Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man in relation to the death of Castlemaine woman and mother of two, Samantha Mizzi, in St Kilda over 31 years ago.
A 67-year-old man 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 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 body of the 24-year-old Castlemaine woman was located by a passerby in bushes at the rear of a property on Brighton Road about 11pm that night.
She was conveyed to hospital but passed away the following morning.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad said Thursday’s arrest and charges highlight that it doesn’t matter how many years have passed, detectives remain committed to holding those who are involved 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.
“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 is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au