The Easy Street Murders

The Easy Street murders remain one of Melbourne’s most notorious unsolved crimes. In 1977, two young women were found brutally murdered in their home on Easy Street, Collingwood, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The violent nature of the killings and the lack of clear suspects have left the case shrouded in mystery for decades, turning it into a chilling chapter in the city’s criminal history.

The Victims
On January 10, 1977, the bodies of 28-year-old Suzanne Armstrong and 27-year-old Susan Bartlett were discovered in the home they shared at 147 Easy Street. The pair, both close friends, had only recently moved into the property, hoping for a fresh start in a vibrant part of Melbourne.

Suzanne Armstrong, a single mother, lived in the home with her 16-month-old son, Gregory. Susan Bartlett was a school teacher, known for her kind and gentle nature. The two women were well-liked in their community, and the discovery of their brutal deaths sent shockwaves through the neighborhood.

The Crime Scene
The crime scene was horrific. Both women had been stabbed multiple times in what appeared to be a frenzied attack. Suzanne Armstrong was found in her bedroom, while Susan Bartlett’s body was located in another room of the house. The violent nature of the killings suggested that the perpetrator harbored intense rage or had some personal connection to the victims.

One of the most haunting aspects of the case was that Suzanne’s young son, Gregory, was found unharmed in his crib. It was believed that the child had been left alone in the house for several days after the murders, but he was physically unharmed. His cries were eventually heard by neighbors, which led to the discovery of the crime scene.

The Investigation
Melbourne’s Homicide Squad launched an extensive investigation into the Easy Street murders. Despite the brutality of the crime, there were no clear suspects and very few clues that pointed to the identity of the killer. The house did not show signs of a forced entry, suggesting that the women may have known their attacker or that they felt comfortable enough to let the person inside.

The police interviewed hundreds of people, including neighbors, acquaintances, and anyone who may have had contact with the victims in the days leading up to the murders. However, the investigation faced numerous challenges, and no arrests were made. The lack of forensic technology at the time, such as DNA testing, made it difficult to find decisive evidence linking anyone to the crime.

The investigation also yielded some strange details. For instance, a letter addressed to one of the victims was found ripped up near the scene, although it’s unclear whether this had any significance. Additionally, several witnesses reported seeing a man loitering near the property around the time of the murders, but no one could provide a clear description of him.

Theories and Speculation
Over the years, various theories have emerged about who might be responsible for the Easy Street murders. Some speculated that the killer was someone known to the women, given the personal and brutal nature of the attack. Others believed it could have been a random intruder or a serial offender who targeted the women for reasons that remain unknown.

A key theory revolved around the possibility that the perpetrator had been stalking the women and chose the night of the attack carefully. However, no solid evidence supporting this theory ever emerged.

In the decades since the murders, numerous people have been considered persons of interest, but none have been definitively linked to the crime. Despite the many leads followed by investigators, the case remains unsolved.

Cold Case Review
In the 2000s, advancements in forensic science, particularly DNA testing, led to a renewed interest in the case. Investigators hoped that new techniques could potentially identify the killer using evidence collected from the crime scene. However, despite these efforts, no breakthrough has been made. The case continues to be one of Melbourne’s most infamous unsolved murders, with the killer still at large.

The Easy Street murders have become a symbol of the sometimes elusive nature of justice in unsolved cases. The brutality of the crime, the vulnerability of the victims, and the survival of Suzanne Armstrong’s young son all contribute to the sense of tragedy surrounding the case.

Legacy
The Easy Street murders remain a source of fear and fascination in Melbourne, a city that prides itself on its relatively low levels of violent crime. The case has been the subject of true crime documentaries, books, and podcasts, as people continue to speculate on the identity of the killer and the motives behind the murders.

For the families of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, the lack of closure has been especially painful. More than four decades after the killings, the women’s loved ones still hold out hope that one day, justice will be served.

In the broader context of Australian criminal history, the Easy Street murders stand as a reminder of the devastating impact that unsolved crimes can have on a community. The fear and uncertainty surrounding the case linger to this day, with many locals still wondering whether the truth will ever be uncovered.