A man has been arrested in Italy as part of an investigation into the “Easey Street murders” of two women stabbed to death in Melbourne almost fifty years ago.
Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, were found dead in their Collingwood home in January 1977, each with dozens of stab wounds.
Bartlett’s 16-month-old son was found unharmed in his crib.
On Saturday it was revealed that a 65-year-old man had been arrested at a Rome airport on Thursday evening.
The dual Australian and Greek citizen has been taken into custody and Victoria Police are now seeking to extradite him.
The two friends were last seen alive on January 10, 1977, and their bodies were found three days later.
The murders became known as the Easy Street murders and, in 2017, Victoria Police .
“Still a long way to go”
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton described the arrest as a significant step forward in the 47-year investigation, but warned there was “still a way to go”.
“This is a crime that struck at the heart of our community: two women in their own home, where they should have felt safest,” he said.
The commissioner said Homicide Squad detectives and other police officers had worked tirelessly on the case for decades.
“I also want to recognize the enduring resilience of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, who have been grieving for over four decades and there is no doubt that this will be a very emotional time for them.
“I hope this arrest brings you closer to the answers you so deserve and have waited so long for.”
Women’s families never lost hope
The women’s families said it was difficult to express their level of appreciation for the investigators who tirelessly sought answers and justice for so long.
“The perseverance and dedication required to achieve today’s result is something truly remarkable,” they said in a statement released on Saturday.
“For always giving us hope and never giving up, we just say thank you.”
The two friends went to school together in Benalla, in Victoria’s high country, and their families said their deaths changed many lives “irrevocably”.
“For two quiet families in country Victoria, it has always been impossible to understand the needless and violent manner in which Suzanne and Susan died,” they said.
“We will be forever grateful for the support and understanding shown to us by our friends and family over the past 47 years.”
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more information is expected to be released in the future.
