Two Men Arrested Over Mistaken Identity Kidnapping and Death of 85-Year-Old Grandfather
Two men have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and death of an 85-year-old grandfather in Australia, who is believed to have been taken from his home by mistake in a shocking case of mistaken identity.
Police Confirm Arrests and Victim Identification
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the New South Wales Police Force confirmed in a news release that Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives had arrested two men in relation to the kidnapping of Chris Baghsarian. The elderly man was taken from his house in the Sydney suburb of North Ryde just after 5 a.m. local time on Friday, February 13.
Early police inquiries established that Chris Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping and had been taken in a clear case of mistaken identity, according to the official release. The statement added that human remains believed to be those of Baghsarian had been located at around 8 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, February 24 near a golf club in Pitt Town, northwest Sydney.
Execution of Search Warrants and Arrest Details
The police release noted that following extensive inquiries, at about 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed two search warrants in Kenthurst and Castle Hill. Police arrested a 29-year-old man at the Kenthurst address and a 24-year-old man in Castle Hill.
Both individuals have been taken to Riverstone Police Station, where inquiries continue. While police did not initially identify the two men arrested, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, had been taken into custody from their parents' homes in Kenthurst and Castle Hill on Wednesday morning.
Official Confirmation and Investigation Updates
The latest development comes after Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks confirmed at a press conference that the remains found belonged to the missing grandfather. He stated on Wednesday, "We can now confirm that the remains that were located yesterday were in fact Mr. Baghsarian."
According to video footage shared by 7NEWS, Marks further alleged that "these men participated in a joint criminal enterprise with other persons to kidnap Mr. Baghsarian, and ultimately, where he was held hostage." The officer emphasized that police suspect more than three people were involved with the crime and insisted they were looking for all those who played a part in the kidnapping.
Crime Details and Family Impact
Police believe Baghsarian died at a property in Dural before his remains were dumped near the golf club in Pitt Town. Marks described Baghsarian's family as "devastated" following the news of his death and stated, "The fact that an innocent man was taken from his home is not acceptable. These people need to be held to account for that and that's why we are bringing these people before the courts, and we hope that it doesn't happen again."
Forensic Evidence and Vehicle Investigation
Tyre tracks spotted near the remains of Baghsarian have been examined as detectives consider whether a car engulfed in flames that was found in the nearby town of Wilberforce, in New South Wales, is related to the crime. A suspicious grey Toyota Corolla had previously been seen in Pitt Town on February 14. The car was then found burnt on February 16, with cloned license plates, having been reported stolen from the southeastern state of Victoria.
Several items found inside the Corolla positively tested as matches to an abandoned Dural home, according to investigative reports. Disturbing footage previously circulated in Sydney's underworld, which appeared to show Baghsarian severely injured at the same property, wearing the same clothes he was wearing at the time of his kidnapping.
Mistaken Identity Background
Detectives believe Baghsarian was mistakenly taken while the kidnappers were targeting the father of Dimitri Stepanyan, 37, a convicted armed robber and founder of Proper Streetwear. Baghsarian reportedly lived on the same street as the intended victim, leading to the tragic case of mistaken identity.
Family Statement and Personal Tribute
Baghsarian's family said in a statement on February 17, "Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible," adding, "Chris's kidnapping feels surreal, and we are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us."
The family continued with a personal tribute: "Chris is a devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He is deeply loved, gentle, and the kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly." The investigation remains active as police continue to pursue all individuals involved in this tragic case of mistaken identity that resulted in the death of an innocent elderly man.
