In a significant legal development, 19 witnesses are set to testify in the case concerning the alleged stabbing murder of two young women nearly 50 years ago. Suzanne Armstrong, aged 28, and 27-year-old Susan Bartlett were discovered dead in their home on Easey Street, Collingwood, a suburb of Melbourne, with over 24 stab wounds. Remarkably, Armstrong’s 16-month-old son, Gregory, was found unharmed in his cot.
Perry Kouroumblis, a 65-year-old man, is charged with the murders of both women and the rape of Armstrong, occurring between January 10 and January 13, 1977. This case, notoriously referred to as the “Easey Street murders,” has remained unresolved for decades. Kouroumblis appeared via video link at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, affirming his ability to see and hear the proceedings.
During this hearing, Kouroumblis’ legal team requested the examination of 21 witnesses at an upcoming committal hearing, aimed at scrutinising evidence prior to a potential trial in a higher court. The prosecution objected to the cross-examination of four witnesses, arguing that they had already provided sufficient statements to the police. However, Magistrate Brett Sonnett agreed that two former police officers—the initial responders to the crime scene—could be cross-examined.
Kouroumblis has yet to enter a plea regarding the charges against him. He is scheduled to return to court on October 27 for a six-day committal hearing, during which the testimonies of the 19 witnesses will be comprehensively examined.
A dual Greek-Australian national, Kouroumblis had resided in Greece since 2016. His arrest was complicated by a 20-year statute of limitations, which typically applies to the initiation of murder charges. However, upon his travel to Italy, he was apprehended under an INTERPOL red notice and subsequently extradited to Australia in December to answer for the allegations.