A man has been arrested over the brutal murder of two Australian women after a police investigation that spanned nearly five decades and multiple continents.
Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were found dead in their Easey Street sharehouse in Collingwood, in inner-city Melbourne, on January 13, 1977.
The women, who were last seen alive three days earlier, had been stabbed multiple times.
Ms Armstrong had a 16-month-old son who was found unharmed in his cot by police when they located the bodies of the women.
A tireless investigation by the Homicide Squad over the past 47 years culminated in the arrest of a 65-year old man on Thursday night at Rome airport.
Police are seeking to extradite the dual Australian and Greek citizen to Australia.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the Easey Street murders have always been a priority for Victoria Police.
‘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,’ he said.
Suzanne Armstrong, pictured with her son Gregory Armstrong, was murdered in her Easey Street sharehouse in Collingwood, inner-city Melbourne, in 1977
Ms Armstrong’s housemate Susan Bartlett (pictured) was also killed in the attack
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton (pictured) said the Easey St murders have always been a priority for Victoria Police
‘While we still have some way to go, this arrest is an important breakthrough.
‘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.’
The chief commissioner thanked officers from homicide squad and specialist staff who have all ‘been wholly committed to finding answers and holding those responsible for these deaths to account.’
In January 2017, police announced a $1million reward for information that led to the arrest and conviction of any one responsible for the deaths of the women.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
