James Vlassakis granted parole after court upholds release
Snowtown killer Vlassakis spent more than 27 years in prison. He will be released on parole despite government opposition.
James Spyridon Vlassakis was the youngest of four perpetrators in the Snowtown 'bodies in the barrels' killings and will be freed on parole. The South Australian government tried to block his release.
The Parole Administrative Review Commissioner found no reason to overturn the decision. Vlassakis pleaded guilty to four murders and has spent more than 27 years behind bars.
The commissioner noted he showed excellent behaviour in custody. He had only three positive drug tests in 29 tests while in prison.
Vlassakis was 18 when he took part in his half-brother's murder in 1998. He did this at the urging of ringleader John Bunting.
The reviewer found Bunting's influence over Vlassakis, once a father figure, cannot happen again. Bunting is serving life without parole.
- more than 27 years
- Years imprisoned
- 4 murders
- Murders pleaded guilty to
- 3 positive from 29 tests in prison
- Drug test results
- 5 August 2025
- Parole decision date
Why it mattersRelease decisions for serious crimes spark public worry about victim safety and justice system accountability in high-profile cases.
AustraliaSouth Australian parole system faces public scrutiny as a Snowtown perpetrator returns to community after three decades in custody.
Corroborated bynine.com.au·perthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
