By Blessing Nweke
Police in Sydney have charged a fourth man over the alleged kidnap and murder of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian, in a case authorities believe may have been a case of mistaken identity.
The latest suspect, a 19-year-old man, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder and detaining a person in company with intent to ransom causing actual bodily harm. He was refused bail and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
The charges come two months after Baghsarian, a widower, was abducted from his home in North Ryde during a pre-dawn raid on 13 February. Surveillance footage captured several individuals forcing the elderly man into a vehicle before fleeing. His body was discovered approximately two weeks later near a golf course in north-west Sydney.
Three other men, all in their 20s, have already been charged with similar offences, and investigators say additional arrests are likely. Earlier statements from police suggested as many as nine people may have been involved in the crime.
Authorities and family members maintain that Baghsarian had no links to criminal activity. Local media reports indicate the perpetrators may have intended to target another household nearby believed to have connections to organised crime.
In the days following the abduction, disturbing images and videos allegedly showing Baghsarian injured circulated within criminal networks. Police issued urgent appeals for his safe return, noting his fragile health and need for daily medication.
Describing him as “deeply loved” and “gentle,” Baghsarian’s family said he was a man “who would never hurt a fly.” Investigations into the case remain ongoing.
Original article
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