In the early hours of February 13, 85-year-old Baghsarian was forcibly taken from his residence in North Ryde. This shocking event quickly drew attention as investigators began piecing together the details of the case.
Authorities suspect that Baghsarian was abducted due to a case of mistaken identity, believing he was not the intended victim of this grave crime. The tragic outcome of this misidentification became clear when his remains were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town on the morning of February 24.
In a significant development, police apprehended a 19-year-old suspect at Mount Druitt Police Station. This arrest took place at approximately 9:25 a.m. yesterday, marking a crucial step in the ongoing investigation.
The young man now faces serious charges, including murder and kidnapping with the intent to demand a ransom. Authorities have denied him bail, and he is scheduled to make a court appearance today to address the charges brought against him.
He was charged with murder and kidnapping with intent to ransom.
He was refused bail and will appear in court today.
To date, three people have been charged over his death and remain before the courts.
Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, are alleged to have “participated in a joint criminal enterprise with other persons” that led to Baghsarian’s death.
Delkin Donnelly, 23, was arrested at his Seven Hills home in late March, and charged with multiple offences, including murder, taking and detaining in company with intent to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm, and possessing an unauthorised firearm.
He was also hit with other weapons and drug charges after a shotgun, handgun and drugs were seized from his home, and was refused bail to appear in court tomorrow.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said earlier this year police believe up to nine people were involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder, and that they may have been part of different groups.
He said the house at Dural, where Baghsarian was allegedly kept, would have acted as a meeting point for many of the alleged offenders.
“There was a group of people who played significant roles in the entire offence,” he said.
“There was some crossover from the [North Ryde] house to Dural, and the disposal of remains.
“Those persons were all involved in certain aspects [and] the central point would have been Dural.”
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