The alleged ringleader arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian has been named, as police reveal new details about firearms, drugs and a key suspect’s alleged role in the crime.
Delkin Jake Donnelly, 23, is one of two people taken into custody by heavily-armed tactical police at a Seven Hills home on Wednesday morning.
In footage released by NSW Police, Mr Donnelly — clad in nothing but his underwear — is seen being led down the stairs of a property before he is seated on the footpath.
Later, police escort him to a cell at Riverstone Police Station.
He is due to face Blacktown Local Court on Thursday, according to NSW court records.
Mr Baghsarian, 85, was allegedly kidnapped from his North Ryde home just after 5am on February 13 in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity.
His remains were found near a golf club in Pitt Town 11 days later.
On Wednesday morning, tactical officers executed a search warrant at a Seven Hills home, where Mr Donnelly and a 23-year-old woman were arrested and taken to Riverstone and Blacktown police stations.
During the search, police seized firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, prohibited weapons, a significant quantity of prohibited drugs as well as mobile phones and electronic devices.
Mr Donnelly has since been charged with murder, take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, possess unauthorised firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, acquire firearm part without authority to do so.
He is also facing three counts of supply prohibited drug (less than indictable and commercial quantity), possess prohibited drug, and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
The woman has been charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic).
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said investigators would allege the man “facilitated and recruited others” to assist in Mr Baghsarian’s kidnapping and detention.
“We’ll also allege that he arranged people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian’s body,” Inspector Marks said.
Police will further allege the man was physically involved in the kidnapping and detention, was present at the North Ryde address during the abduction, and transported Mr Baghsarian to the Dural property where he was held.
He is also alleged to have been captured in CCTV released last week showing three men near what police have described as a “stronghold” in Dural, northwest of Sydney.
“We will allege he is depicted as the male holding the mobile phone with the torch on,” Mr Marks said in reference to the footage.
Investigators also allege the man was seen travelling in a blue Hyundai connected to the case. That vehicle has since been identified and was found burnt out at Glenbrook railway station on February 26, days after it was seen near the Dural property.
“We believe up to nine people were involved in this,” Inspector Marks said.
“We will continue the investigation to identify those that were involved, no matter what part they played.”
Two men have already been charged over Mr Baghsarian’s death.
Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, were arrested in Sydney last month and charged with murder and kidnapping with intent to ransom or cause grievous bodily harm.
Inspector Marks also confirmed investigators were still working to establish whether money was exchanged in relation to the alleged kidnapping, including any ransom arrangements.
Police said the group’s activities spanned multiple locations, including Mr Baghsarian’s North Ryde home, the Dural property where he was allegedly held, and the area where his body was ultimately found.
Mr Baghsarian was mourned by family and friends on the Armenian Lawn at Macquarie Park Cemetery in North Ryde, where he was laid to rest on March 16.
His cousin Arthur Hagopian told The Daily Telegraph that his family was “absolutely devastated”.
“He was an upbeat, kind and gentle soul who lived for his family and his grandchildren,” Mr Hagopian said.
“He should never have gone the way he did.”
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