Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man over the death of Samantha Mizzi in St Kilda more than 30 years ago.
Colin McKane, 67, was arrested in Ararat, in Victoria’s west, on Thursday.
He has been charged with murder and two counts of rape and will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this evening.
The charges follow the alleged deadly attack on Ms Mizzi, 24, from Castlemaine, in country Victoria, on March 29, 1994.
Her body was found by a passer-by in bushes at the rear of a property on St Kilda’s Brighton Road about 11pm.
She was taken to hospital but died the following morning.
In announcing the breakthrough arrest, Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said criminals should take note that Victoria Police never lets a case rest.
‘Today’s arrest and charges highlight that it doesn’t matter how many years have passed, detectives remain committed to holding those who are involved in violent crimes to account,’ he said.
Samantha Mizzi was allegedly raped and murdered more than 30 years ago
Police attend the brutal 1994 crime scene in St Kilda
Ms Mizzi’s alleged murder made national headlines at the time
Victoria Police said on Thursday that they remained committed to solving the crime
‘It also shows that progress can be made on cases, even after decades have passed, and that we can begin the process of providing families with long-needed answers.
‘If there are people out there who have information about a crime such as this, no matter how many years have passed, I can assure you that it’s never too late to come forward.’
At the time, it was believed Ms Mizzi was allegedly fatally beaten with an object and sexually assaulted before being stripped and left to die.
She had travelled to the red light district from Castlemaine to earn money to support her children, who were at home being cared for by a friend.
Witnesses said Ms Mizzi was seen speaking with a Caucasian man in his 40s prior to the attack whose identity remains a mystery.
