Sydney Kidnapping & Murder: Lawyer Claims Client Not ‘Mastermind’

Sydney Grandpa Kidnap and Murder: Accused Appear in Court

A Sydney court has heard the case of two men charged with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, a grandfather whose abduction sparked a large-scale police investigation. Gerard Anthony Andrews, 29 and Daniel Stevens, 24, appeared via video link on Thursday, February 26, 2026, facing charges related to the death of the North Ryde widower. The case, initially believed to be a case of mistaken identity, has unfolded over eleven days, revealing disturbing details about the alleged crime and the subsequent police response.

The arrests of Andrews and Stevens followed a dramatic operation by heavily armed police, culminating in the discovery of Baghsarian’s remains in bushland near Pitt Town. Authorities allege the pair, along with a currently unidentified third offender, abducted Baghsarian from his home on February 13, believing they had the wrong man. This initial misidentification appears to be central to the unfolding investigation.

Confirmed Details and Remaining Questions

What is confirmed: Andrews and Stevens have been charged with kidnapping, and murder. Baghsarian was taken from his North Ryde home on February 13 and his body was discovered approximately ten days later. Police believe Baghsarian was murdered at a property in Dural sometime before 9pm on February 14. Both men were refused bail and are scheduled to reappear in court on April 17.

Yet, significant details remain unclear. The identity of the third alleged offender has not been released, and the full extent of their involvement is still under investigation. The precise motive for the kidnapping, beyond the initial belief it was a case of mistaken identity, remains unclear. While authorities suspect a connection to the Stepanyan family and a potential AU$50 million ransom demand, this has not been definitively confirmed. The specific circumstances surrounding Baghsarian’s death – the method and precise timing – have not been publicly detailed.

The Alleged Kidnapping and Police Response

Police allege that Andrews and Stevens transported Baghsarian to a “makeshift stronghold” in Dural, a semi-rural area on the outskirts of Sydney. This location served as a holding place before Baghsarian’s body was allegedly dumped in bushland near Pitt Town. The discovery of the body prompted an extensive search and ultimately led to the arrests of Andrews and Stevens.

The investigation involved the execution of search warrants at multiple locations, including Kenthurst, Castle Hill, and Lake Macquarie, where vehicles, electronics, and clothing relevant to the case were seized. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks described the case as “somebody’s worst nightmare” and emphasized the commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

Legal Representation and Initial Court Appearances

During the court appearance, Andrews was seen wearing the same white Gucci T-shirt he was wearing in footage released by police following his arrest. He confirmed he could see and hear the proceedings. Stevens requested antiviral medication for shingles while in custody, stating the condition was no longer contagious.

Notably, Andrews is being represented by Paul McGirr, a seasoned criminal lawyer and former police officer. McGirr acknowledged the disturbing nature of the allegations but stated his client was “not the mastermind” of the incident. This suggests a potential defense strategy focused on limiting Andrews’ responsibility within the alleged conspiracy.

Mistaken Identity and Potential Links to Other Criminals

The case took a complex turn with the revelation that police believe Baghsarian was abducted in a case of mistaken identity. Authorities suspect the intended target was a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, a Sydney businessman. Sources indicate the kidnappers believed they were abducting Karo Stepanyan.

This detail raises questions about the planning and execution of the kidnapping, suggesting a lack of thorough reconnaissance or a reliance on faulty information. It also points to a potential connection between the kidnapping and other criminal elements, as the alleged perpetrators were attempting to extract phone numbers of known criminals. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the alleged kidnappers even attempted to cover their tracks by speaking Pig Latin.

What Happens Next?

The legal process is now underway, with Andrews and Stevens scheduled to return to court on April 17. The prosecution will likely present evidence gathered during the investigation, including forensic findings, witness testimonies, and potentially intercepted communications. The defense will have the opportunity to challenge this evidence and present their own case.

The search for the third alleged offender continues, and police are appealing for any information that may lead to their arrest. The investigation is also focused on uncovering the full extent of the criminal network involved and identifying any individuals who may have orchestrated the kidnapping. The case is expected to draw significant public attention and will likely be closely followed by the media as it progresses through the courts.

Background: Kidnapping and Murder in New South Wales

Kidnapping and murder carry severe penalties in New South Wales, Australia. Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), kidnapping carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 10 years, while murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The specific sentence imposed will depend on the circumstances of the crime, including the level of planning involved, the degree of violence used, and the offender’s criminal history. You can find more information about sentencing guidelines in New South Wales here.

The case of Chris Baghsarian highlights the devastating consequences of violent crime and the importance of thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice. It also underscores the vulnerability of innocent individuals who may become victims of mistaken identity or targeted by criminal networks. The ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the full truth of what happened and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.