Suspect in Melbourne’s oldest cold case apprehended in Italy

A man believed to be responsible for the gruesome killing of two women in Australia nearly 50 years ago has been captured in Rome under an international arrest warrant, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The suspect, who is 65 years old and holds dual Greek and Australian citizenship, was apprehended at Fiumicino Airport in Rome on Thursday after arriving on a flight from Greece.

Victoria Police in Australia confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was taken into custody at the airport and that a warrant had been issued for his capture. Currently, he remains detained in Italy.

Authorities are now making arrangements to facilitate the suspect’s extradition to Victoria, Australia.

Reports indicate that the man had been residing in Greece, where he was shielded by the country’s statute of limitations, as indicated by Australian media sources.

On Saturday, Australian police announced plans to initiate the extradition process, with Italian courts responsible for setting a timeline for the proceedings.

The accused is alleged to have committed the heinous stabbings of two friends, Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, in January 1977. Their murders deeply shocked the Australian public.

The bodies of the victims were discovered in their rented home on Easey Street in Melbourne. In a heart-wrenching detail, Armstrong’s 16-month-old son was found unharmed in another room, while both women had been subjected to multiple stab wounds.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton commented on the severity of the crime, stating, “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.”

The incident, referred to as the “Easey Street murders,” has remained Melbourne’s longest-standing and most serious cold case until the recent arrest.

In 2017, Victoria Police issued a $1 million reward to help capture those involved, which highlights the enduring impact of the case on the community. That same year, advancements in technology led to a pivotal breakthrough when the suspect became a fugitive following a request for a DNA sample.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has haunted investigators for decades. As authorities move forward with the extradition efforts, many await justice for the two women whose lives were cut tragically short.

The case continues to serve as a reminder of the unresolved issues that can linger long after a crime has occurred, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and determination in pursuing justice.

Policing resources and advancements in forensic technology have played a crucial role in revisiting cold cases like this one, offering hope to families and communities still seeking resolution.

As the process of extradition unfolds, there is cautious optimism that the culmination of decades of effort may bring closure to those affected by the crimes committed so many years ago.