The extradition of Perry Kouroumblis from Italy marks a crucial development in the unsolved Easey Street murders of 1977, where two young women were tragically killed, bringing hope to families seeking justice after decades of anguish.
Major Breakthrough in Cold Case as Suspect Extradited from Italy
Major Breakthrough in Cold Case as Suspect Extradited from Italy
Perry Kouroumblis, linked to the 1977 Easey Street murders, returns to Australia after 50 years of investigation.
A significant step toward solving one of Australia’s most notorious cold cases has been taken with the extradition of Perry Kouroumblis from Italy, following nearly 50 years of investigation into the murders of Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong. The gruesome details of the case, which became known as the Easey Street murders, have haunted the nation since the tragic event in 1977, when the two young women were brutally stabbed to death in their Melbourne home.
Police identified Kouroumblis, now 65, in recent years thanks to advancements in DNA testing. He firmly maintains his innocence and has not yet been charged with any crimes as he prepares to return to Australia. Following his detention in September, he is expected to arrive in the country by late Tuesday.
Kouroumblis first drew the attention of law enforcement shortly after the murders occurred when, at just 17 years old, he claimed to have discovered a bloodied knife near the scene in Easey Street, Collingwood. The discovery of the victims' bodies occurred three days later, with one-year-old son of Armstrong found unharmed in his cot.
The brutal manner in which both women were killed, including repeated stabbings and sexual assault, has kept the case alive in public consciousness for decades. It has transcended into various forms, including police appeals, books, and a popular true crime podcast. In a notable move, Victoria Police even offered a reward of A$1 million for any information leading to arrests in 2017.
Describing the nature of the crimes, Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton referred to them as "an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide," highlighting the impact the murders had on the community. Kouroumblis, a dual Greek-Australian citizen, was subject to an Interpol red notice on multiple charges, including murder and rape, after leaving Australia around seven years ago. His arrest came in Rome, but previous efforts to detain him in Greece had been thwarted by local legal provisions that limit the prosecution window to 20 years post-crime.
Following Kouroumblis's arrest, the families of the victims expressed their profound loss, stating that they would never comprehend the violence that took their loved ones. In a heartfelt message to the police, the families expressed gratitude for the unwavering hope and support throughout the decades of seeking justice.
