Australia Police Arrest Two Over Alleged Murder of Grandfather

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Australian police have arrested two men in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of an 85‑year‑old grandfather in a suspected case of mistaken identity, authorities confirmed following the discovery of human remains believed to be those of the victim near Sydney’s north‑west. The arrests come as investigators continue piecing together a complex and violent case that has shocked the community and underscored the ruthless nature of organised crime targeting.

Officers from the New South Wales Police Force’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad executed search warrants on Wednesday morning in the northwest Sydney suburbs of Kenthurst and Castle Hill, taking a 29‑year‑old man and a 24‑year‑old man into custody for questioning. Both suspects were driven to Riverstone Police Station to assist detectives as inquiries intensify into the alleged abduction and subsequent death of Chris Baghsarian, who went missing from his North Ryde home on 13 February.

Baghsarian was forcefully taken from his residence in the early hours of the morning by at least three intruders, according to police, who believe the kidnappers were seeking to abduct a relative of a well‑known figure linked to organised crime. Investigators have emphasised that Baghsarian and his family had no known connections to criminal networks, and authorities suspect he was mistakenly targeted.

The search for the missing grandfather turned grim on Tuesday, when forensic teams located human remains near a golf course in nearby Pitt Town, northwest of Sydney’s central business district, that are believed to be those of Baghsarian. Police stressed that formal forensic identification is necessary but expressed confidence that the remains belonged to the 85‑year‑old.

Earlier in the investigation, police had identified key physical evidence linking Baghsarian’s disappearance to a burnt‑out vehicle — a stolen grey Toyota Corolla found in Westmead days after the abduction — and to a derelict property in Dural where he is believed to have been held. Surveillance footage and forensic traces helped establish movements of the vehicle and potential detention locations, contributing to the broader case file.

Authorities have condemned the reckless nature of the kidnapping, which they said showed “a total disregard for the life of an innocent man.” Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said police would exhaust all available resources to identify and apprehend those responsible, and vowed to bring them before the courts.

Baghsarian’s family, deeply devastated by the loss, issued statements urging privacy as the investigation proceeds. Community reaction has been one of shock and sorrow, with residents highlighting the rare and brutal nature of the crime in typically peaceful neighbourhoods. Investigators continue to pursue further lines of inquiry and have appealed to the public for any additional information that may assist the case.

Read More At>>