Man arrested in Rome almost 50 years after infamous Easey Street ...
The families of the two women killed in the infamous Easy Street murders in Melbourne almost 50 years ago say the perseverance and dedication involved shown by police "is something truly to behold".
On Thursday night, a major breakthrough came in the cold case when a 65-year old suspect was arrested at an airport in Rome.
The development follows a decades-long investigation by Victoria Police's Homicide Squad, following the murders of housemates Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, who were found dead at their home in Easey Street, Collingwood on January 13, 1977.
Both women, who were high school friends from Benalla, had last been seen alive on the evening of January 10. They had been stabbed multiple times.
Police said Ms Armstrong was sexually assaulted and stabbed by the offender, while it is believed Ms Bartlett was stabbed after she heard the disturbance and went to the aid of her friend.
The Easey Street house where Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were murdered in 1977. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
However, Ms Armstrong's 16-month-old son Gregory was left unharmed in his cot, where he remained alone for days.
In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the Armstrong and Bartlett families said "the gravity of the circumstances surrounding their deaths changed our lives irrevocably".
"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."
The man arrested was a dual citizen of Australia and Greece.
He remains in custody, with Victoria Police working to seek his extradition to Victoria.
No charges have been laid.
'Forever grateful'The families said they would be forever grateful for the support and understanding shown by 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," they said.
"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."
A vital breakthrough after 47 years of tireless work, says chief commissionerVictoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the arrest was an important breakthrough, following 47 years of significant work by Homicide Squad detectives.
In January 2017, police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the murders.
At the time, police noted they had about 130 persons of interest who they were ruling out one by one — starting with those who were still alive.
The back door at the Easey Street house where the two women were killed in 1977. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
"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," Chief Commissioner Patton said on Saturday.
"As well as the Homicide Squad, this includes a large number of police and staff from a range of specialist areas across the organisation. All have been wholly committed to finding answers and holding those responsible for these deaths to account.
"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 while there was still some way to go, the arrest was a crucial breakthrough.
'Enduring resilience of both families'Chief Commissioner Patton said he wanted to recognise the "enduring resilience" of both the Armstrong and Bartlett families.
"No doubt this will be a very emotional time for them," he said.
"I hope this arrest brings you closer to the answers you so richly deserve and have waited so long for."
Gayle Armstrong makes a plea to the public in 2017 for information on her sister's killing. (ABC News)
Ms Armstrong's sister, Gayle, raised Gregory after his mother was killed.
Speaking in 2017, she said it was his cries that alerted the neighbours to trouble.
"He was in the cot for two days before they found him, and it was only because of his crying that the next-door neighbour found them when they did," she said.
"I was his mum and in recent years he has found his own father and he visits them regularly and has got quite close to them, so he's going OK."
During that press conference seven years ago, Gayle Armstrong became emotional when asked what it meant to her that police were still actively involved in trying to find the killer.
"It's something that has to be finalised and this reward should have been offered 39 years ago and it'd be solved and we wouldn't be doing all this now."
She had not lost hope that there would be a breakthrough.
"I hear the miracles that [police] do solve [cases] and I think Suzanne will be next," she said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
