By Chris Vedelago
NEW DNA tests have been ordered on the original suspects in the infamous Easey Street murders more than a decade after they were cleared by the same technology.
The homicide squad is retesting the eight prime suspects, among dozens of others, in the hope that advances in DNA profiling could lead to a break in the 35-year-old mystery.
The Collingwood house where Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett were murdered in 1977.
Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, were stabbed to death in a frenzied attack in their home in Easey Street, Collingwood, on January 10, 1977. Their bodies were found two days later when neighbours heard the cries of Ms Armstrong's 16-month-old son, Gregory. Ms Armstrong was also raped.
Despite a massive police hunt and a $50,000 reward, no one has been charged with one of the nation's most shocking crimes.
In the late 1990s, police hoped DNA testing would finally reveal the identity of the killer, but the eight key suspects - all of whom voluntarily provided blood samples - were cleared of any connection to the crime scene. A ninth suspect was tested and cleared about two years ago.
Lead investigator Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles said 30 to 35 people had now been DNA tested, including retesting a number of ''persons of interest''.
"While DNA testing has so far failed to uncover an offender, it has proven a useful tool in eliminating suspects," he said.
Police said retesting is ''common practice'', but declined to say whether it was sparked by advances in DNA technology or because there were problems with the original samples.
Ms Armstrong's stepfather, Bruce Currie, said he and Ms Armstrong's mother, Eileen Currie, were told last year the original suspects would be retested. ''[Senior Sergeant Iddles] reckoned the DNA testing hadn't been done correctly in the first place. So they were redoing it … for about eight people, I think,'' Mr Currie said. ''He said they had one more to do the last time I was talking to him.''
Flinders University DNA expert Adrian Linacre said improvements in DNA technology meant it was possible to reanalyse evidence that was previously thought to be unusable.
''It is possible to get DNA profiles from samples that weren't feasible in the late 1990s.''
Senior Sergeant Iddles said the investigation was pursuing a ''number of lines of inquiry'' but again called for the public's help in solving the crime.
''We believe that someone out there knows something about these murders and, after 35 years, it is time for that person to come forward,'' he said. "The families of these two young women are still looking for answers and we would like to provide them with the closure they need to move forward with their lives.''
■ Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.