A man has been arrested in Italy as part of an ongoing Victoria Police Homicide Squad investigation into the murder of two women at an Easey Sreet, Collingwood home in 1977.
A 65-year-old Greek-Australian dual citizen, who had a charge and warrant in place, was arrested at an airport in Rome on Thursday evening, September 19 (AEST).
He remains in custody. Victoria Police will seek his extradition to Victoria.
Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28 were found dead in their rented Easey Street, Collingwood terrace home on January 13, 1977.
Both had been stabbed several times, police said.
The pair had last been seen alive on the evening of January 10, 1977.
Suzanne’s 16-month-old son, asleep in the other room, during the alleged murders, was left unharmed. He had been unattended in his cot when police located their bodies three days later.
Over the past four decades, a significant and tireless investigation into the murders has been conducted by detectives from the Homicide Squad.
In January 2017, police offered a one million dollar ($1M) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the deaths.
“For over 47 years, detectives from the Homicide Squad have worked tirelessly to determine who was responsible for the deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett,” Chief Commissioner Patton said
“The Easey Street murders, as they came to be known, have always been a priority for Victoria Police and an enormous amount of work has been done by many, many people to bring us to the position we are in today.
“This was a crime that struck at the heart of our community – two women in their own home, where they should have felt their safest.
“I also want to recognise the enduring resilience of both the Armstrong and Bartlett families, who have grieved for over four decades and no doubt this will be a very emotional time for them.
“I hope this arrest brings you closer to the answers you so richly deserve and have waited so long for,” Patton said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
