'Easey Street Murder Suspect Perry Kouroumblis Extradited from Italy to Face Justice in Melbourne

Perry Kouroumblis, aged 65, arrives in Melbourne following extradition from Italy, as police prepare to interrogate him regarding the double homicide of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett from 1977. Family members express mixed emotions about this significant development in a long-standing case.

P24 News Media

December 03, 2024

1 minute

'Easey Street Murder Suspect Perry Kouroumblis Extradited from Italy to Face Justice in Melbourne

India

Perry Kouroumblis, a 65-year-old Australian-Greek dual national, has officially arrived in Melbourne after being extradited from Italy, where he had been residing since 2016. His extradition is connected to his alleged involvement in the infamous 1977 Easey Street double murder case, which left the families of the victims deeply affected for decades. Kouroumblis was detained in Italy following an Interpol Red Notice issued in September. He touched down at Melbourne Airport late Tuesday night and is currently under police supervision.

Authorities are preparing to conduct interviews with Kouroumblis regarding the brutal deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, who were found murdered in their Collingwood residence. The horrific nature of the crime reflects a particularly gruesome chapter in Victoria’s criminal history, as described by Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.

The emotional ramifications of this development have been profound for the families involved. Wendi Selkrig, the niece of Suzanne Armstrong, described the feeling of Kouroumblis's extradition as surreal. She mentioned how comforting it was to see movement in a cold case that her family had never truly given up hope on. "The police have been fantastic and have never forgotten the case," Wendi emphasized, highlighting the long-standing commitment of law enforcement in this investigation.

Wendi also reflected on the agonizing question her family has grappled with for years: what led to the tragic deaths of two vibrant young women? Both Armstrong and Bartlett were in their late twenties, full of life, yet their lives were abruptly taken in a shocking incident that has haunted their families ever since. "Whoever is responsible has lived with this for their entire life," she lamented.

The case gained significant attention due to the nature of the crimes committed—multiple stabbings and the sexual assault of Ms. Armstrong. In the aftermath of the murders, Ms. Armstrong's infant son was found unharmed, highlighting the tragic complexity of the situation.

Kouroumblis's lawyer, Serena Tucci, stated that her client was surprised by his arrest, having believed he would not face any repercussions for an event long past. His cooperation with law enforcement is noted, with his lawyer asserting that he complied fully with police protocols during his detention.

As investigations continue, it remains uncertain when a trial might occur, with the process expected to unfold over a lengthy period. In September, police had categorized this investigation as Victoria's most serious and longest-running cold case, with a $1 million reward announced in 2017 for information leading to a breakthrough. Over 130 suspects were scrutinized throughout the years, indicating the complexity and difficulty of the case.

If Kouroumblis is charged, he is likely to make an initial court appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. This appearance does not require a plea, but it will establish the groundwork for the prosecution's case. A magistrate must determine if there is enough evidence for the case to progress to a Supreme Court trial. Should Kouroumblis be charged with murder, his bail application could be lengthy, requiring a separate hearing in the Supreme Court.

Overall, the path to justice for Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett remains complex and fraught with emotional weight for their families. Time will tell how Kouroumblis's extradition will shape the long-awaited resolution of a case that has lingered for almost half a century, reminding everyone involved of the lives irrevocably altered by a crime shrouded in mystery.