Shocking Details Emerge in Grandfather's Kidnap-Murder Case
New and disturbing details have been revealed about the final moments of Chris Baghsarian's life, following his alleged kidnapping and murder in what police describe as a tragic case of mistaken identity. The 85-year-old grandfather was forcibly dragged from his bed in North Ryde, located in Sydney's northwest, on February 13, and was dead within a mere 48 hours.
A Brutal and Prolonged Assault
Initial reports indicated that Mr Baghsarian was subjected to torture before his death, as his alleged kidnappers mistakenly believed they were abducting Karo Stepanyan, the father of wealthy property developer Dimitri Stepanyan. It has now emerged that Mr Baghsarian had one of his fingers severed with a handsaw, according to police allegations.
While it remains unclear whether the amputation occurred before or after his death, authorities will allege that the handsaw was discovered in a partially burnt-out Toyota Corolla in Westmead. The vehicle also contained a discarded cigarette butt and blood-stained carpet. The accused men allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by setting the car alight, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
Gerard Andrews, aged 29, and Daniel Stevens, aged 24, appeared before Blacktown Local Court in Sydney's west on Thursday. They face charges related to the abduction and murder of the elderly man. Andrews and Stevens are accused of killing Mr Baghsarian at a secluded property in Dural, after demanding a $50 million ransom while holding the wrong hostage.
Police allege that at this location, Mr Baghsarian endured a prolonged period of extreme violence. In the days leading up to the abduction, the pair reportedly purchased black tracksuit pants, T-shirts, and three black hoodies from K-mart.
Video Evidence and Disturbing Footage
During the court hearing, it was revealed that police have obtained video evidence showing a man demanding Mr Stepanyan's phone number from Mr Baghsarian. There are also images depicting a gun being pointed at Mr Baghsarian's head.
In one video, a man is seen holding a curtain over Mr Baghsarian's face and asking, 'What is Dimmy and Dom's numbers?' – seemingly referring to Mr Stepanyan's sons. Neither of the sons is accused of any wrongdoing. The kidnappers circulated footage of Mr Baghsarian bloodied, tied up, gagged, and lying on a carpeted floor covered in blood. He was heard groaning in agony before the video abruptly ended.
His body was later discovered dumped in a field adjacent to a golf course at Pitt Town.
Backgrounds of the Accused
The development follows revelations that Andrews hails from an affluent Catholic family, resided in a lavish $5 million mansion in Kenthurst, and graduated from Redfield College, which charges $18,000 per year. He claimed to be midway through a cybersecurity degree at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). However, in a bizarre twist, UTS confirmed that Andrews is not a student and has no record of undertaking any training there.
Stevens, an apprentice carpenter, was described by shocked former colleagues as polite and well-mannered. He had worked on construction projects until he was terminated from his job eight months ago due to drink driving. Just weeks prior to the incident, Stevens portrayed himself on social media as a doting uncle-in-waiting, sharing a picture of himself in a collared shirt and beige trousers at a baby shower for his pregnant sister, with the caption: 'Can't wait to meet the little guy.'
Legal Charges and Statements
Stevens and Andrews have each been charged with one count of murder and one count of taking/detaining Chris Baghsarian with intent to ransom, occasioning bodily harm. Andrews' lawyer, Paul McGirr, did not apply for bail in court on Thursday. Speaking to reporters outside the court, McGirr stated that his client was 'no mastermind' in the alleged plot.
'It's a horrific set of facts that I've read in my experience as a police officer and defence lawyer, and I just have to remind myself that I have a job to do under these circumstances,' he said.
Victim's Life and Legacy
Born in 1941 in Jaffa, Chris Baghsarian spent his childhood in Jerusalem before migrating to Australia in the 1960s. His life was brutally cut short in a case that has shocked the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of mistaken identity.
