a day ago
Tech expert who helped cops investigate disappearance of a California realtor now charged with his murder
A California man who initially helped authorities investigate the disappearance of a well-known realtor has now been arrested and charged with his murder.
Audrik Matevosian, 21, who had previously worked as an IT specialist for the slain realtor, Robert 'Bob' Boyajian, is facing charges of first-degree murder and grand theft in connection with the 75-year-old's death.
Boyajian, a respected figure in California's real estate industry for nearly 45 years, was reported missing on Monday after he failed to appear at a company meeting.
An employee, concerned for his welfare, called 911 asking for a check at the real estate boss' Bass Lake home.
When Madera County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, they discovered Boyajian's truck, briefcase, and Apple Watch at the residence - but his phone, wallet, and bedding were missing.
Matevosian, who handled IT work at the property, assisted deputies in attempting to access Boyajian's home security footage, the Los Angeles Times reported.
However, after obtaining a warrant, investigators discovered a $1,000 ATM withdrawal made from Boyajian's account the night before the 911 call.
The transaction took place around 8:30 p.m. at a bank in Clovis - approximately 47 miles from Bass Lake.
ATM surveillance footage showed a young man successfully making the withdrawal, followed by two failed attempts - that individual was later identified as Matevosian, the IT worker.
Deputies had previously contacted Matevosian to for the password and apps to access Boyajian's home security system.
'He showed them what apps to download, passwords, but deputies were still unable to access the footage,' Sheriff Tyson Pogue said during a Thursday news conference.
Although Matevosian initially helped deputies locate a missing DVR from the home's security system, suspicion intensified after the ATM footage confirmed he had accessed Boyajian's account just hours before the realtor was reported missing.
Investigators later learned that Matevosian had purchased a body bag on Amazon days before the murder.
He also allegedly rented a vehicle in Fresno on Monday and drove up to Boyajian's home the previous Saturday.
According to Pogue, Matevosian spent the night at Boyajian's home after completing an IT task, and is believed to have murdered Boyajian around midnight.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how the 75-year-old realtor was killed.
Madera County deputies believe Matevosian murdered Boyajian while he slept, then transported the body to the Mojave Desert, where it was buried in a cave.
Investigators eventually recovered Boyajian's body along with his belongings, including his phone and wallet, which were found at various locations connected to Matevosian.
Also during the investigation, two firearms were found in Matevosian's bedroom, including a 9mm handgun reported stolen in March and a 10mm handgun belonging to Boyajian.
Deputies also recovered the shovel used in the burial.
'This is a deeply disturbing case of betrayal and premeditated violence,' Sheriff Pogue said.
Pogue described the crime as 'calculated and callous,' noting that Matevosian had no prior criminal history.
'This was a calculated and callous act against a respected member of our community,' Pogue said. 'We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Boyajian's family.'
Matevosian, who reportedly viewed Boyajian as a mentor, initially told investigators that Boyajian had died by suicide.
However, he later changed his story, claiming he had helped Boyajian end his life.
Ultimately, he confessed to the murder, stating that financial gain was a motive and alleging that Boyajian had spoken negatively about his family.
Matevosian is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
