Forensic Evidence in Burnt-Out Car Linked to Kidnapped Sydney Grandfather
Police in New South Wales have uncovered forensic evidence that connects 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his home in North Ryde, to a burnt-out Toyota Corolla and an abandoned property in Dural. This discovery comes 11 days after Baghsarian was abducted in a suspected case of mistaken identity, with authorities intensifying their search efforts in surrounding bushland.
Details of the Investigation and Evidence
Acting Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks announced on Monday that items found inside the grey Toyota Corolla, which was discovered burnt out in Westmead last Tuesday, have been forensically linked to both Baghsarian and the derelict Dural property. Marks stated, "That vehicle was not burnt out totally, and we were able to establish some forensic links from items inside that car that we can link back to the property in Dural and also to Mr Baghsarian." He declined to specify the exact nature of the evidence but emphasized its significance in the ongoing investigation.
The car, reported stolen from Victoria on February 13, was sighted in Glenorie on February 14, the day after the kidnapping. Police are urging the public to come forward with any footage, including dashcam recordings, of the vehicle in areas such as Good Street, Westmead, or any suspicious activity related to it. The vehicle bore cloned number plates with the registration DVT 077.
Challenges and Family Impact
Marks described this case as unusual, noting, "This case is not our normal kind of investigation in relation to a kidnapping and a hostage. I suspect that those that are involved were planning to burn that vehicle and everything inside it." He expressed growing concerns about Baghsarian's fate, stating, "Every day, as I said last time, the concerns grow," though police remain committed to locating him.
Baghsarian's family, speaking publicly for the first time last week, released a statement via police, describing the ordeal as "a nightmare we never thought possible." The investigation has been complicated by Baghsarian's lack of criminal connections and the absence of ransom demands, leading authorities to appeal directly to the kidnappers for his safe return.
Police have expanded their search operations, utilizing significant resources to comb through bushland areas. Despite earlier hopes based on videos showing Baghsarian restrained, authorities now acknowledge that finding him alive is increasingly uncertain, but they continue to pursue all leads diligently.
