Two Men Charged with the Alleged Murder of Chris Baghsarian, Sydney Grandfather

Editorial Assistant Alicja Krotofil probes into shocking Sydney death of elderly man Chris Baghsarian and what next steps are to be expected as the situation unfolds

Content Warning: this article contains mentions of murder

On Wednesday 25 February 2026, two men were arrested for the alleged kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian, aged 85. Nearly a fortnight ago, Baghsarian was reported missing from his home in North Ryde, and just one day later, his body was found and identified near a golf club in Pitt-Town [1]. The police have confirmed that Baghsarian was the victim of a mistaken-identity abduction [2] and that the men arrested were part of a greater gang scheme to kidnap someone else and demand a ransom for their return. 

On Thursday 26 February the police released information to the public about the two arrested individuals. Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, were arrested at their known addresses in Castle Hill and Kenthurst and taken to Riverstone Police Station for further questioning. The accused pair had been previously known to the police for minor and insignificant matters [2]. They appeared in the Blacktown local court and were denied bail. During their arrests, police also seized vehicles, electronics and clothing as part of the investigation. More arrests are likely as they continue searching for other individuals who are believed to have been involved [3]. 

Paul McGirr, Andrew's lawyer, told reporters that “Certainly, from what I can gather, my client was no mastermind in respect to his involvement in this particular matter” [1]. He also went on to mention that the sensitive matter was not lost on him “for the victim's family.” As of now, lawyer Paul McGirr waits for brief evidence in the ongoing investigation before making further comment. The two accused are expected to be in court again in April. The police have issued a statement urging any witnesses who saw anything near the golf course on February 14 to contact them. 

by Alicja Krotofil 

References

[1] Cassidy, C. (2026, February 26). Man charged with murder of Chris Baghsarian in Sydney likely “no mastermind”, lawyer says. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/26/chris-baghsarian-man-accused-alleged-kidnapping-murder-sydney-no-mastermind-lawyer-ntwnfb

[2] Glover, A. (2026, February 26). Two men charged over alleged kidnapping, murder of Sydney grandfather. @9News; 9News. https://www.9news.com.au/national/chris-baghsarian-remains-found-in-search-for-missing-grandfather-sydney/66bdff80-d78a-4f28-974f-a9b31bf840be

[3] Lam, L. (2026, February 25). Chris Baghsarian: Two men charged over alleged murder and kidnap of grandfather. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw011vpgy9o