Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man in relation to the death of Castlemaine woman and mother of two, Samantha Mizzi, in St Kilda 31 years ago.
Colin George McKane, 67, was arrested in Ararat early Thursday.
He has been charged with murder and two counts of rape and appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court late Thursday.
He was subsequently remanded in custody to appear in court on December 18 for a committal mention.
Thursday’s charges follow the fatal assault of Samantha Mizzi in St Kilda on March 29, 1994.
The 24-year-old Castlemaine woman was located unresponsive by a passerby in bushes at the rear of a property on Brighton Road about 11pm that night.
She was conveyed to hospital but died the following morning.
Samantha’s children, Steven and Tanille, were at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday to witness McKane face the charges against him.
The pair told waiting media they were still processing the arrest but were relieved someone had been charged. They hoped it served as a deterrent that even after more than 30 years, offenders could still be brought to justice.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad said Thursday’s arrest and charges highlight that it didn’t matter how many years have passed, detectives remained committed to holding those who were involved in violent crimes to account.
“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,” Det Insp Thomas said.
“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.
“Any piece of information will be assessed thoroughly by police in the hope it can provide new avenues of enquiry for an investigation.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information about Samantha’s murder is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
