Justice After Decades: Arrest Made in the 1977 Easey Street Murders

In January 1977, the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood was shaken by the brutal murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, a case that remained unsolved for nearly five decades. Known as the "Easey Street Murders," this cold case has recently seen a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect in Italy.

The Tragic Events on Easey Street

Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, were close friends who had recently moved into a shared house at 147 Easey Street. On the evening of January 10, 1977, they entertained guests and were last seen alive around 9:00 PM. Three days later, concerned neighbors entered the home after hearing prolonged cries from Armstrong's 16-month-old son, Gregory. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Armstrong and Bartlett, both having suffered multiple stab wounds. Miraculously, young Gregory was found unharmed but dehydrated in his cot.

A Cold Case That Haunted Melbourne

The "Easey Street Murders" became one of Victoria's most notorious cold cases. Despite extensive investigations, numerous interviews, and a $1 million reward offered in 2017, the case remained unsolved for decades. Advancements in DNA technology provided new avenues for investigation, but a definitive breakthrough remained elusive.

Breakthrough Arrest in Italy

In September 2024, a significant development occurred. A 65-year-old man named Perikilis "Perry" Kouroumblis, holding dual Australian and Greek citizenship, was arrested at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Kouroumblis had been a person of interest since the early days of the investigation. Shortly after the murders, he was found in possession of a knife and sheath with traces of blood, which he claimed to have found near railway tracks close to the crime scene. Despite this, he was not charged at the time.

In 2017, cold case detectives approached Kouroumblis for a DNA sample, but he left Australia for Greece, citing the need to care for his ailing mother, and did not return. Due to Greece's statute of limitations, Australian authorities were unable to extradite him. However, his recent travel to Italy provided the opportunity for arrest under an Interpol red notice.

The Path to Extradition and Justice

Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated to bring Kouroumblis back to Australia to face charges. This process involves complex legal coordination between Italian and Australian authorities and may take several months. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton described the arrest as an "important breakthrough" in what has been one of the state's most challenging cold cases.

Impact on the Victims' Families and the Community

The families of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett have endured decades of uncertainty and grief. In a statement, they expressed their profound gratitude for the relentless efforts of the investigators:

"We will be forever grateful for the support and understanding shown to us by our friends and family over the past 47 years."

The arrest has also resonated deeply within the Collingwood community, bringing a renewed sense of hope that justice may finally be served for the two women whose lives were tragically cut short.

Conclusion

The "Easey Street Murders" have haunted Melbourne for nearly half a century. The recent arrest of Perry Kouroumblis marks a pivotal moment in the quest for justice. As legal proceedings unfold, there is cautious optimism that the truth behind this enduring mystery will finally come to light, providing closure for the families and the community affected by this tragic event.