Extradition of Cold Case Suspect from Italy to Australia
After almost five decades, a significant breakthrough has been made in the “Easey Street” cold case murders that shocked Australia back in 1977. Perry Kouroumblis, a dual Australian-Greek citizen, has been extradited from Italy and is set to appear in an Australian court to face charges of killing two women in this long-standing unsolved case.
Details of the Gruesome Murders
Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were found dead in their residence on Easey Street, Melbourne, on January 13, 1977. The discovery of their bodies, each with multiple stab wounds, sent shockwaves through the community. Armstrong had also been raped, adding to the brutality of the crime. The youngest victim, Armstrong’s 16-month-old son, was miraculously unharmed and found alone in his cot by authorities.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities have been relentless in their pursuit of justice for the victims, with detectives from the Homicide Squad dedicating years to solving this heinous crime. In 2017, a renewed effort to identify the perpetrator led to DNA testing of numerous suspects, ultimately leading to the arrest of Kouroumblis in Italy. Following his apprehension at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in September, he has remained in custody pending extradition back to Australia.
Continued Pursuit of Justice
The extradition of Kouroumblis signifies a crucial step forward in the resolution of a case that has haunted the nation for over four decades. With the accused set to face charges of murder and rape, the upcoming court proceedings will provide an opportunity for closure for the families of the victims and the community at large. The dedication and perseverance of law enforcement in pursuing justice for Armstrong and Bartlett serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment to solving even the most challenging cold cases.
