Man Arrested in Italy in Connection with 1977 Australian Double Murders
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a man in Italy linked to the 1977 murders of two women in Melbourne.
The 65-year-old suspect, a dual Greek-Australian citizen, was apprehended at a Rome airport on Thursday following an arrest warrant issued by police in the state of Victoria.
Victoria Police announced that they will pursue an extradition order for his return to Melbourne as part of a long-running investigation into the murders of housemates Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, who were discovered dead in their home on January 13, 1977. Both women, last seen alive on January 10, had been stabbed multiple times.
Armstrong’s 16-month-old son was found in another room, distressed and dehydrated but otherwise unharmed.
Known as the “Easey Street murders,” the case has remained one of Australia’s most notable cold cases.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton stated, “The Easey Street murders have always been a priority for us, and considerable effort has been invested by many to reach this point. While there is still work ahead, this arrest marks an important breakthrough.”
In 2017, police offered a reward of 1 million Australian dollars (approximately $680,802) for information leading to an arrest and conviction. They are once again urging anyone with information about the case to come forward.
