South Australia’s most notorious murder case has taken a dramatic turn, with new footage revealing the face of Snowtown serial killer James Vlassakis, as the state’s highest court considers whether he could soon walk free.
A near 30-year suppression order has been lifted, allowing the public to see Vlassakis for the first time since he was jailed over the “bodies in the barrels” murders. Vlassakis pleaded guilty to four of the murders, including that of his half-brother, Troy Youde.
In newly surfaced videos recorded behind bars, the now-44-year-old speaks about his parole bid, saying he is “supposed to see the parole board on the 24th” and that he has “packed up (his) cell ready to go.”
Vlassakis was granted parole last year, but that decision was halted pending an appeal. The Court of Appeal is now weighing whether the Parole Board was right to approve his release. If released, he will be the first serial killer in Australian history to get parole.
Police assess safety risks
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said authorities would assess any safety risks if Vlassakis were allowed back into the community, adding that “any person in the community has a right to safety.”
A final decision on whether the convicted killer will be released is expected in the coming months.
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