Sydney Kidnapping Case Takes Dramatic Turn as Lawyer Claims Client 'No Mastermind'
In a shocking development in the Sydney kidnapping and murder case, the lawyer representing one of the accused men has publicly stated that his client appears to be 'no mastermind' in the alleged crime that resulted in the death of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian. The statement came during court proceedings where both defendants were formally charged and denied bail.
Charges and Court Appearance
Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, faced Blacktown Local Court via video link on Thursday morning, charged with murder and taking or detaining in company with intent to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm. According to police statements, the men were arrested at addresses in Kenthurst and Castle Hill respectively, where they had been living with family members.
Neither defendant applied for bail during the hearing, and both cases were adjourned until April 17. The arrests came twelve days after Baghsarian disappeared from his North Ryde home and one day after police discovered his body near a golf club in Pitt Town, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Sydney's central business district.
Legal Representation and Statements
Paul McGirr, lawyer for Gerard Andrews, told reporters outside the court that his client had not orchestrated the kidnapping and murder of the grandfather and widower. 'Certainly, from what I can gather, my client was no mastermind in respect to his involvement in this particular matter,' McGirr stated. 'We'll wait for a brief and we'll take it from there.'
McGirr acknowledged the sensitive nature of the case for the victim's family but emphasized his professional responsibilities. 'I have a job to do, and it's very hard in this particular moment in time for me to do that job having read the fact sheet,' he explained, noting that the investigation remains ongoing and he expects to receive a brief of evidence within eight weeks.
Police Investigation and Allegations
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks, speaking to media on Wednesday afternoon, revealed that police believe the men were part of a 'joint criminal enterprise' with others to kidnap Baghsarian. He confirmed that the 85-year-old was taken in a case of mistaken identity, with the intended target apparently selected for a ransom demand reportedly set at $50 million.
'I suspect the intended target was going to be kidnapped, where a ransom was going to be asked for,' Marks stated. 'We know that there are others involved.' Police executed a further search warrant at a property in Lake Macquarie, where it's believed one of the alleged kidnappers traveled after the offense.
Medical Concerns and Additional Details
During the court proceedings, Stevens' lawyer Javid Faiz requested that his client receive medication and medical attention for an ongoing shingles infection causing discomfort. Stevens told the court via video link that he was no longer contagious but hadn't showered in 24 hours, requesting antiviral medication.
Speaking to media outside court, Faiz described Baghsarian's death as a 'tragic incident' but declined further comment while the matter remains before the court. 'I have spoken to [Stevens],' Faiz said. 'He understands the seriousness of the matter and is taking the matter seriously.'
Ongoing Investigation
Police emphasized that their work continues, with Marks stating on Wednesday that 'our work is not done' as the search continues for other individuals potentially involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder. Both men were previously known to police for what authorities described as 'insignificant matters' prior to these serious charges.
The case has drawn significant attention across Sydney and beyond, highlighting concerns about violent crime targeting elderly residents and the complexities of mistaken identity cases in criminal investigations.
