Detectives investigating the tragic kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian have released new CCTV images as part of their ongoing inquiries. The footage depicts a man carrying a sledgehammer inside a hardware store in Leppington, in Sydney's south-west, at approximately 7:30am on 11 February 2026. The individual is captured wearing a fluorescent yellow top and black shorts. Police are seeking to identify this person, noting that he may be able to assist with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
The release of this footage comes as detectives from the New South Wales Police Force's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, operating under Strike Force Chabot, continue to piece together the events leading up to the abduction. The CCTV was recorded less than 48 hours before Mr. Baghsarian was forcibly taken from his North Ryde home in the early hours of 13 February. Investigators have stated their belief that the elderly widower was an innocent victim of a case of mistaken identity and was not the intended target of the kidnapping.
Following the abduction, a major investigation was launched, drawing significant public attention as family and authorities appealed for information regarding Mr. Baghsarian's whereabouts. Tragically, the search concluded on 24 February when human remains, later confirmed to be those of Mr. Baghsarian, were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town, in Sydney's north-west. The discovery marked a devastating turn in the case, which has deeply impacted the local community.
Legal proceedings are currently underway, with four individuals already charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder. These individuals remain before the courts as authorities continue to examine the roles played in the planning and execution of the crime. While these charges have been laid, the allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the investigation remains active as detectives work to establish the full sequence of events.
Police have clarified that the man featured in the newly released CCTV images has not been accused of any offence. Instead, investigators are urging anyone who recognises the man or has information regarding his identity to come forward, as he may possess information relevant to the lead-up to the abduction. Further details may be updated as more information becomes available.
Detectives continue to examine evidence from multiple sites across Sydney's north-west. Members of the public who have information that could assist Strike Force Chabot are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Mr. Baghsarian and his family following this senseless tragedy.
Detectives investigating the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian have released new CCTV images of a man carrying a sledgehammer, hoping the public can help identify him as part of the ongoing investigation.
The images show a man inside a hardware store in Leppington, in Sydney's south-west, at approximately 7:30am on 11 February 2026. He is seen wearing a fluorescent yellow top and black shorts while carrying a sledgehammer. Police believe the individual may be able to assist investigators and are urging anyone who recognises him to come forward.
The CCTV footage was captured less than 48 hours before the alleged abduction of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian from his home in North Ryde. According to police, Baghsarian was taken during what investigators believe was a case of mistaken identity. Authorities have stated that he was not the intended target of the kidnapping.
Police were first alerted to the incident shortly after 5:00am on 13 February when reports emerged that the elderly widower had been forcibly taken from his residence. A major investigation was subsequently launched by detectives attached to the New South Wales Police Force's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Chabot.
For nearly two weeks, family members, friends and police appealed publicly for information about Baghsarian's whereabouts. The case attracted widespread attention across Sydney as concerns grew for his welfare. Tragically, on 24 February, human remains identified as Baghsarian were located near a golf club in Pitt Town, in Sydney's north-west.
The investigation has already resulted in multiple arrests. Four individuals have been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder and remain before the courts. Authorities allege the group played various roles in the planning and execution of the crime, though legal proceedings are ongoing and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
Detectives have previously released other CCTV footage showing unidentified individuals and vehicles believed to be linked to locations associated with the alleged kidnapping. Police continue to examine evidence from several sites across Sydney's north-west as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.
Investigators believe public assistance remains crucial to the inquiry. The newly released images of the man carrying the sledgehammer form part of efforts to identify anyone who may have information relevant to events leading up to the alleged abduction. Police have not accused the man of any offence but say he may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognises the individual or has information about his identity to contact Crime Stoppers. As the investigation continues, detectives remain focused on piecing together the events that led to the death of a grandfather whose family says was an innocent victim of a devastating case of mistaken identity.
