Greek-Australian arrested in Rome for murders committed 47 years ago
A Greek-Australian man accused of committing two murders in Melbourne 47 years ago was arrested on Saturday at Fiumicino Airport in Rome.
The 65-year-old is charged by Australian authorities with the murders of 27-year-old Suzanne Armstrong and 28-year-old Susan Bartlett in 1977. He is accused of stabbing both women multiple times in their apartment. Armstrong’s 16-month-old baby, who was sleeping in the next room, survived the attack.
Australian police described the crime as brutal and extreme, later announcing they had identified the perpetrator through DNA testing. An international arrest warrant was issued for him seven years ago.
The man had reportedly been living in Greece for many years, where he could not be arrested due to the statute of limitations. However, when he arrived in Italy on Saturday for a vacation, he was arrested immediately after disembarking from the plane.
Australian authorities are expected to request his extradition.
