A 21-year-old Californian man, Audrik Matevosian, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, grand theft, and three special circumstances related to the death of his 75-year-old employer, Robert “Bob” Boyajian. The arrest occurred a week after Matevosian reportedly bought a body bag from an online retailer.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies were dispatched to Boyajian’s residence on July 14, following a request for a welfare check. The request was made by an employee who was concerned about Boyajian’s unexplained absence from a scheduled appointment. Boyajian, a respected member of the Bass Lake community and a prominent real estate professional, was not found at his home.
Upon reaching Boyajian’s residence, deputies discovered his car in the garage and personal belongings, such as his briefcase and Apple Watch, inside the house. However, his cellphone, wallet, and bedding were not found. Although there were no explicit signs of a crime, the situation was considered suspicious due to the deviation from Boyajian’s typical behavior.
Authorities tried to access Boyajian’s home security cameras with Matevosian’s assistance, who had previously done IT work for Boyajian. Despite providing information to access the cameras, investigators were unable to view the footage. Matevosian allegedly showed investigators a screenshot indicating that the system was offline and directed them to a location in a closet where a DVR should have been, but it was missing.
A search warrant was issued for Boyajian’s financial records, which revealed that $1,000 had been withdrawn from his account at an ATM in Clovis, California, on July 13. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Matevosian making the withdrawal and attempting two more times unsuccessfully. Authorities received two tips linking Matevosian to the alleged murder.
On July 16, a search warrant was executed at Matevosian’s residence, where two firearms were found in his room. One of the firearms had been reported stolen in March, and the other belonged to Boyajian. Matevosian agreed to speak with detectives and allegedly confessed to the murder.
According to authorities, Matevosian claimed that Boyajian had asked him to assist in ending his life. However, he later confessed to killing Boyajian around midnight on July 12, transporting his body to the Mojave desert, and burying him in a cave. Matevosian allegedly committed the murder out of resentment towards Boyajian, who he claimed had spoken ill of his family, and for financial gain.
Authorities also revealed that Matevosian had purchased a body bag from an online retailer a week prior to the alleged murder. He also allegedly rented a vehicle and called Boyajian to confirm he was home before spending the night at Boyajian’s residence. This was not considered unusual as Boyajian reportedly treated Matevosian and his brother like his own grandchildren.
Investigators followed Matevosian’s directions and found Boyajian’s body in the Mojave desert. Boyajian’s wallet was later found in Matevosian’s locker at a gym in Fresno. Matevosian is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 28.