Vlassakis Parole Ruled Legal | Little Rock News

Australia’s highest court has greenlit the release of James Vlassakis, one of three convicted killers in the chilling “Bodies-in-Barrels” murders that shocked the nation in 1999. At just 18, he began a seven-year killing spree that claimed 11 lives, with victims’ remains found in acid-filled barrels. Though he pleaded guilty to four murders and served as a key prosecution witness, his life sentence—minus 26 years—ended last August. Despite fierce government opposition citing the crimes’ brutality and community trauma, the court sided with parole officials who deemed him rehabilitated, remorseful, and non-dangerous. Vlassakis, stepson of ringleader John Bunting, now walks free—a verdict that closes a dark chapter for South Australia while sparking national debate over justice, rehabilitation, and public safety. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/sep/16/australian-court-rules-to-free-serial-killer-in/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/eba21f57270df513 Report issues to [email protected].