Key Takeaways:
– The Easey Street murders suspect has been arrested in Italy, 44 years after the crime.
– The 65-year-old Greek-Australian man, suspected of murdering two women in Melbourne, was detained in Rome.
– The homicidal event, often referred to as Melbourne’s oldest cold case, shocked the Australian public in 1977.
– New forensic technology and a DNA sample linked the suspected fugitive to the infamous crime.
– Victoria Police aims to extradite the accused for trial on Australian soil.
Suspect Arrested in Australia’s Oldest Cold Case
44 years after the horrifying double murder that shocked Melbourne, the prime suspect has been apprehended in Rome. The 65-year-old, who possesses dual Greek and Australian citizenship, was detained after his arrival from Greece, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.
Cooperation Between International Authorities
Acted upon an international warrant, the arrest at Rome’s Fiumicino airport happened last Thursday. The suspect is now under police custody in Italy, the Victoria Police in Australia confirmed.
“Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, he was successfully apprehended and is currently in custody. We will now seek his extradition,” officials stated.
Obstacles in Extradition
Residing in Greece, this murder suspect has long been shielded by the country’s statute of limitations. Australian authorities have announced that they aim to begin the extradition process with Italian courts setting the timeline.
The Brutal Crime in 1977
Friends Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were the tragic victims of a gruesome knife attack that occurred in their rental home on Easey Street, Melbourne, in January 1977. The crime, referred to as the ‘Easey Street murders’, remains one of the city’s most serious unsolved cases.
Solving a Decades-Old Mystery
The brutal killings profoundly shocked the community, Melbourne Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton revealed, describing it as a “crime that struck at the heart of our community.”
The urgency to find the perpetrators led to a $1 million reward offer by the Victoria Police in 2017. That same year, the introduction of advanced forensic technology led to a significant breakthrough, linking the suspect’s DNA to the crime scene.
Long-Awaited Arrest
Despite the long lapse, the horrific details of Armstrong’s and Bartlett’s murders have continued to disturb the community. Given the gravity of the crime and the elusive nature of this case, the arrest marks a significant breakthrough for Victoria Police and Australian investigators.
“Bringing the perpetrator to justice is not only crucial for the healing of the victims’ families but also for our wider community,” Patton expressed.
Investigation Continues
While the arrest provides a sense of relief, the investigative work continues. Authorities remain dedicated to unearthing evidence and facts that will ensure a fair and conclusive trial. This development reasserts that no matter how old the case, justice can still be served.