Human Remains Discovered in Pitt Town Search for Kidnapped Sydney Man
The search for kidnapped Sydney man Chris Baghsarian came to a tragic conclusion on Tuesday morning in Pitt Town, where police discovered human remains. The 85-year-old had been mistakenly abducted from his North Ryde home eleven days earlier, with investigators linking the crime to a well-known Sydney crime family.
A Quiet Community Shattered by Crime
Pitt Town, a historical village on Sydney's outskirts known for its close-knit community and easygoing atmosphere, became the center of a major crime investigation this week. What locals describe as a typically quiet farming area off Pitt Town Bottoms Road transformed into an active crime scene as detectives swarmed the location.
"We're usually dealing with floods, not anything like this," said one local business owner who requested anonymity. "The worst crimes I've seen are the occasional robberies. It's definitely the topic of conversation today and will be something everyone will talk about for a while to come."
Another local farmer who passes the crime scene multiple times daily expressed similar shock. "Nothing like this ever happens here," he said from atop his tractor. "Maybe that's why the perpetrators chose it, because of how quiet it is. We really feel for the family and the victim."
Timeline of a Tragic Kidnapping
Baghsarian was alone in his North Ryde home wearing a flannelette shirt and grey pants when he was taken in the early hours of February 13th. He was bundled into a dark-colored SUV by men who reportedly intended to target a relative of someone linked to a prominent Sydney crime family.
Police revealed that forensic evidence linked to Baghsarian was found in a burned-out grey Toyota Corolla that was torched in Westmead on February 16th. The same car contained evidence connected to an abandoned property in Dural where investigators believe Baghsarian was briefly held.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks provided crucial timeline details: "The car was seen in Glenorie, just north of Dural, on the evening of February 14th – the day after Baghsarian was kidnapped. Shortly afterwards, it was driven to Pitt Town Bottoms Road, where the 85-year-old's body was found this week."
Family's Nightmare Continues
Baghsarian's family released a statement expressing their devastation: "We have been living through a nightmare we never thought possible. Chris is a devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He is deeply loved, gentle, and the kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly."
Marks confirmed that Baghsarian's family hadn't received any ransom demand, though media reports suggest the intended target's family was asked for $50 million. The detective pleaded with media outlets not to circulate harrowing video footage showing Baghsarian tied up and injured at the Dural property, asking for consideration of the family's privacy during this difficult time.
Community Response and Investigation Progress
At the strip of shops in Pitt Town, businesses displayed neighborhood watch signs urging residents to report suspicious activity. Local Ellen, shopping in the area, noted the unusual police presence in a community that typically enjoys a "real village sort of atmosphere."
Police have accessed security camera footage from properties near the crime scene as part of their investigation. Marks emphasized the department's commitment: "We will endeavour and use every resource that we have to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts. We're all outraged this could happen to an innocent man."
The discovery of human remains marks a tragic turning point in a case that has shocked both Sydney's underworld and the peaceful community of Pitt Town. As investigators continue their hunt for the perpetrators, the farming community grapples with the reality that their quiet corner of Sydney has become the site of a major criminal investigation.
