Snowtown killer James Vlassakis.
Share and Follow

The sister of one of the Snowtown murder victims has slammed the decision to release one of the killers, James Vlassakis, as an insult.

Karen Davies, whose brother Ray was one of the eleven victims of the Snowtown murders, has condemned the decision. 

“Where’s (my brother’s) freedom… he’s never going to have that ever again,” she said. 

Snowtown killer James Vlassakis.
Snowtown killer James Vlassakis has been granted parole. (Nine)

“(Vlassakis) is going to have the freedom to see his family, to see his loved ones, to make friends.

“I know to them and in their eyes he might have been a model prisoner when he was in there but it’s still the fact he took four lives.”

Vlassakis is the youngest of the Snowtown killers and was given a 26-year non-parole period in exchange for his assistance in convicting his stepfather, John Bunting, and Robert Wagner.

In approving his release on Tuesday, the parole board chair described the now 45-year-old as “well-behaved” and someone who doesn’t pose a risk to the community. 

The attorney-general, victims’ rights commissioner, and police commissioner have been given 60 days to launch a review of the parole board’s decision. 

“We will be considering the formal reasons and the exact conditions that the parole board has imposed,” Attorney-General Kyam Maher said.

“We haven’t received those yet.”

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens of South Australia Police confirmed that the matter is under scrutiny. 

“That’s being reviewed by our major crime investigation branch who will provide me advice,” he said. 

“I’m not personally aware and I understand some people have done some research and haven’t been able to find a person having been convicted of these offences would have been subject to release.”

If there is no successful review, Vlassakis will next be moved to a pre-release centre where he will start to re-enter society and can even get a job. But even once he’s free, he’ll be monitored for the rest of his life.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
Share and Follow
You May Also Like

“How Criminals Are Targeting Dating Apps and Making You an Easy Target”

When Jamaica Hanley first used a LGBTIQ+ dating app, Grindr, several years…

Trump and Putin Set for Direct Confrontation Over the Ukraine Conflict

New sanctions against Russia will still kick in on Friday (Saturday AEST),…

Major Bank Surprises with Rate Increase Before Anticipated RBA Reduction

Less than a week before the Reserve Bank is expected to hand…

Legendary 80s Singer Halts Tour Due to Serious Health Concern

Midge Ure has cancelled all of his upcoming tour dates over an…

Understanding Chikungunya: The Virus Currently Spreading in China

COVID-style measures are returning in parts of southern China after thousands of…

Trump’s Significant New Tariffs Are Now Active: Here’s What You Should Know

US President Donald Trump has enacted a new wave of tariffs on…

Local Health Officials Report: 38 Palestinians Killed in Gaza’s Rush for Aid

At least 38 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip…

The latest scam potentially targeting all social media users

Australians will soon need to prove their age to access social media…