Snowtown Murderer James Vlassakis Granted Parole After 26 Years

James Vlassakis, the youngest of four men convicted in South Australia's notorious 'bodies in the barrels' serial killings, has been granted parole after serving 26 years in prison. Vlassakis was involved in four of the 11 murders between 1992 and 1999 and served as a key prosecution witness against John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who are both serving life sentences without parole. The South Australian Parole Board determined that Vlassakis does not pose a risk to the community and will undergo up to 12 months at the Adelaide pre-release centre as part of his resocialisation process before full release. Parole Board chair Frances Nelson noted that while victims may feel the punishment is insufficient, the board's role is to assess parole eligibility rather than sentencing. There is a 60-day review period during which the Attorney-General, Commissioner for Victims' Rights, or Police Commissioner may appeal the decision. This parole follows the earlier release of accomplice Mark Ray Haydon under strict supervision earlier in 2024.