Man, 67, Charged with Cold Case Murder of 24-Year-Old Killed 31 Years Ago By Kimberlee Speakman

More than three decades after the killing of 24-year-old Samantha Mizzi in Australia, police have made an arrest. 

Victoria Police in Australia announced in a press release that they have arrested and charged a 67-year-old man — who was not identified by name — in Ararat, Australia, on Thursday, Aug. 14, in connection to Mizzi’s death.

Authorities have not shared further details about what led to the arrest, but said the investigation into her death remains ongoing.

“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,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas with the Homicide Squad said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

Mizzi was fatally assaulted in St Kilda — a suburb in Melbourne — on March 29, 1994, according to police. Her body was located by a passerby in the “bushes at the rear of a property on Brighton Road” at around 11 p.m. local time that night.

After she was found, she was transported to the hospital. However, police said she died the following morning. 

The 67-year-old man  — who was identified by The Australian as Colin George McKane — has been charged with murder and two counts of rape, according to police. He is scheduled to make an appearance at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

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The breakthrough comes thanks to advances in investigative technology — including DNA analysis and genetic genealogy — that now allow detectives to identify suspects in cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

“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,” Thomas said. 

“Any piece of information will be assessed thoroughly by police in the hope it can provide new avenues of enquiry for an investigation,” he added.