DNA Updates Unravel 1986 Easey Street Murder Mystery

Chalk outline at a crime scene with evidence markers.

Decades after the chilling Easey Street murders, a breakthrough has emerged with the extradition of Perry Kouroumblis, spotlighting advances in DNA technology.

At a Glance

Perry Kouroumblis extradited from Italy to face charges in the Easey Street murders.
Advancements in DNA technology played a crucial role in reviving the case.
The 1977 murders left a lasting impact on the Melbourne community.
Victims’ families commend law enforcement for their relentless pursuit of justice.

Extradition from Italy

Perry Kouroumblis, who had been residing in Italy, was extradited to Australia to face charges related to the infamous “Easey Street murders” of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett in Melbourne. These murders, which have haunted the community since 1977, remained unsolved for decades, compelling public intrigue and numerous media portrayals.

The extradition follows Australian authorities’ strategic coordination with Italian police, who responded to an Interpol red flag by detaining Kouroumblis as he traveled from Greece. Kouroumblis denies involvement, maintaining his stance of innocence through his legal representatives.

7NEWS can exclusively reveal that 65-year-old Perry Kouroumblis, the main suspect in the Easey Street murders, is also a person of interest in another cold case murder as per Italian authorities. https://t.co/v0mmeygxQl @cassiezervos #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/4zvOA3dBP4

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 1, 2024

The Role of DNA Technology

Renewed investigations revealed compelling DNA evidence, reigniting hope in solving the case. This evidence linked Kouroumblis to the murders by matching DNA collected from a family member to crime scene samples. Such advances in technology have allowed detectives to pursue leads that eluded investigators in previous decades.

Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton said this: “For over 47 years, detectives from the homicide squad have worked tirelessly to determine who was responsible for the deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett.”

Discoveries since the 2017 reopening of the cold case, such as evidence presented in major appeals that resulted in a $1 million reward for information, have been pivotal. However, Greek legal constraints had previously prevented extradition from Kouroumblis’s former residence in Athens.

Perry Kouroumblis was arrested over the Easey Street murders. Now the long extradition process starts as a friend reveals his shock w/ @alysialts https://t.co/SIpyG0z1fg via @ABCaustralia

— Mike Lorigan (@mikelorigan) September 24, 2024

Impact on Victims’ Families

The murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, who fell victim to brutal attacks in their shared home on Easey Street, left an indelible mark on Melbourne. Armstrong’s toddler son was found unharmed at the crime scene, adding chilling complexity to the tragedy. Families of the victims have expressed deep gratitude for the unyielding commitment shown by law enforcement in their pursuit of justice.

“This struck at the heart of our community—two women in their own home, where they should have felt their safest,” said Commissioner Shane Patton.

The recent advancements in closing this nearly five-decade-old case mark a significant step towards resolution and accountability, sparking both local and international interest. Authorities remain focused on ensuring justice is served, demonstrating the power of persistence in addressing unsolved crimes.