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Two charged with murder of Australian grandfather after 'mistaken identity' kidnapping

8 articles
2 sources
0% diversity
Updated 25.2.2026
Key Topics & People
Chris Baghsarian *Andrew Marks North Ryde Sydney Dural

Coverage Framing

5
3
Human Interest(5)
Legal & Judicial(3)
Avg Factuality:88%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Feb 25, 2026

1 articles|1 sources
Legal & Judicial(1)

Key Claims

factual

Two men have been charged with the kidnap and murder of Chris Baghsarian.

— NSW Police

factual

Chris Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped from his home on 13 February.

— Police

factual

The two men were refused bail and will appear in court on Thursday.

factual

Early inquiries established that Chris Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping.

— Police

factual

Police believe the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity.

— Police

Feb 24, 2026

3 articles|1 sources
kidnappinghuman remainspolice investigationmurderarrest
Legal & Judicial(2)
The Guardian - World NewsFeb 24

Two men arrested in relation to alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian

Two men have been arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian. Human remains suspected of being those of Baghsarian were found on Tuesday morning near a golf club in Pitt Town, on Sydney's northwest fringe. The arrests were made by New South Wales police, who took two men into custody: one aged 29 from Kenthurst and the other aged 24 from Castle Hill. Both men were taken to Riverstone police station as inquiries continued. As of Wednesday morning, no charges had been laid in connection with Baghsarian's disappearance. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

MeasuredFactual1 source
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsFeb 24

Two men arrested in relation to alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian

Two men have been arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian. Human remains suspected of being those of Baghsarian were found on Tuesday morning near a golf club in Pitt Town, on Sydney's northwest fringe. The arrests were made by New South Wales police, who took two men into custody: one aged 29 from Kenthurst and the other aged 24 from Castle Hill. Both men were taken to Riverstone police station as inquiries continued. As of Wednesday morning, no charges had been laid in connection with Baghsarian's disappearance. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

MeasuredFactual1 source
Negative
Human Interest(1)
The Guardian - World NewsFeb 24

Human remains found in search for kidnapped Sydney man Chris Baghsarian, police say

Police searching for kidnapped 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian have discovered what they believe to be human remains near a golf club in Pitt Town, Sydney. Baghsarian was kidnapped from his North Ryde home on February 13th in a case of mistaken identity. Forensic evidence linked to Baghsarian was previously found in a burnt-out car in Westmead, leading police to search bushland for further clues. The burnt-out car was also linked to a derelict property in Dural, where police believe Baghsarian was held after the kidnapping. Investigations into Baghsarian's disappearance are ongoing.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Two men have been arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian.

— police

factual

A man, 29, was arrested in Kenthurst and a man, 24, was arrested in Castle Hill.

— New South Wales police

factual

They were taken to Riverstone police station as inquiries continued.

— New South Wales police

factual

No charges had been laid as of Wednesday morning.

— null

factual

Two men have been arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian.

— police

Feb 23, 2026

1 articles|1 sources
kidnapmistaken identityburnt-out carforensic evidencepolice investigation
Human Interest(1)
The Guardian - World NewsFeb 23

Chris Baghsarian: evidence linked to Sydney kidnap victim, 85, discovered in burnt-out car as search continues

NSW police have discovered forensic evidence linked to 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped 11 days prior in Sydney, in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. The evidence was found in a burnt-out grey Toyota Corolla located in Westmead last Tuesday. Police are currently searching bushland for further clues related to Baghsarian's abduction. Acting Det Supt Andrew Marks is appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the vehicle. The investigation continues, focusing on the car and an abandoned property in Dural.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Forensic evidence linked to Chris Baghsarian found in a burnt-out car.

— NSW police

factual

Police are searching bushland for further clues.

— null

factual

The burnt-out car was found in Westmead last Tuesday.

— null

quote

Acting Det Supt Andrew Marks urged the public to share any footage of the grey Toyota Corolla.

— Acting Det Supt Andrew Marks

factual

Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped in a suspected case of mistaken identity 11 days prior.

— NSW police

Feb 17, 2026

1 articles|1 sources
kidnappingmistaken identityunderworld figuresransompolice investigation
Human Interest(1)
The Guardian - World NewsFeb 17

Family of 85-year-old Sydney man kidnapped by mistake say they are ‘living through a nightmare’

The family of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian are distraught after he was kidnapped from his North Ryde, Sydney home last Friday. Police believe Baghsarian, who requires daily medication, was abducted by mistake by underworld figures. Authorities state the kidnappers intended to target someone else, and the family has received no ransom demands. Baghsarian's relatives describe him as a gentle and beloved family man and are struggling to cope with the situation. Police are continuing their investigation, expressing confidence that Baghsarian is still alive, while the family has requested privacy during this distressing time.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Chris Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped from his Sydney home last week.

— Article

factual

Police say it was a case of mistaken identity.

— Police

factual

Baghsarian needs daily medication.

— Article

quote

Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible.

— Baghsarian's relatives

factual

Police believed Baghsarian was still alive.

— Det Acting Supt Andrew Marks

Feb 16, 2026

2 articles|2 sources
kidnappingmistaken identitychris baghsariansydneyorganised crime
Human Interest(2)
BBC News - WorldFeb 16

Sydney police plead for return of man, 85, kidnapped by mistake

Sydney police are appealing for the safe return of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his North Ryde home early Friday morning. Authorities believe Baghsarian was taken by mistake, with the intended target being someone else. The kidnappers, at least three individuals, forced Baghsarian into a dark SUV, which was later found burnt out in South Turramurra. Police are concerned as Baghsarian requires daily medication and videos of him severely injured are circulating within Sydney's criminal underworld. No ransom has been demanded, and police are urging anyone with information, especially regarding unusual activity around empty properties, to come forward.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative
The Guardian - World NewsFeb 16

Police continue search for kidnapped Sydney man Chris Baghsarian, 85, who they say was taken by mistake

Police are searching for 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his North Ryde, Sydney home early Friday morning. Investigators believe Baghsarian was mistakenly abducted in a botched underworld kidnapping. Neighbors reported a commotion around 5 am, leading police to discover forced entry at his residence. CCTV footage shows a dark SUV and men in high-visibility clothing involved in the abduction. Police have found a burnt-out vehicle matching the description of the SUV. Baghsarian's family is shocked and concerned, urging his safe return, as he requires daily medication. Police are appealing for his release, emphasizing that he was not the intended target.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Baghsarian was taken from his house by at least three attackers early on Friday morning.

— null

factual

A burnt out vehicle matching the description of the getaway car was found in South Turramurra.

— null

factual

Chris Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home on Friday morning.

— Article

factual

Baghsarian needs daily medication.

— Police

factual

A burnt-out vehicle matching the description of the SUV involved had been found nearby.

— Police