A man has been arrested in Italy as part of the Victoria Police Homicide Squad investigation into the murder of two women at an Easey Sreet, Collingwood property in 1977.
A 65-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Greece was arrested at an airport in Rome on Thursday evening, 19 September (AEST).
A charge and warrant was in place for his arrest.
He remains in custody and Victoria Police will now work to seek his extradition to Victoria.
The arrest follows the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, who were found dead in their Easey Street home on 13 January, 1977.
Both 27-year-old Suzanne and 28-year-old Susan had been stabbed a number of times.
The pair had last been seen alive on the evening of 10 January, 1977.
Suzanne’s 16-month-old son was left unharmed and had been unattended in his cot when police located their bodies.
Over the past four decades, a significant and tireless investigation into the murders has been conducted by detectives from the Homicide Squad.
In January 2017, police announced a $1M reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the deaths of the two women.
The investigation remains ongoing and further information will be provided as the matter progresses.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Chief Commissioner Shane Patton:
“For over 47 years, detectives from the Homicide Squad have worked tirelessly to determine who was responsible for the deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett.
“The Easey Street murders, as they came to be known, have always been a priority for Victoria Police and an enormous amount of work has been done by many, many people to bring us to the position we are in today.
“As well as the Homicide Squad, this includes a large number of police and staff from a range of specialist areas across the organisation. All have been wholly committed to finding answers and holding those responsible for these deaths to account.
“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.
“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.”
