FAMILIES of two murdered women from Benalla have praised the perseverance and dedication of police investigators following the arrest of a suspect related to the 1977 Easey Street murders.
A 65-year-old man was arrested in an airport in Rome on Thursday night as part of a police investigation into the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in their Collingwood home in 1977.
The pair were high school friends from Benalla and were found dead in their home on January 13, 1977, three days after they had last been seen alive.
Police said Ms Armstrong was sexually assaulted and stabbed, while it is believed Ms Bartlett was stabbed after she heard the disturbance and went to the aid of her friend.
Both 27-year-old Ms Armstrong and 28-year-old Ms Bartlett had been stabbed a number of times.
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Ms Armstrong’s 16-month-old son was left unharmed and had been unattended in his cot when police located the women's bodies.
The Armstrong and Bartlett families were informed of the suspect’s arrest on Saturday morning and released a joint statement, thanking police investigators.
“For two quiet families from country Victoria it has always been impossible to comprehend the needless and violent manner in which Suzanne and Susan died,” they said.
“The gravity of the circumstances surrounding their deaths changed our lives irrevocably.
“We will be forever grateful for the support and understanding shown to us by our friends and family over the past 47 years.
“It is difficult to sufficiently express our appreciation to Victoria Police and the many investigators who have tirelessly pursued answers and justice for us over such a long period of time.
“The perseverance and dedication required to achieve the result today is something to truly behold.
“For always giving us hope and never giving up, we simply say, thank you.”
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said over the past four decades, a significant and tireless investigation into the murders has been conducted by detectives from the Homicide Squad.
“I think this is Victoria’s most serious cold case and longest cold case we have ever solved,” he said.
"It was an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide.
“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.
“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."
Chief Commissioner Patton said the detective senior sergeant who had been in charge of the investigation since 2015 informed the families of the suspect’s arrest personally, describing them as emotional, speechless and overwhelmed by the news.
“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,” he said.
“While we still have some way to go, this arrest is an important breakthrough.
“I hope this arrest brings you closer to the answers you so richly deserve and have waited so long for.”
In January 2017, police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the deaths of the two women.
A charge and warrant was in place for the 65-year-old’s arrest and he remains in custody.
Chief Commissioner Patton said police intended to charge the Australian and Greek dual-citizen with two counts of murder and one charge of rape after being a suspect for a number of years.
“I think this is testament to the fact we don’t forget these matters, we continue to throw resources at them, we continue to investigate them and we’re personally involved in them,” he said.
“We will continue to investigate all serious crimes, and this is an example of what can be achieved.
“There is simply no expiry date on crimes as brutal as this.”
Police and Federal Attorney General's office will work with authorities in Italy to seek the 65-year-old’s extradition to Victoria.
Chief Commissioner Patton said 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.
