Tragic Discovery in Botched Kidnapping Case: Human Remains Believed to Be Those of Chris Baghsarian Found Near Pitt Town Golf Course

By Grok News Desk Sydney, February 24, 2026 – In a devastating update to one of Sydney’s most shocking recent cases, New South Wales Police have located human remains they strongly suspect belong to 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian. The elderly man was abducted from his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13 in what investigators have repeatedly described as a case of mistaken identity.

The grim find occurred around 8am on Tuesday near Lynwood Golf Course in Pitt Town, on Sydney’s north-western outskirts—roughly 46km from Baghsarian’s Blamey Street residence. The area, a semi-rural expanse of bushland and dirt tracks, was quickly secured as a crime scene following the discovery.

Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, confirmed police suspicions while stressing the need for formal identification. “We suspect those remains to be Mr Baghsarian,” Marks said. “There will be a formal process to try and identify the remains, including forensic examination. And we’ll attempt to identify Mr Baghsarian, if it is in fact him, as soon as possible.”

1news.co.nz

Human remains found in search for kidnapped Sydney grandad

Chris Baghsarian, the 85-year-old widower and grandfather whose gentle demeanor endeared him to neighbors in North Ryde.

Marks outlined the dual focus of the investigation from the outset: “I want to be clear from the outset that we had two trails in this investigation. One was to locate Mr Baghsarian and the second was to identify those responsible.” He declined to provide further details on investigative progress, noting, “At this stage, I’m not able to comment in relation to the investigation… It is still an active investigation and we have police working around the clock.”

The abduction unfolded just after 5am on February 13 when up to three masked intruders forced entry into Baghsarian’s home and bundled the vulnerable pensioner into a vehicle. CCTV footage released by police showed the chilling moment the elderly man was taken, sparking immediate public alarm and a widespread search.

Early inquiries revealed the kidnapping was not targeted at Baghsarian himself. Authorities believe the assailants mistook him for someone connected to organized crime figures, possibly linked to rival groups in Sydney’s underworld. A burnt-out Toyota Corolla containing evidence tied to the case was later discovered, along with other leads pointing toward the Pitt Town area. Police suggest Baghsarian’s body may have been dumped within 40 hours of the abduction.

thenightly.com.au

Chris Baghsarian: Police reveal clues that led to discovery of body during search for kidnapped grandfather | The Nightly

Chris Baghsarian pictured alongside aerial views of the police search operation in the Pitt Town area, where officers combed bushland near the golf course.

The discovery has transformed the case into a full homicide inquiry under Strike Force Chobat (or similar designation in earlier reports). No arrests have been announced, but detectives from the Robbery & Serious Crime Squad continue intensive efforts to track the perpetrators.

Community reaction has been one of profound shock and outrage. Neighbors in the quiet North Ryde suburb described Baghsarian as a kind, unassuming widower who enjoyed simple pleasures like gardening and family time. “He was just an innocent old man living his life,” one local said. NSW Premier Chris Minns labeled the events “incredibly tragic,” echoing widespread sentiment that such violence has no place in everyday Australian communities.

abc.net.au

Police set up crime scene in Dural as hunt for mistakenly kidnapped man Chris Baghsarian continues – ABC News

Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks addressing the media during the press conference, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the probe.

Forensic teams remain at the scene, meticulously examining the remains and surrounding area. The condition of the body has delayed immediate positive identification, but police are prioritizing swift processing to bring closure to the family.

Baghsarian’s relatives, supported by police liaison officers, have asked for privacy as they process the news. Tributes have poured in online and locally, with many calling for justice against those who targeted the wrong person and ended an innocent life.

As the investigation presses forward, authorities urge anyone with information—particularly regarding suspicious activity in Pitt Town or sightings related to the abduction—to contact Crime Stoppers or NSW Police. The case serves as a stark warning of how organized crime can devastate ordinary lives through catastrophic errors.v