Human Remains Found on Golf Course in Search for Grandfather, 85, Who Was Kidnapped by Mistake

In a deeply unfortunate turn of events, human remains were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town, northwest Sydney, on 24 February, leading authorities to suspect they may belong to an elderly man who was kidnapped earlier this month. Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old widower, was taken from his residence in North Ryde on 13 February, and is now feared dead following this tragic revelation.

The remains, found around 8 a.m. local time, have prompted an autopsy to confirm their identity. Reports indicate the remains were wrapped in material resembling a carpet or towel, although further details regarding their condition have yet to be disclosed. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks expressed a belief that the remains likely belong to Mr Baghsarian and noted that a formal identification process will be undertaken, along with a forensic examination.

The discovery of the remains has left Baghsarian’s family profoundly distressed, and they have requested privacy during this harrowing time. Premier Chris Minns of New South Wales shared his condolences, stating, “This is an incredibly tragic development… our thoughts are with the friends and family of Mr Baghsarian at this heartbreaking time,” highlighting that such brutality has no place in the community.

In addition to the remains, police are investigating tyre tracks found near the scene, considering a car that had been set ablaze in the adjacent town of Wilberforce as potentially connected to the case. This vehicle, a grey Toyota Corolla, had been seen in Pitt Town two days after Baghsarian’s kidnapping and was discovered with cloned number plates after it was torched on 16 February. The Corolla had also been reportedly stolen from the southeastern state of Victoria, and items found within it matched evidence from an abandoned property in Dural.

Authorities suspect that Baghsarian may have been wrongly abducted while his kidnappers were actually targeting a family member of Dimitri Stepanyan, a 37-year-old convicted armed robber. It has been confirmed that the intended target is currently safe and out of harm’s way. The circumstances surrounding Baghsarian’s kidnapping have been described as surreal by his family, who have expressed profound anguish over the situation they find themselves in.

In a statement released on 17 February, Baghsarian’s family described him as a devoted father, grandfather, and uncle, emphasising his gentle nature and kind disposition. “Chris is deeply loved and the kindest person we know — someone who would never hurt a fly,” they remarked, highlighting the gravity of their distress during this trying period.

Emerging reports suggest that disturbing footage circulating in Sydney’s criminal underworld may show Baghsarian injured at the property linked to his abduction, evidenced by him wearing the same clothes at the time of his kidnapping. Detective Marks mentioned that investigations are ongoing to link the vehicle suspected in the crime to Baghsarian’s case.

As the investigation unfolds, police have reiterated their commitment to apprehending those responsible for this appalling crime. “Police will not stop until they capture those responsible and bring them before the courts,” stated Premier Minns, underscoring the need for justice in this heartbreaking situation.

With formal identification of the remains pending, the community remains alert, while the search for answers continues for the family and authorities involved in the case.