James Vlassakis to be released on parole in Snowtown murder case

An Australian court has upheld the decision to grant parole to James Vlassakis, the youngest participant in the notorious Snowtown “Bodies-in-Barrels” murders. The South Australia Court of Appeal rejected a challenge by the state government, which had sought to block his release.

Vlassakis, now 46, pleaded guilty to four murders committed when he was 18 and served as a key prosecution witness against other members of the group. His minimum non-parole period of 26 years expired in August 2025. The Parole Board noted that Vlassakis has shown excellent prison behavior, has been remorseful, and does not possess an anti-social personality disorder.

As part of his transition, Vlassakis is expected to move to the Adelaide Pre-release Centre for approximately 12 months. His parole will be subject to strict lifelong conditions, including curfews, geographical restrictions, psychological treatment, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

The decision has caused significant distress among the families of the victims. South Australia Attorney-General Kyam Maher argued that the gravity of the crimes and the impact on the community psyche justified continued incarceration, while the Parole Board maintained that Vlassakis no longer poses a risk to the public.