Snowtown murderer seen leaving correctional facility

Read the original at The Sydney Morning Herald ↗

The Sydney Morning Herald · collected 2026-10-08

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James Vlassakis, also known as the "bodies in the barrels" killer from the Snowtown serial murders, was recently released from a South Australian prison and has been seen leaving the Adelaide Pre-release Centre. The decision to release him, despite attempts by the South Australian government to block it, was upheld by the SA Parole Board in September 2023. Vlassakis served a life sentence with a non-parole period of 26 years for his involvement in the murders between 1992 and 1999, including those of Fred Brooks, Gary O'Dwyer, David Johnson, and his half-brother Troy Youde. He will spend up to 12 months at the pre-release centre while the Parole Board monitors his transition back into the community.

Written for “Snowtown Killer Released” on 2026-10-08, grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.

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No political leaning scored for article 64830 · logged 2026-10-08