Snowtown Serial Killer James Vlassakis Granted Parole After 26 Years in Prison

One of Australia's most notorious and chilling criminal cases has taken a new turn with the granting of parole to James Vlassakis, the youngest of the four perpetrators behind the 'bodies-in-the-barrels' serial killings. Vlassakis was approved for parole on Tuesday, marking the end of his 26-year non-parole period, which began when he was arrested in 1999.

The Snowtown murders, which spanned from 1992 to 1999, involved the deaths of 12 individuals, with 11 of them later classified as murders. The victims' remains were discovered in a disused bank vault in Snowtown, South Australia, in May 1999. This grim discovery shocked the nation and sparked a major criminal investigation.

Vlassakis, now in his mid-40s, was 18 years old when he became involved in the killings. He was particularly implicated in the murder of his half-brother, Troy Youde, at the behest of John Bunting, the ringleader of the crime. He later participated in the murders of Fred Brooks, Gary O'Dwyer, and David Johnson, all of whom were found among the remains discovered in Snowtown.

He pleaded guilty to four of the murders, and in return for his cooperation with authorities, his sentence was reduced from a potential 42-year non-parole period to 26 years. His role as a key witness in the trial of John Bunting and Robert Wagner was critical in securing their convictions. However, unlike Bunting and Wagner, who are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, Vlassakis was given a chance at eventual release.

Parole Board Chair Frances Nelson KC stated that Vlassakis met the legislative criteria for parole and showed genuine remorse. She emphasized that he would be subject to lifetime restrictions, including limitations on where he can go to avoid contact with victims' families. Additionally, he will not be allowed to change his name or move freely without oversight.

Despite the board's decision, the response from victims' families has been mixed. Ronald Lane, the nephew of one of the victims, expressed deep anger and sadness, calling the decision a 'slap in the face.' Others, however, have found some comfort in the fact that Vlassakis will be under strict conditions for the rest of his life.

Former South Australian Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras has called the decision to grant parole 'astonishing,' arguing that the fact that Vlassakis 'behaved himself' in prison is not a justification for release. The Police Commissioner, Grant Stevens, has said he will review the decision once he has examined the board's rationale.

Victim's Commissioner Sarah Quick noted that while some loved ones feel a sense of injustice, others have been more resigned to the outcome. She emphasized that the conditions placed on Vlassakis offer a degree of reassurance to the families affected by the murders.

As the town of Snowtown continues to grapple with its dark past, the granting of parole to Vlassakis has reignited discussions about justice, accountability, and the long-term impact of such crimes on communities. For now, the future of Vlassakis remains under strict supervision, and the final decision on his release will rest with the South Australian Police Commissioner, the Commissioner for Victims' Rights, and the Attorney-General.

This article was originally published by ABC News. It is republished here with permission.