The extradition of Perry Kouroumblis, linked to the infamous Easey Street murders of 1977, has reignited interest in a case that has haunted Australia for decades. The tragic deaths of two young women led to a complex investigation, involving modern DNA breakthroughs and a long pursuit across international borders.
Cold Case Resolution: Suspect Extradited from Italy in 1977 Murders
Cold Case Resolution: Suspect Extradited from Italy in 1977 Murders
After nearly five decades, the Easey Street murders suspect is returning to Australia as DNA technology links him to the age-old case.
The suspect in one of Australia's most notorious cold cases, the Easey Street murders, is heading back to Australia after being extradited from Italy. Perry Kouroumblis, 65, is implicated in the brutal stabbings of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in Melbourne in 1977, a case that has captivated public attention for years.
Kouroumblis came under scrutiny following recent advancements in DNA testing, which pointed to new leads in an investigation that had initially faltered for decades. He was previously detained in Italy in September, and he maintains his innocence while not yet facing charges. His arrival in Australia is anticipated late Tuesday.
The investigation into the murders originally began when Kouroumblis, then a 17-year-old, claimed to have discovered a bloodied knife near the crime scene in Collingwood, Melbourne. The victims were discovered three days post-attack, with Ms. Armstrong's infant son found unharmed in his cot. The nature of their deaths was brutal, with both women stabbed multiple times, and Ms. Armstrong also reported as having been sexually assaulted.
The case has long been a focus of media, true crime literature, and numerous police appeals, leading to a significant reward of A$1m offered by Victoria Police in 2017 for information. Commissioner Shane Patton condemned the murders, describing them as "an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide" that struck a devastating blow to the community.
Prior to his extradition, Kouroumblis was subject to an Interpol red notice for charges of murder and rape, but was evading arrest while living in Greece, due to legal constraints regarding the timing of charges.
Following Kouroumblis's arrest, the families of the victims expressed their enduring pain, acknowledging the profound impact these murders have had on their lives. They thanked the police for their relentless pursuit of justice and for keeping hope alive in the quest for closure.
