Vlassakis Set Free After Parole Ruling | Johannesburg News

An Australian court has overturned the state government’s attempt to block the release of James Vlassakis, one of three convicted killers in the chilling “bodies-in-barrels” case. After serving his 26-year minimum sentence and demonstrating remorse and good behavior behind bars, Vlassakis was granted parole — only for the government to reverse it. The Court of Appeal now upholds the parole board’s decision, citing no risk to public safety. His crimes, beginning at 18, included four murders he confessed to and helped convict others — including his stepfather, John Bunting, who was sentenced to life without parole for eleven killings targeting gay men and pedophiles. With Bunting and Wagner already locked away, and Haydon released earlier, Vlassakis’ freedom marks a controversial but legally justified conclusion to a brutal chapter in Australia’s criminal history. 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.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-09-15-australian-court-rules-to-release-youngest-serial-killer-in-notorious-snowtown-murders/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a80837fce8be7898 Report issues to [email protected].