Family of grandfather killed in alleged mistaken identity kidnap gives update

The family of an 85-year-old grandfather who died after he was allegedly kidnapped and tortured in a case of mistaken identity has released details of public condolences.

Two men allegedly snatched Chris Baghsarian, a widower from North Ryde in Sydney’s northwest, from his home at 5am on February 13, mistakenly believing they had captured Karo Stepanyan, the father of convicted armed robber Dimitri, who lived on the same street.

The Stepanyan family is not accused of any involvement in Mr Baghsarian’s kidnapping.

Mr Baghsarian was then allegedly forced into an SUV and taken to the kidnappers’ stronghold, where police say he was subjected to prolonged and extreme violence, including having a finger removed with a handsaw.

It is believed Mr Baghsarian died within 48 hours of being kidnapped. It is unclear if his finger was removed before or after his death.

The Baghsarian family announced via EM Funerals’ Facebook page they would be accepting public condolences on Thursday.

“The Baghsarian Family will accept condolences at the Edgarian Hall of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection … from 6:00pm-8:00pm,” EM funerals posted on Facebook.

“Funeral details will be announced in due course.”

However the post was later taken down, with EM Funerals saying the event would no longer take place due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

“The Baghsarian family wishes to convey their heartfelt gratitude to the many members of the community for their expressions of condolence and words of comfort following the passing of Chris Baghsarian,” they said.

Mr Baghsarian’s death has fuelled an outpouring of support from community members, who have been left shaken by the gruelling allegations surrounding his death.

“I personally don’t feel there are enough words or ways to express condolences to Chris’s family over his senseless death,” one Facebook commenter said.

“Rest easy Chris Baghsarian, may you find your love ones in the far beyond, you will not be forgotten,” another commenter posted.

Mr Baghsarian’s body was discovered on February 24, dumped in a Pitt Town paddock northwest of Sydney beneath layers of carpet.

Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, have been arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping, while police hunt a third perpetrator.

Mr Baghsarian’s captors allegedly hatched the kidnapping scheme for a $50m ransom from the Stepanyan family.

Police allege the handsaw used to remove Mr Baghsarian’s finger was found in a partially burnt-out and bloodstained Toyota Corolla in Westmead that the accused men allegedly unsuccessfully attempted to destroy.