The arrest in Victoria's "oldest and longest" cold case
Dec 5, 2024
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A recently charged suspect in the notorious Easey Street murders brings new light to a case that has haunted Victoria for nearly 50 years. Discover the shocking details of the brutal killings of two young women in 1977 and the miraculous survival of one victim's infant son. The podcast also delves into the lengthy investigation, the complex web of suspects, and the renewed interest sparked by a monetary reward. With a stunning arrest in Italy, the story of justice and the emotional toll on the victims' families unfolds.
Perry Kouroumblis was charged with the 1977 Easey Street murders, marking a significant development in Victoria's oldest cold case.
The renewed investigation and eventual arrest highlight law enforcement's dedication to solving long-standing crimes despite technological challenges.
Deep dives
The Easy Street Murders Overview
In December 2023, a significant development occurred in one of Victoria's longest unsolved cold cases, known as the Easy Street Murders. Perry Karumblis, a 65-year-old man, was charged with the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, who were brutally killed in 1977. Their bodies were discovered three days after they had last been seen alive, revealing a horrific crime scene with multiple stab wounds, raising the count to as many as 82. The gravity of this case has captured public interest for decades, and its eventual progression through ongoing investigations highlights the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to seek justice.
The Investigation and Cold Case Revival
Following the discovery of the victims, police initiated an investigation that encountered numerous challenges due to the lack of technology and evidence. Various suspects emerged over the years, but authorities struggled to gather enough evidence to make charges until recently, leading to the case going cold. In 2017, police renewed focus on the case and offered a substantial reward for information while identifying Karumblis as a person of interest. This revival of interest came after police appointed a new investigator, indicating a continued determination to resolve the case even after several decades.
Legal Proceedings and Family Reactions
Karumblis was arrested in Italy in late 2023 after Australian authorities determined they would press charges against him, only to find that Greek laws protected him from prosecution in his country of residence. Upon his extradition to Australia, he faced charges of two counts of murder and one count of rape related to the brutal deaths of Armstrong and Bartlett. The families of the victims expressed a sense of closure upon hearing the arrest news, even after enduring years of uncertainty. As legal proceedings move forward, the court has ruled against bail, ensuring Karumblis remains in custody until the next court date, with the hope of bringing justice to the families affected by this long-standing tragedy.
One of Victoria’s oldest cold cases is one step closer to finally being solved.
This week, 65-year-old man Perry Kouroumblis was charged with the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett at their home on Easey Street in Collingwood, Melbourne, in 1977 – nearly 50 years ago.
Commonly referred to as the Easey Street murders, this has been labelled Victoria’s “most serious… and longest cold case” by Victoria police chief commissioner Shane Patton. We'll tell you what you need to know in today's podcast.
Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Zara Seidler Producer: Orla Maher
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