A third man has been arrested and charged in the alleged kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather from North Ryde, Sydney. According to multiple reports, police described the suspect as a 'major player' in the case.
Key Takeaways
Police have arrested a third man, identified as 23-year-old Deklan James Donnelly, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather from North Ryde. Police allege he played a significant role in the crime.
The 23-year-old man, identified by Daily Mail as Deklan James Donnelly and also reported by The Guardian, was charged with multiple offences including kidnap, murder, firearms, and drugs offences. Police allege he facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian.
According to Daily Mail, Donnelly was arrested at his home in Seven Hills, Sydney's west, on Wednesday morning by heavily armed police officers. Footage emerged showing him being escorted out of the property still clad in his underwear with his hands cuffed behind his back. He appeared before Blacktown Local Court and was refused bail.
Police allegedly found a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition under Donnelly's bed, along with various drugs including heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis. A 21-year-old woman, Jenessa Thurston, was also arrested at the scene for breaching an apprehended domestic violence order.
Two men, Gerard Andrews (29) and Daniel Stevens (24), were previously charged with murder and taking or detaining a person in company with intent to ransom. They remain before the courts as the investigation continues, with police believing up to nine people may have been involved in the kidnapping and murder.
Local media reports suggest that the attack might have been aimed at a family with links to organised crime. The intended target was reportedly a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan. Police suspect the intended target was to be kidnapped for ransom, with reports indicating a demanded figure of $50 million.
The victim's body was found near a golf course almost two weeks after he was taken from his home on 13 February. The family expressed relief that the alleged offenders had been caught but requested privacy as they process their loss.
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