Police Arrest Two More Individuals in Sydney Grandfather Chris Baghsarian Murder: Trend Summary

TL;DR

• Two additional suspects, both aged 23, were taken into custody in Sydney.
• Chris Baghsarian was allegedly kidnapped from his Smithfield home in February.
• Police believe the 85-year-old was targeted in a case of mistaken identity.
• The investigation has now resulted in five total arrests across multiple Sydney suburbs.

What Happened

The investigation began following the disappearance of Chris Baghsarian from his residence on The Horsley Drive in Smithfield on February 12, 2026. Investigators allege that a group of individuals forced their way into the home and abducted the elderly man. A needle in a haystack describes the initial search efforts before detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad eventually located Mr. Baghsarian’s remains in the Royal National Park south of Sydney.

On the morning of March 25, tactical police executed search warrants at properties in Lidcombe and Merrylands. During these raids, police arrested a man and a woman. This follows previous arrests made earlier in the month, including a 24-year-old man and two other individuals previously charged with murder and kidnapping. Police have remained firm that Mr. Baghsarian had no links to criminal activity and was the victim of a tragic logistical error by the perpetrators.

Key Developments

The two 23-year-olds arrested on Wednesday were taken to Auburn Police Station. The man has been charged with murder, kidnapping, and participating in a criminal group, while the woman faces charges related to accessory after the fact to murder and concealing a serious indictable offence. This brings the current count of suspects in custody to five, as strike force detectives continue to piece together the hierarchy of the criminal group involved.

Why This Matters

This case has caused significant public concern due to the nature of the crime—an 85-year-old civilian allegedly targeted by organized crime figures who reportedly went to the wrong house. The ongoing arrests signal a major breakthrough for the Homicide Squad, which is working to dismantle the syndicate responsible for the violence. The outcome of these legal proceedings will set a precedent for how the NSW justice system handles high-stakes cases of mistaken identity resulting in fatality.

What Happens Next

The man and woman arrested in Lidcombe and Merrylands are expected to appear before the Burwood Local Court on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Police have not ruled out further arrests as they continue to investigate the communications and movements of the group in the days leading up to the February abduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Chris Baghsarian?
Chris Baghsarian was an 85-year-old grandfather who lived in Smithfield and had no known ties to criminal organizations. He was allegedly kidnapped from his home on February 12, 2026, and later found deceased.

Why was he targeted by the kidnappers?
NSW Police investigators believe that Baghsarian was the victim of a mistaken identity. It is alleged that the perpetrators intended to target a different person but entered the wrong residence on The Horsley Drive.

How many people have been arrested in the Baghsarian case?
As of March 25, 2026, a total of five people have been arrested and charged in relation to the kidnapping and murder. The two most recent arrests involved a 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.

Where was Chris Baghsarian's body found?
Following an extensive search by the Homicide Squad, the remains of the 85-year-old were located in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, several weeks after his disappearance.

What charges do the new suspects face?
The 23-year-old man faces charges of murder and kidnapping. The 23-year-old woman is charged with being an accessory after the fact and concealing a serious indictable offence.