Italian authorities approve extradition of murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis to Australia

·

The Italian government has approved Australia’s request to extradite Perry Kouroumblis – the prime suspect in the gruesome Easey Street murders in Melbourne.

The Australian-Greek national is wanted by Victorian police in connection with the murders of Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong on Easey Street, Collingwood, in 1977.

Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett were stabbed to death in their share house. Ms Armstrong’s 16-month-old son was found alone in his cot in the aftermath.

At the time of the murders, Kouroumblis, then 17, was found with a knife in his car, which he claimed to have found on railway tracks near the crime scene.

In 2017, Kouroumblis left Australia for Greece after being asked for a DNA sample by cold case investigators. He couldn’t be extradited due to Greece’s statute of limitations.

That law doesn’t exist in Italy, which is how the 65-year-old was arrested in Rome when he arrived two months ago. He remains in Regina Coeli prison, known as one of the city’s toughest.

Former Collingwood man Perry Kouroumblis detained over 1977 Easey St cold case
The Italian government has approved Australia’s request to extradite Perry Kouroumblis – the prime suspect in the gruesome Easey Street murders in Melbourne.

No charges have been laid in relation to the case and Kouroumblis maintains his innocence.

His lawyer, Serena Tucci, said on Monday that Italy’s Justice Minister, Carlo Nordio, had agreed to Australia’s extradition request, and she had informed Kouroumblis of the decision.

“He’s lucid. He’s very attentive to what’s being told to him, and he’s prepared to face his trial in Australia,” Ms Tucci told the ABC.

Before extradition can take place, judge Aldo Morgigni from the Rome Court of Appeal, must grant final approval under an executive order. Ms Tucci said she expected the judge to make a decision on the case this week.

Once the extradition had been approved, Australian authorities have 15 days to transfer him from Rome to Melbourne.

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

Greek Australians among top real estate young guns of 2025

A number of young Greek Australians have cemented their place among the best in Sydney and NSW’s real estate scene.

Lachlan Arghyros balances surfing dreams and school through distance education

Fifteen-year-old Lachlan Arghyros from Kingscliff, NSW, is making waves both in and out of the water as he chases a surfing career.

You May Also Like

Lesbos fire damages Greek island refugee centre as tensions remain high

A fire broke out at a refugee center on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece’s firefighting service said Sunday, causing considerable damage to a warehouse but no injuries.

Greek Australian Dialogue Series continues with Enterprise Greece executive Betty Alexandropoulou

The session will look at how Greek exports have changed during the COVID pandemic.

Greece prepares for arrival of Turkey’s President Erdogan

Greece has prepared snipers, drones and 3,500 police officers for the upcoming visit of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.