Deklin James Donnelly, a 23-year-old man, has been formally charged with the alleged kidnap and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian. The dramatic arrest unfolded on Wednesday morning when heavily armed police officers stormed a property in Seven Hills, located in Sydney's western suburbs.
Dramatic Arrest Captured on Camera
Footage from the early morning raid shows Donnelly being escorted from the residence at approximately 6:30 am, clad only in his underwear with his hands firmly cuffed behind his back. Detectives could be heard reading him his rights on the pavement as he stood with his head bowed. "You're under arrest for the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian on Friday, the 13th February 2025. Do you understand that?" one detective asked, to which Donnelly replied, "Yeah."
The suspect was observed with several bleeding gashes on his back and shoulders, along with distinctive tattoos across his chest and right arm. A photograph of his prominent chest tattoo, which matches images on his social media profiles, circulated following the arrest.
Multiple Serious Charges Laid
During Wednesday afternoon proceedings, Donnelly faced a total of ten charges, including murder and special aggravated kidnapping. Additional charges relate to unauthorised firearm possession, drug supply, and drug possession. Police confirmed they seized firearms, ammunition, prohibited weapons, drugs, mobile phones, and electronic devices during the raid on the Seven Hills property.
Alleged Role in the Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks stated that police will allege Donnelly "facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian" and "arranged people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian's body." While not the highest-ranking individual in the alleged plot, Superintendent Marks described him as a "major player" who was present at the North Ryde address and conveyed the victim to a makeshift stronghold in Dural.
Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13th. Police have characterised this as a case of mistaken identity, believing the intended target was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who resided on the same street. The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of $50 million.
Connection to Other Suspects
Donnelly appears to be connected through social media to Daniel Stevens, 24, who was arrested last month alongside 29-year-old Gerard Andrews for the same alleged kidnapping and murder. Court documents detail allegations that Andrews and Stevens transported Mr Baghsarian to the semi-rural stronghold in Dural.
CCTV footage has emerged showing three men walking toward the alleged kidnappers' base on Wildthorn Avenue in Dural on the night of the crime. The following day, a blue Hyundai sedan was spotted arriving at and departing from the property around noon. Detectives believe these individuals could assist with ongoing investigations.
Additional Arrest and Court Appearances
A 23-year-old woman named Jenessa Thurston was also arrested at the Seven Hills property and charged with contravening a prohibition/restriction in an Apprehended Violence Order (Domestic). She appeared before Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday.
Donnelly was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday. Mr Baghsarian's remains were discovered eleven days after his disappearance near a golf club in Pitt Town.
Family's Response and Police Appeal
The victim's family, who described the kidnapping as a harrowing nightmare, expressed relief that alleged offenders have been apprehended. They requested privacy while grieving the loss of their devoted family member, whom they described as someone "who would never hurt a fly."
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commander Andrew Marks emphasised the severity of the case, stating it resembled "somebody's worst nightmare" and that those involved must be held accountable. Police continue to urge anyone with information about the men in the CCTV footage or the driver of the blue Hyundai to contact Crime Stoppers.
