A car forensically linked to missing grandfather Chris Baghsarian was seen a day after his kidnapping near where his suspected remains were found this morning, police say.
The human remains were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town in the city’s north-west about 8am today during the search for the 85-year-old.
Police are awaiting testing to positively identify the the remains as Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his home in North Ryde about 5am on Friday, February 13.
A grey Toyota Corolla forensically linked to an abandoned stronghold in Dural was spotted in Pitt Town about 9pm on February 14, police said.
The car, which had cloned plates but is believed to have been stolen from Victoria, was found burnt out on Good Street in Westmead on February 16.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Mark said information regarding the investigation led police to the golf course.
“We’ve traced that vehicle that we suspect was involved and that can forensically link the vehicle to Mr Baghsarian, and to the stronghold that we have spoken about in Dural,” Marks said.
“Putting that together is why we believe it’s Mr Baghsarian.”
An autopsy will be conducted.
An autopsy will be conducted.
Baghsarian’s family are “deeply upset” by today’s discovery and have asked for privacy.
Police will now focus efforts on identifying the offenders.
“The efforts that have gone in, and the response that has come from the public, we’re all outraged that this has happened to an innocent man,” Marks said.
“I am proud of the police and the efforts. Police have been working 24 hours a day since Friday the 13th.”
Marks said he is confident investigators will use every resource available to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Today’s search for Baghsarian
9News understands the remains were wrapped up in what appeared to be a carpet or towel.
Police searched dense bushland near Glenorie, about 15 minutes further east, yesterday.
Shortly before 9am today, a number of police vehicles left that search base to travel to a patch of overgrown grassland near Pitt Town Bottoms Road.
Once they arrived at the location, a blue tent – signifying the location of the remains – was raised in minutes.
The overgrown piece of land is located in semi-rural surroundings, with businesses including turf farms nearby.
Police on the scene this morning included tactical, general duties, and forensics officers as well as investigators.
The area has been carefully combed, with officers conducting line searches around where the remains were found.
The update came days after police confirmed they had found a burnt-out car in Sydney’s west that has been linked to Baghsarian’s abduction.
The car, a grey 2022 Toyota Corolla with cloned plates, was found in Westmead and linked to a crime scene police had established in Dural in Sydney’s far north-west.
Police believe those who kidnapped Baghsarian may have taken the grandfather to the property after the abduction.
During a raid, officers seized evidence, including disturbing images of the missing grandfather with his alleged kidnappers.
Videos of Baghsarian have also been sent to police.
The Corolla, which had been spotted near the Dural property, was dumped and burned last Monday after 11.30pm, police said.
It had cloned plates of DVT007, and the Victorian registration 1UZ2BU.
Police have said the person they believe to have been the intended target of the kidnapping is safe and in no immediate danger.
The investigation continues, and anybody who has spotted any suspicious activity around Dural, or who has information or footage showing the car in question, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
