Melbourne: The identity of the man arrested in connection with the notorious Easey Street murders has been revealed as 65-year-old Perry Kouroumblis, who was detained at an Italian airport after flying in from Greece. The case, which has remained unsolved for 47 years, involves the brutal 1977 murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett at their home on Easey Street, Collingwood.

Brother Denies Involvement

In a surprising turn of events, Perry’s brother, Tony Kouroumblis, has spoken out for the first time, vehemently denying any involvement of his brother in the crime. "I’m just numb and shocked," Tony said, adding, "I definitely don't think he's capable of doing anything like that." Tony explained that the two brothers lived together on Bendigo Street at the time of the murders, just 350 meters from the crime scene at 147 Easey Street.

Connection to the Victims

Perry Kouroumblis, who was 17 years old at the time, had been a student at Collingwood High School where Susan Bartlett worked as an arts and crafts teacher. This proximity has raised questions about his possible involvement, despite no conclusive evidence linking him to the crime until now. His arrest follows the reopening of the case in 2017, when police began re-examining evidence using advanced forensic techniques, including DNA testing.

Key Witness and Previous Investigation

Retired homicide detective Ron Iddles, who was involved in the initial investigation, recounted an incident shortly after the murders. "I pulled the suspect over a week after the crime and found a knife in the boot of his car. I noticed what appeared to be blood stains near the handle," Iddles said. He handed the knife over to detectives, but no charges were brought against Perry at the time.

DNA Evidence and International Flight

The case took a significant turn in 2017 when police requested DNA samples from Perry’s relatives. Tony and other family members complied, but Perry unexpectedly flew to Athens, raising suspicions. "If he was going to hide, he wouldn't have stayed here for over 40 years after that," Tony said, defending his brother’s actions.

Extradition and Legal Proceedings

The Italian authorities now have 45 days to present a brief of evidence to the court, which will decide whether Perry Kouroumblis should be extradited back to Australia to face charges. The homicide squad is reportedly building a robust case to ensure justice for the victims and closure for their families after nearly five decades.

Background of the Case

Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were found stabbed to death in their home on Easey Street in January 1977. Armstrong’s 16-month-old son was left unharmed at the scene, which added to the shocking nature of the crime. Despite extensive investigations at the time, the case remained a cold case until the recent breakthroughs.

Public Reactions and Family Statements

The revelation has reignited public interest in one of Melbourne's most infamous unsolved cases. Suzanne Armstrong's sister, who had been vocal about seeking justice over the years, expressed a mix of disbelief and relief at the news of the arrest. "It’s unbelievable that after all these years, we might finally get answers," she said.

As the legal process unfolds, the families of the victims and the accused will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution to a case that has haunted Melbourne for nearly half a century.