Detectives fear the mystery figure behind the alleged botched kidnapping that left an innocent grandfather dead has escaped overseas. The court heard that police had obtained video evidence of a man demanding Stepanyan's phone number from Mr Baghsarian. On Friday, sources close to the investigation told The Sydney Morning Herald the 'mastermind' behind the plot may have already fled overseas. Charges laidStevens and Andrews were charged with one count each of murder and taking/detaining Chris Baghsarian with intent to ransom, occasioning bodily harm. Stevens then told the court: 'The shingles is not contagious anymore, it's just that I haven't showered.'

Source: Daily Mail February 27, 2026 14:48 UTC