Woman Arrested in Kidnap-Murder Case Faces Jail for Violent Past
Jenessa Thurston, a 21-year-old woman found in bed with a man charged over the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, has been sentenced to 10 months in jail for previous offences, including a violent assault on her ex-boyfriend. Thurston was arrested alongside Deklin Donnelly, 22, during a police raid at a house in Seven Hills, Sydney, early on Wednesday morning.
Police Raid Uncovers Weapons and Drugs
Officers from the Tactical Operations Unit conducted the raid, discovering Thurston and Donnelly in bed. Under the bed, police allegedly located a sawn-off 12-gauge shotgun and shells. The search also led to the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis. Thurston was charged with breaching an apprehended domestic violence order by being with Donnelly, while Donnelly was charged with kidnapping and murdering Mr Baghsarian.
Details of the Kidnapping and Murder Case
Mr Baghsarian was allegedly taken from his home in North Ryde, Sydney, in the early hours of February 13. His body was found 11 days later at Pitt Town. Police believe the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity, with the intended target being a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street. Donnelly is described by police as a "major player" in the alleged crime, facilitating the kidnapping and arranging for the disposal of the body.
Thurston's Criminal History and Assault on Ex-Boyfriend
While police confirmed Thurston played no role in Mr Baghsarian's alleged kidnapping and murder, her criminal past came to light in court. She pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a domestic violence order taken out to protect Donnelly. Court documents revealed that Thurston had a history of violence, including an incident last year where she assaulted her then-boyfriend in a drunken rampage.
On January 13, Thurston visited her boyfriend at his Emu Plains home. After he left to go bike riding, she stayed behind and drank cans of Bundaberg rum. Upon his return, an argument ensued, leading to Thurston headbutting him, chasing him around the house, and punching him multiple times in the head. She then caused extensive damage to the property, smashing windows, destroying items, and threatening to burn the house down.
Arrest and Sentencing
Police were called to the scene after neighbours reported screaming and loud noises. Thurston was arrested and, while in custody, spat at a police officer. She was later convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalking, destroying property, and assaulting a police officer. For these offences, she received an eight-month intensive correction order and a seven-month community correction order.
Thurston was served with an apprehended domestic violence order on February 24 this year, prohibiting her from contacting Donnelly. She breached this order twice, leading to her arrest and the revocation of her previous sentences. In Blacktown Local Court, she was re-sentenced to 10 months in jail, with a minimum six-month term.
Other Suspects in the Case
Donnelly, along with Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, has been charged over Mr Baghsarian's alleged kidnapping and murder. Donnelly faces additional charges for firearm and drug offences, including supplying heroin, meth, and cocaine. He did not apply for bail and is scheduled to appear at Penrith Local Court on May 22.
This case highlights the intersection of serious crimes like kidnapping and murder with domestic violence and substance abuse issues, underscoring the complexities faced by law enforcement in such investigations.
