Latest news with #SouthAustralianParoleBoard
Sydney Morning Herald
06-08-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why releasing the youngest Snowtown murderer was the right decision
James Vlassakis is a self-confessed serial killer. He took part in the depraved torture and murder of four people. One of them was his friend, another was his half-brother, the final was his stepbrother – who he lured to his death in an old bank in the mid-north South Australian hamlet of Snowtown. It would be easy, also understandable, to arrive at the conclusion that for such heinous crimes, for taking four lives, he should never be released. However, after serving 26 years in prison, the South Australian Parole Board has decided to grant Vlassakis parole. Unless, within 60 days, there's a request for a review of that decision by the state's police commissioner, Attorney-General or Victims' Rights Commissioner, his integration back into society will begin. It will be gradual. Some will be surprised or outraged by the decision. However, it helps to understand how Vlassakis became a killer. It may inform the view that, perhaps, he is entitled to this conditional release. It was John Bunting who orchestrated what has become known as the Snowtown murders. Eleven killings between 1992 and 1999. The victims were people Bunting knew or had encountered, who he decided were worthless and targeted because they were homosexual – because he felt them worthless or, in his warped mind, he believed they were paedophiles. Mostly, Bunting was driven by his desire to kill. In some cases, victims were tortured. Their pensions were stolen from bank accounts long after they vanished. At Bunting's side was Robert Wagner, convicted of 10 of the murders. As the crimes were committed, others were drawn into the evil by Bunting – some were then killed themselves. Loading When John Bunting began a relationship with James Vlassakis's mother, the troubled teen fell under his control. Weak from neglect, abuse and drug use, Vlassakis, who had watched his dad die years before, saw Bunting as a father figure. Slowly, Vlassakis' vulnerable mind was poisoned – he was coerced into killing. He feared that if he didn't take part, he would be next. He probably would have been. In May 1999, when police discovered bodies in barrels in the old Snowtown bank vault, Bunting and Wagner were quickly arrested. So, too, Mark Haydon, who would eventually be jailed for assisting them. Vlassakis was not. In the days that followed, he spiralled to the brink of suicide and, before long, confessed to his crimes. He provided the detectives on Taskforce Chart with information which helped them unravel Australia's worst case of serial murder.
The Age
06-08-2025
- The Age
Why releasing the youngest Snowtown murderer was the right decision
James Vlassakis is a self-confessed serial killer. He took part in the depraved torture and murder of four people. One of them was his friend, another was his half-brother, the final was his stepbrother – who he lured to his death in an old bank in the mid-north South Australian hamlet of Snowtown. It would be easy, also understandable, to arrive at the conclusion that for such heinous crimes, for taking four lives, he should never be released. However, after serving 26 years in prison, the South Australian Parole Board has decided to grant Vlassakis parole. Unless, within 60 days, there's a request for a review of that decision by the state's police commissioner, Attorney-General or Victims' Rights Commissioner, his integration back into society will begin. It will be gradual. Some will be surprised or outraged by the decision. However, it helps to understand how Vlassakis became a killer. It may inform the view that, perhaps, he is entitled to this conditional release. It was John Bunting who orchestrated what has become known as the Snowtown murders. Eleven killings between 1992 and 1999. The victims were people Bunting knew or had encountered, who he decided were worthless and targeted because they were homosexual – because he felt them worthless or, in his warped mind, he believed they were paedophiles. Mostly, Bunting was driven by his desire to kill. In some cases, victims were tortured. Their pensions were stolen from bank accounts long after they vanished. At Bunting's side was Robert Wagner, convicted of 10 of the murders. As the crimes were committed, others were drawn into the evil by Bunting – some were then killed themselves. Loading When John Bunting began a relationship with James Vlassakis's mother, the troubled teen fell under his control. Weak from neglect, abuse and drug use, Vlassakis, who had watched his dad die years before, saw Bunting as a father figure. Slowly, Vlassakis' vulnerable mind was poisoned – he was coerced into killing. He feared that if he didn't take part, he would be next. He probably would have been. In May 1999, when police discovered bodies in barrels in the old Snowtown bank vault, Bunting and Wagner were quickly arrested. So, too, Mark Haydon, who would eventually be jailed for assisting them. Vlassakis was not. In the days that followed, he spiralled to the brink of suicide and, before long, confessed to his crimes. He provided the detectives on Taskforce Chart with information which helped them unravel Australia's worst case of serial murder.
Sky News AU
07-07-2025
- Sky News AU
Parole Board to hear release bid for Snowtown killer James Vlassakis
A notorious Snowtown killer who murdered members of his own family could win his bid for freedom as early as next month. The South Australian Parole Board is scheduled to consider a parole application from James Vlassakis, who pleaded guilty on August 5 to four murders for his part in the gruesome 'bodies in the barrels' killing rampage across Adelaide in the 1990s. Vlassakis, John Justin Bunting and Robert Joe Wagner slaughtered 11 people between 1992 and 1999. Police found some of the victims decomposing in barrels hidden in the vault of a disused bank in the town of Snowtown, north of Adelaide. Vlassakis testified against Bunting and Wagner, helping the prosecution to secure convictions against the killers. Two of Vlassakis's victims included his half-brother Troy Youde and stepbrother David Johnson. In 2002, Vlassakis was punished with a life sentence and a non-parole period of 26 years, backdated to his arrest. In May this year, he lodged an application for parole. Parole Board chair Frances Nelson, speaking with the Adelaide Advertiser, confirmed the board would likely decide on his application at its August 5 meeting. She said the board had also asked the Department for Correctional Services to provide a 'through-care' plan, which considers how a prisoner might be resocialised in the community following release from jail. Snowtown accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, who helped cover up seven of the killings, was released on parole in May this year after 25 years in prison. Under the terms of his release, Haydon must be of good behaviour and not commit any offences. He is supervised by a Community Corrections officer and now resides at an approved address. Haydon is barred from knowingly contacting or associating with, either directly or indirectly, the victims of his offending, including any members of their immediate family, and is banned from leaving or attempting to leave South Australia. The Snowtown killings gained national and international attention due to the heinous nature of the murders, which involved torture. The 2011 film Snowtown, directed by Justin Kurzel, attempted to capture the viciousness of the crimes. Actor Lucas Pittaway played the role of Vlassakis, with the film anchored in his perspective. Daniel Henshall played the part of Bunting and won Best Actor at the 2012 AACTA Awards for his portrayal of the manipulative predator. The movie proved to be controversial, with some critics praising its realistic depiction of the killings, while others deplored the violence. A suppression order is in place for Vlassakis's image. The Parole Board has been contacted for comment. Originally published as Parole hearing for Snowtown killer James Spyridon Vlassakis set for August 5
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Perth Now
Snowtown killer could be free next month
A notorious Snowtown killer who murdered members of his own family could win his bid for freedom as early as next month. The South Australian Parole Board is scheduled to consider a parole application from James Vlassakis, who pleaded guilty on August 5 to four murders for his part in the gruesome 'bodies in the barrels' killing rampage across Adelaide in the 1990s. Vlassakis, John Justin Bunting and Robert Joe Wagner slaughtered 11 people between 1992 and 1999. Police found some of the victims decomposing in barrels hidden in the vault of a disused bank in the town of Snowtown, north of Adelaide. Vlassakis testified against Bunting and Wagner, helping the prosecution to secure convictions against the killers. Two of Vlassakis's victims included his half-brother Troy Youde and stepbrother David Johnson. In 2002, Vlassakis was punished with a life sentence and a non-parole period of 26 years, backdated to his arrest. In May this year, he lodged an application for parole. Actor Lucas Pittaway in a scene from the 2011 film Snowtown. The film takes place in Adelaide. Miranda Brown Publicity Credit: Supplied Parole Board chair Frances Nelson, speaking with the Adelaide Advertiser, confirmed the board would likely decide on his application at its August 5 meeting. She said the board had also asked the Department for Correctional Services to provide a 'through-care' plan, which considers how a prisoner might be resocialised in the community following release from jail. Snowtown accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, who helped cover up seven of the killings, was released on parole in May this year after 25 years in prison. Under the terms of his release, Haydon must be of good behaviour and not commit any offences. He is supervised by a Community Corrections officer and now resides at an approved address. Haydon is barred from knowingly contacting or associating with, either directly or indirectly, the victims of his offending, including any members of their immediate family, and is banned from leaving or attempting to leave South Australia. Snowtown accomplice Mark Haydon was paroled in May this year. NewsWire / Kelly Barnes Credit: News Corp Australia The Snowtown killings gained national and international attention due to the heinous nature of the murders, which involved torture. The 2011 film Snowtown, directed by Justin Kurzel, attempted to capture the viciousness of the crimes. Actor Lucas Pittaway played the role of Vlassakis, with the film anchored in his perspective. Daniel Henshall played the part of Bunting and won Best Actor at the 2012 AACTA Awards for his portrayal of the manipulative predator. The movie proved to be controversial, with some critics praising its realistic depiction of the killings, while others deplored the violence. A suppression order is in place for Vlassakis's image. The Parole Board has been contacted for comment.
