A man has been arrested in Italy for the 1977 murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, whose bodies were found in their home on Easey Street, Collingwood, Melbourne.
The 65 year old Greek-Australian dual citizen was detained at Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport on Thursday evening. Victoria police are seeking his extradition to Melbourne.
Armstrong and Bartlett were killed in January 1977 while Armstrong’s 16 month old son was asleep in another room. Their bodies were discovered on 13 January, three days after they were last seen. The child, though distressed and dehydrated, was unharmed. Both women had been stabbed multiple times.
Known as the Easey Street murders, this high-profile case remained unsolved for decades and was the subject of numerous books and podcasts. In 2017, a US$1 million reward was offered for information leading to an arrest.
Victoria’s Police Chief, Shane Patton, described the crime as “gruesome and horrific”. He confirmed that the man had long been a person of interest. However, Greece’s 20-year statute bar prevented charges from being filed there. An Interpol red notice was later issued, which led to the arrest in Italy.
I remember as a child.
The Easey Street murders in Collingwood were one of Australia’s greatest crime mysteries.@adamshandy pic.twitter.com/SMKve0QsDL— David T media 🇻🇦 (@jcbible1) September 21, 2024
Patton called the arrest “an important breakthrough” after 47 years of investigation. He acknowledged the tireless work of detectives to solve the case, noting how deeply it had affected the community.
He also praised the resilience of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, who had grieved for more than four decades. The families released a joint statement expressing their gratitude to police for their perseverance and requesting privacy.
The timeline for the man’s extradition depends on Italian authorities, and it may take at least a month for Victoria police to travel and present evidence to secure his return.
What Other Media Are Saying
- 7NEWS reported that the arrest of a suspect in the Easey Street murders marks a crucial breakthrough in a case that has haunted Melbourne for decades, offering hope to grieving families. (Read more)
- The Guardian reported that the long-awaited arrest shines a light on the relentless pursuit of justice. The enduring impact of the Easey Street murders on the community remains palpable even after decades. (Read more)
- BBC News views the apprehension of a suspect nearly 50 years later underscores the commitment of law enforcement to unresolved cases, rekindling hope for families seeking closure after such tragic losses. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was arrested for the 1977 Easey Street murders?
A 65-year-old Greek-Australian dual citizen was arrested in Italy for the 1977 murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in Melbourne.
Where were the victims found?
Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were found in their home on Easey Street, Collingwood, Melbourne.
How were the women killed?
Both women were stabbed multiple times while Armstrong’s 16-month-old son slept in another room.
Why was the suspect arrested in Italy?
The suspect could not be charged in Greece due to its 20-year statute bar, leading to his arrest in Italy after an Interpol red notice.
When were the bodies of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett discovered?
Their bodies were discovered on 13 January 1977, three days after they were last seen alive.
