A man has been arrested for the brutal murder of two women after a police investigation spanning nearly five decades and several continents.
Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were found dead at their Easey St home in Collingwood on January 13, 1977.
The women, who were last seen alive three days earlier, had been stabbed multiple times.
Ms Armstrong had a 16-month-old son who was found unharmed in his cot by police when they located the bodies of the two women.
A tireless investigation by the Homicide Squad over the past 47 years culminated in the arrest of a 65-year-old man on Thursday evening at Rome airport.
Police are seeking to extradite the dual Australian-Greek national to Australia.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the Easey St murders have always been a priority for Victoria Police.
“This was a crime that struck at the heart of our community – two women in their own home, where they should have felt safer,” he said.
Suzanne Armstrong seen with her son Gregory Armstrong was raped and murdered in Collingwood in 1977 at her home on Easey Street
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the Easey St murders have always been a priority for Victoria Police.
Although there is still a long way to go, this arrest is an important step forward.
‘I also want to acknowledge the enduring resilience of the Armstrong and Bartlett families, who have suffered for more than four decades and this will no doubt be a very emotional time for them.
“I hope this arrest brings you closer to the answers you so deserve and have been waiting for for so long.”
Armstrong’s housemate, Susan Bartlett (pictured), was also killed in the attack.
The Chief Commissioner thanked the homicide squad officers and specialist staff who “have been fully committed to finding answers and holding those responsible for these deaths to account.”
In January 2017, police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the women’s deaths.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.