Haroula Kipouridou

Haroula Kipouridou, a 25-year-old Greek-Australian singer, was found brutally murdered in the lift of her Richmond housing commission tower in the early hours of 3 July 1981. She had been bashed, strangled, and sexually assaulted just minutes after being dropped home by friends. Despite decades of investigation and multiple suspects interviewed, her killer has never been identified. In February 2026, Victoria Police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to a conviction.

Haroula Kipouridou, a female aged 25, was murdered on 3 July 1981 in Richmond, Victoria. This case remains unsolved and the investigation is ongoing.

CIRCUMSTANCES On the night of 2 July 1981, Haroula had been working as a singer at a Greek tavern on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. After finishing her shift, two work associates gave her a lift home to her Elizabeth Street address in Richmond, dropping her off in front of the housing commission tower at approximately 2:00am.

The pair did not observe anything suspicious at the time of drop-off. However, approximately thirty minutes later, at around 2:30am on 3 July 1981, Haroula's body was discovered on the floor of a lift inside the tower. She had been subjected to a violent physical assault, including being bashed and strangled. She had also been sexually assaulted during the attack and was found semi-naked.

INVESTIGATION The Homicide Squad conducted an extensive investigation, speaking to a large number of people who were known to Haroula or who lived in the vicinity of the housing tower. Although several individuals were investigated as potential suspects, police were unable to determine who the offender or offenders may have been.

Media reports at the time suggested police were investigating one specific suspect, however there has never been sufficient evidence to conclusively identify that person as responsible. No one has ever been charged in relation to Haroula's death.

In 1983, a Coroner returned an open finding in relation to Haroula's death.

REWARD A reward of $50,000 was announced three months after her death in 1981. On 22 February 2026, Victoria Police announced an increased reward of up to $1,000,000 for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible. The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information identifying the principal offender.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.