James Spyridon Vlassakis, one of the key perpetrators in the notorious “bodies in the barrels” Snowtown murders, could be released from prison next month.
According to The Advertiser, the South Australian Parole Board is set to consider his application on August 5.
Vlassakis, who pleaded guilty to four murders in 2002, received a life sentence with a non-parole period of 26 years. Now 45, he has spent over two decades behind bars.
His victims included his half-brother and stepbrother, and he later gave key evidence that helped convict co-offenders John Bunting and Robert Wagner – both of whom are serving life sentences without parole.
Parole Board chair Frances Nelson told The Advertiser Vlassakis’ institutional behaviour had been “very good” and acknowledged that “he did give evidence against the other two perpetrators, which was quite brave, really.”
She added, “We have asked the Department for Correctional Services to give us what I call a through-care plan… how might he best be resocialised, because he has been in prison for a very long time.”
While no guarantee has been given, Nelson noted it was likely a decision would be made at the August meeting.
Vlassakis’ image and imprisonment details have remained suppressed for over 20 years due to ongoing safety concerns. His story inspired the 2011 award-winning film Snowtown, which dramatised the crimes from his perspective.
Unlike co-conspirator Mark Haydon – who was released on parole in 2024 – Vlassakis would remain under parole conditions for life if granted release.
A state government spokesperson stressed that “James Vlassakis is a life-sentenced prisoner” and would continue to be monitored indefinitely if freed.
Source: The Advertiser
