‘Bodies in the barrels’ serial killer granted parole in a world-first after spending 26 years behind bars
The youngest murdered involved in one of Australia’s most of horrific serial killings has been allowed out on parole and into the custody of a pre-release centre.
James Spyridon Vlassakis has been behind bars since 2001 for the “body in the barrels” murders, which were committed around Adelaide between August 1992 and May 1999.
The now 45-year-old has spent 26 years behind bars.
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Vlassakis was only 19-years old when he pleaded guilty to the murders of Troy Youde, 21, who was Vlassakis’ half-brother, David Johnson, Vlassakis’ step-brother, Frederick Brooks and Gary O’Dwyer.
South Australia Parole board chair Frances Nelson said Vlassakis was “extremely young” at just 14-years-old when he was involved in the murders.
His then step-father John Justin Bunting would go on to become the ringleader of the deadly group.
Bunting was convicted of 11 counts of murder.
The victims were chosen at random by Bunting, and he is believed to have told Wagner and Vlassakis they were paedophiles or homosexuals.
The remains were found in barrels filled with hydrochloric acid and hidden in a disused bank vault in the quiet country town of Snowtown, about 150km north of Adelaide.
The majority of the victims were either family or friends of the four perpetrators.
Vlassakis testimony gave way to the conviction of both Bunting, and co-accused murderer Robert Wagner.
Because of the evidence given, a suppression order was placed and no image of Vlassakis is allowed to be published for his safety.
Vlassakis’s testimony also helped put another man, accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, behind bars.
Haydon was released into the community last year after serving a 25-year sentence.
Vlassakis will not be free to roam in the community, and will be remanded into the custody of the Adelaide Pre-Release Centre, where he will adhere to strict conditions.
That facility is designed to help prisoners like Vlassakis be re-introduced into society — learning basic concepts of public transport and being taught how to use modern technology.
Nelson said it is “understandable” that the Snowtown victims family would be upset about Vlassakis being given parole, but said “geo-graphic exclusion zones” would be adhered to, meaning he couldn’t approach any of his victims families.
Typical parole conditions will apply, including a strict ban on alcohol, drugs and possessing a weapon.
Nelson said that the board didn’t believe Vlassakis to be a “risk to the community” and that his behaviour as a prisoner for the last 26 years had been “excellent”
Attorney-General Kyam Maher, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and Commissioner for Victims Rights Sarah Quick have 60 days to appeal the decision.
