Convicted murderer James Vlassakis, one of the perpetrators in the infamous Snowtown “bodies-in-the-barrels” case, has formally applied for release on parole, the South Australian Parole Board has confirmed to ABC.
Vlassakis, now in his mid-40s, was just 19 when he became involved in the serial killings, which took place between 1992 and 1999 and were among the worst in Australia’s history.
He was found guilty of four murders but received a reduced non-parole period of 26 years due to his cooperation with authorities, which was pivotal in securing convictions against ringleaders John Bunting and Robert Wagner.
Frances Nelson KC, Chair of the Parole Board, confirmed that a hearing for Vlassakis’ application is at least eight weeks away. His image remains suppressed under court orders.
The case gained notoriety after police discovered the remains of victims in six plastic barrels stored in a disused bank vault in Snowtown in May 1999. Many victims were known personally to the killers.
Victims’ Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick said she had consulted with affected families and made a submission to the board regarding the parole application.
Last year, fellow accomplice Mark Ray Haydon was released after serving 25 years, under strict conditions including electronic monitoring, a curfew, and restrictions on contact with co-offenders and victims’ families.
Source: ABC News
