting from Amber Laurel Correctional Centre that the shingles were no longer contagious.
Mistaken Identity and Ransom Demand
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commander Andrew Marks characterized the case as "akin to somebody's worst nightmare." Police believe the intended abduction target was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who resided on the same street as Mr Baghsarian.
Detective Superintendent Marks confirmed reports that the kidnappers demanded a $50 million ransom fee, highlighting the calculated nature of the crime that tragically ensnared an innocent victim.
Family's Response
Mr Baghsarian's family, who described the kidnapping ordeal as a nightmare, expressed relief that the alleged offenders have been apprehended. They have requested privacy as they grieve the loss of their devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather, whom they described as someone "who would never hurt a fly."
Commander Marks emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable, stating: "These people need to be held to account for that and that's why we are bringing these people before the courts." The investigation continues as police pursue all leads in this complex and distressing case.
