The ‘sweetest’ man: A beloved Sydney grandfather’s gentle life and harrowing end
Sydney Morning Herald
by Amber SchultzFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An 85-year-old Sydney grandfather, described as a gentle and kind man, was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in a suspected case of mistaken identity. Chris Baghsarian, who had no links to organized crime, was taken from his home on February 13, and his remains were found 11 days later. The incident has deeply shocked the Armenian community and broader society, highlighting how gangland violence is increasingly affecting innocent individuals in suburban areas.
Born in 1941 in Jerusalem’s Armenian quarter, Baghsarian grew up with childhood friend Michael Aprahamian during a time of conflict. Both survived the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and later settled in Sydney as part of a tight-knit Armenian community. Baghsarian became an active member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a nonprofit organization focused on education and culture. Known for his passion for photography and warmth, he was cherished by neighbors, often hosting family and visitors at his home.
Baghsarian’s tragic death has left his family and friends devastated. His wife passed away before him, leaving him to live alone but surrounded by frequent visits from children and grandchildren. Detectives believe the kidnappers were targeting Karo Stepanyan, a 67-year-old living nearby, mistakenly taking Baghsarian instead. Police have arrested two men, aged 29 and 24, in connection with the case.
The incident has sparked fear within the Armenian community, many of whom feel vulnerable to the escalating violence between gangs in Sydney’s suburbs. Baghsarian’s family described the situation as a “nightmare,” emphasizing that their loved one was an innocent man who would never
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026