Deklin Donnelly, 23, was arrested on 25 March 2026 and charged as a "major player" in the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was taken from his North Ryde home on 13 February in a case of mistaken identity. Baghsarian's remains were found on 24 February near a Pitt Town golf club. Donnelly faces murder, firearms and drug charges, has been refused bail, and is due in Blacktown Local Court on 26 March. Police say up to nine people may have been involved and seized firearms, ammunition and a significant amount of prohibited drugs during searches.
Sydney Man Arrested as 'Major Player' in Gang Behind Mistaken Kidnapping and Murder of 85-Year-Old
Chris Baghsarian; a man was arrested on March 25, 2026Credit: NSW Police Force (2)
New South Wales detectives have arrested 23-year-old Deklin Donnelly, whom investigators describe as a "major player" in the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian. Police say Baghsarian was taken from his North Ryde home in a case of mistaken identity and was found dead 10 days later.
Chris BaghsarianCredit: NSW Police Force/Facebook
On 25 March 2026, members of the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit, executed a search warrant in Seven Hills and arrested Donnelly. He was taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with murder, detaining a person in company with intent to ransom causing actual bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, acquiring a firearm part without authority, and multiple drug offences. Donnelly has been refused bail and is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court on 26 March.
Police make an arrest on March 25, 2026Credit: NSW Police Force
Timeline and Investigation
Police say Baghsarian was taken from his North Ryde home just after 5 a.m. on 13 February 2026. His remains were recovered on 24 February near a golf club in Pitt Town, northwest of Sydney. Early inquiries established that Baghsarian was not the intended target; investigators believe the kidnappers had been targeting the father of convicted armed robber Dimitri Stepanyan, who lives on the same street.
Police also made two arrests on Feb. 25, 2026Credit: Handout / NSW POLICE FORCE / AFP via Getty
Evidence and Suspects
While executing the search warrant, detectives seized firearms, ammunition and what they described as "a significant amount of prohibited drugs." Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said investigators will allege in court that Donnelly facilitated and recruited others for the abduction, arranged the detention and disposal of Baghsarian's body, and helped organize the original plot targeting another person.
"We will allege that he facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian. We will also allege that he arranged for people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian's body. What we will allege is that he is not the highest but he is a major player in this matter."
Detectives believe up to nine people may have been involved. Two other men — later reported by local media as Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24 — were arrested on 25 February in connection with the case.
Impact and Next Steps
Police previously released footage related to the investigation and said the victim's family is devastated. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice and continue to appeal for information from the public as the investigation proceeds.
Sources: NSW Police Force statements; reporting by PEOPLE, The Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC.
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