The 85-year-old Sydney grandfather allegedly kidnapped and murdered in a horrific case of mistaken identity was brutally tortured and had one of his fingers cut off, it will be alleged in court.
Two men – Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24 – have been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of the grandfather, whose identity was mistaken for someone else.
The pensioner was allegedly dragged from his bed in North Ryde, Sydney, in the early hours of February 13.
His body was allegedly disposed of near a golf club in Pitt Town in the city’s outer north-western suburbs.
On Wednesday, detectives executed three search warrants in Kenthurst, Castle Hill, and Lake Macquarie at about 6.30am. Picture: NSW Police
The intended targets of the bungled kidnapping were believed to be relatives of Dimitri Stepanyan, a one-time criminal who has since become a successful businessman.
Police allege Mr Baghsarian had his finger cut off with a handsaw, before the weapon was discovered by detectives in a partially burnt-out Toyota Corolla in Westmead in Sydney’s west.
Court documents reveal the grandfather was taken to a Dural property where he was subjected to a “prolonged period of extreme violence”, according to news.com.au.
It is unclear if the finger was removed before or after Mr Baghsarian’s death.
The men were taken to Riverstone Police Station, where they were charged with murder and take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm. Picture: NSW Police
The captors allegedly demanded a $50 million ransom from the Stepanyan family, with the intended target telling the suspected kidnappers they had “plugged the wrong bloke” after they sent him photos and videos.
Detectives allege that in the hours after the kidnapping, Stevens went to Bunnings before making a stop at McDonald’s in Dural for a meal.
Police executed three search warrants in Kenthurst, Castle Hill and Lake Macquarie about 6.30am on Wednesday, following a breakthrough in the investigation.
During the raids, police seized vehicles, electronics, and clothing relevant to the case.
Police arrested Mr Andrews at the Kenthurst address and Mr Stevens in Castle Hill.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said police would allege the men were part of a “joint criminal enterprise” and would continue to hunt for more suspects.
“We allege in court that these men participated in a joint criminal enterprise with other persons to kidnap Mr Baghsarian and ultimately where he was held hostage and where he came to his death,” he said.
“We have identified two people that were involved, but we know that there were others involved.”
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