The case of the Easey Street murders, involving the brutal killings of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in 1977, saw significant progress as suspect Perry Kouroumblis was extradited from Italy back to Australia. This development follows years of investigations aided by advancements in DNA technology.
Extradited Suspect Returns to Australia in 1977 Cold Case Murders
Extradited Suspect Returns to Australia in 1977 Cold Case Murders
Perry Kouroumblis extradited from Italy to face charges in the infamous Easey Street murders that have haunted Victoria for nearly five decades.
A long-standing legendary cold case in Australia, the Easey Street murders, is making headlines once again as authorities prepare for the return of suspect Perry Kouroumblis from Italy. Kouroumblis, aged 65, is linked to the gruesome deaths of 27-year-old Suzanne Armstrong and 28-year-old Susan Bartlett, who were viciously stabbed in their Melbourne residence in 1977. This case has remained a point of national fascination and sorrow for nearly 50 years.
Recent forensic breakthroughs in DNA testing have led investigators to zero in on Kouroumblis, who was arrested in Italy back in September. He is expected to arrive in Australia late Tuesday, though he has not yet been formally charged and continues to assert his innocence. Kouroumblis first caught the attention of law enforcement shortly after the double homicide when, as a 17-year-old, he claimed to have discovered a bloody knife near the victims' home in Collingwood, Melbourne.
The bodies of the two friends were found several days after their last sightings, with Armstrong's young son discovered unharmed in his crib. The shocking nature of the crime—both women had been stabbed severely, and Armstrong was allegedly sexually assaulted—has both drawn extensive media coverage and led to the creation of numerous true crime books and a popular podcast discussing the events.
In a notable move, the Victoria Police issued a $1 million reward for any leads in 2017, further highlighting the case’s prominence within the community. Commissioner Shane Patton described the brutal nature of the crimes, stating it "struck at the heart of our community," implying deep societal repercussions stemming from such violence.
Following Kouroumblis's arrest in Rome, the families of the victims expressed their anguish and the irreversible impact of the loss, thanking law enforcement for their unwavering dedication to seeking justice. Prior efforts were hindered, as legal stipulations in Greece delayed his apprehension, perpetuating the decades-long pursuit of answers in this tragic case.
