Two more men have been charged over the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, as detectives continue to investigate what police say was a mistaken-identity abduction that shocked the city’s north earlier this year.
New South Wales Police say Brendan Gorman, 19, and Codi Fuller, 21, were arrested on Tuesday during separate operations in Sydney’s west. Both men were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and charged with murder and taking or detaining a person in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm. Mr Gorman was also charged with failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.
Alleged mistaken-identity abduction
Mr Baghsarian, 85, was taken from his North Ryde home just after 5am on February 13. Police have alleged the elderly man was not the intended target, and that those involved were seeking a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan who lived nearby.
The disappearance prompted an urgent search and a series of public appeals. Images and video allegedly showing Mr Baghsarian bound and assaulted circulated after the abduction, with investigators repeatedly calling for information that could help locate him. His remains were later found near a golf course at Pitt Town in Sydney’s north-west after an 11-day search.
The investigation has been led by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Chabot. Police allege Mr Baghsarian was taken to a derelict property in Dural that was being used as a stronghold, where he died before his body was moved to the Pitt Town location.
Fresh arrests and court appearances
According to police, detectives executed a search warrant at Shalvey about 7.15am on Tuesday and arrested Mr Gorman. A short time later, officers arrested Mr Fuller at Silverwater. The pair were refused bail and their matters were briefly mentioned at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday.
Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Gordon said investigators would allege the two men were directly involved in obtaining Mr Baghsarian at a premises in Dural and in disposing of his body. Both cases have been adjourned to July 17.
The men’s solicitor, Feddy Kak, told reporters outside court that the matters were in their early stages and that his clients maintained their right to the presumption of innocence.
Investigation remains active
Four other people had already been charged and remain before the courts. Police have indicated they believe more people were involved in different aspects of the alleged kidnapping and killing, and say further arrests remain possible.
Detectives have also released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with inquiries. Police said the man was seen at a hardware store in Leppington about 7.30am on February 11, two days before Mr Baghsarian was allegedly abducted. He was described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance, between 175 and 185 centimetres tall, of medium build, with long brown hair and a beard.
Investigators have urged anyone who recognises the man, or who has information about the case, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police said they were continuing to support Mr Baghsarian’s family as the criminal proceedings move through the courts.
The latest charges mark another significant step in one of Sydney’s most disturbing alleged kidnapping cases this year, but police say the inquiry is not finished. Detectives have publicly warned that they will continue pursuing anyone suspected of involvement in Mr Baghsarian’s disappearance and death.
