Human Remains Discovered Near Pitt Town in Kidnapping Case
New South Wales detectives have reported the discovery of human remains near a golf club in Pitt Town at approximately 8am on Tuesday. The remains are believed to be linked to the case of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old man who was abducted from his North Ryde home.
Baghsarian, a widowed grandfather, was taken just after 5am on Friday, 13 February. Investigations have revealed that he was not the intended target, and that his kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity.
Police have been conducting extensive searches since the abduction, including locating a burnt-out vehicle in Westmead and searching bushland in Glenorie.
Details of the Vehicle and Movements
The vehicle involved in the crime, a grey Toyota Corolla, was observed in Glenorie on the night of Saturday, 14 February, and later in Pitt Town at 9:05pm. Acting Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks stated,
“The grey Toyota was in that vicinity at 9.05pm on Saturday … two weekends ago. It’s very close to the Lynwood golf course. We’d ask that anybody in that area, around that time, who may have seen that car or anybody acting suspiciously in that area, contact police.”
“We’re all outraged this could happen to an innocent man.”
The Toyota Corolla was set on fire in Westmead late on Monday, 16 February. Authorities have urged the public to provide any footage or information regarding the vehicle.
Investigation and Evidence
On Monday, Marks revealed that evidence found inside the burnt vehicle was linked to a property in Dural, where it is believed Baghsarian was held captive. Police conducted a raid on the Dural property on Thursday evening, describing it as a "makeshift stronghold by the kidnappers."
Family Response and Context
Baghsarian’s family has expressed their distress over the incident, describing the abduction as surreal. In a statement released last Tuesday, they said,
“Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible. We are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us.”
Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation suggest that the intended target may have been a relative of an individual associated with a prominent Sydney crime family.
Ongoing Investigation
When asked about the perpetrators, Marks declined to provide further details but expressed confidence in the investigative team, stating,
“I am confident in the ability of the investigators. If there’s evidence available to identify those who are responsible … we will identify them and bring them before the courts.”
