Wealthy Sydney Men Charged Over Botched Kidnapping That Left Elderly Man Dead
Two men from privileged backgrounds, with every advantage life could offer, now find themselves in police custody facing the most serious of allegations. Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, appeared before Blacktown Local Court in Sydney's west on Thursday, charged with the abduction and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian between February 13 and 14.
This disturbing case appears to be one of catastrophic mistaken identity, with police alleging the pair believed they were kidnapping Varo Stepanyan, father of wealthy property developer Dimitri Stepanyan, who lives between Las Vegas and Monaco. Instead, they allegedly targeted "kind and gentle" Mr Baghsarian.
Privileged Backgrounds and Shattered Lives
Gerard Andrews comes from an affluent Catholic family that resides in a lavish $5 million mansion in Kenthurst. He graduated from the exclusive $18,000-a-year Redfield College and was midway through a cybersecurity degree at the University of Technology Sydney. According to his social media profiles, Andrews had taken a "health and wellbeing break" last year to address medical needs before transitioning into cybersecurity studies.
His professional background includes working at his family's successful trucking business, serving as head mechanic at Rouse Hill Toyota between 2021 and 2023, and later working as an account manager at a printing business where he managed client portfolios and conducted over 100 calls daily.
Daniel Stevens, 24, was an apprentice carpenter working on high-end residential construction projects in Sydney until eight months ago when he was terminated for drink-driving. His former employer described him as polite and well-mannered, expressing "extreme shock" at the allegations. Stevens had recently portrayed himself on social media as a doting uncle-in-waiting, posting about his excitement to meet his sister's unborn child.
The Alleged Crime and Humiliating Arrests
Police will allege that Andrews and Stevens forced Mr Baghsarian into a car before later killing him at a secluded home in Dural. During this time, they allegedly demanded a $50 million ransom while holding the wrong hostage. Reports indicate police have obtained video evidence showing a man demanding Stepanyan's phone number from Mr Baghsarian.
The elderly man's body was later discovered dumped at a golf course in Pitt Town. The arrests occurred in dramatic fashion, with police dragging both men from their respective parents' homes in northwest Sydney. Andrews was arrested in a dawn raid at his family's Kenthurst mansion, while Stevens was taken from his parents' $3 million four-bedroom home in Castle Hill.
Court Appearances and Legal Proceedings
During Thursday's court appearance, Stevens appeared via video link from his prison cell, handcuffed and requesting antiviral medication for shingles. He told the court, "The shingles is not contagious anymore, it's just that I haven't showered."
Andrews kept his head down and barely spoke during his appearance, wearing the same ragged Gucci t-shirt he had on when arrested the previous day. His lawyer, Paul McGirr, did not apply for bail, describing the case as "a horrific set of facts" while acknowledging the sensitivity for the victim's family.
Stevens' lawyer, Javid Faiz, stated his client understood "the nature and gravity of the allegations" against him and was taking the matter seriously. Both men face charges of murder and taking/detaining Chris Baghsarian with intent to ransom, occasioning bodily harm.
Additional Arrest and Community Impact
A third man, Naden Moore, 19, was also arrested in connection with the murder and faced court accused of setting property on fire and participating in a criminal group. The case has sent shockwaves through Sydney's northwest community, with Faiz acknowledging, "It's a tragic incident there's no doubt that this would have had an effect on the community."
Andrews and Stevens are scheduled to appear in Penrith Local Court on April 17 as the legal proceedings continue to unfold in this complex and disturbing case that has united elements of privilege, alleged criminal enterprise, and tragic consequences.
