Madera County, CA – Audrik Matevosian, a 21-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and grand theft after allegedly killing his 75-year-old boss, Robert “Bob” Boyajian, in Bass Lake, California.
The incident, which authorities say was premeditated, unfolded in mid-July and involved disturbing details, including the purchase of a body bag from Amazon just days before the murder.
The Discovery of Boyajian’s Disappearance
On July 14, a welfare check was requested for Boyajian, a respected local real estate agent, after his employee reported that he had missed an appointment and couldn’t be reached—behavior described as “extremely unusual” for Boyajian.
Upon deputies’ arrival at Boyajian’s home, they found his vehicle in the garage, his briefcase and Apple Watch inside, but his cellphone, wallet, and bedding were missing. Deputies noted no clear signs of foul play but found the circumstances “very out of character” for Boyajian, according to Sheriff Tyson Pogue.
Investigative Efforts and Suspicious Behavior
During the investigation, deputies learned that Matevosian, who had previously performed IT work for Boyajian, had provided assistance in accessing the victim’s security cameras.
However, he allegedly misled officers by giving a screenshot showing the system as offline and directing them to a missing DVR. This raised suspicions about his involvement in the case.
A financial trail soon led investigators to a $1,000 withdrawal from Boyajian’s ATM account, made at an ATM in Clovis, California. Surveillance footage revealed Matevosian as the individual who made the withdrawal and attempted two additional withdrawals, leading authorities to believe he was connected to the crime.
The Murder Confession
On July 16, after executing a search warrant at the home where Matevosian lived with his parents, authorities found two firearms—one of which had been reported stolen and the other belonged to Boyajian. Later, Matevosian confessed to killing Boyajian during an interview with detectives.
He initially claimed that Boyajian had committed suicide but later changed his story, stating that Boyajian had asked for his help to end his life. Ultimately, he admitted to murdering Boyajian around midnight on July 13 and then transporting the body to the Mojave Desert, where he buried it in a cave.
Motive Behind the Murder
Investigators believe that Matevosian’s motive was fueled by resentment towards Boyajian, who allegedly spoke disparagingly about his family, and by a desire for financial gain.
The purchase of the body bag from Amazon a week before the murder, along with the rented vehicle and the ATM withdrawal, further indicated that the murder had been carefully planned.
Recovery of the Body and Evidence
Following Matevosian’s instructions, investigators located Boyajian’s body precisely where he had described, in a cave in the Mojave National Preserve, nearly 400 miles south of Madera County. Additionally, Boyajian’s wallet was found in Matevosian’s locker at a Fresno gym.
Legal Proceedings
Matevosian is being held without bond at the Madera County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on July 28. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crime.
