Nephew of Snowtown murder victim calls for rejection of killer's parole applicationBy Eva Blandis and James WakelinTopic:Homicide23m ago23 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 6:04amThe old Snowtown bank building where eight bodies were found in 1999. (ABC News: Che Chorley)In short:Ronald Lane, nephew of Barry Lane who was killed in the Snowtown "bodies-in-the-barrels" murders, says convicted killer James Vlassakis's bid for parole is a "slap in the face".Commissioner for Victims' Rights Sarah Quick says she has spoken with many people who do not want Vlassakis or his co-offenders releasedWhat's next?A parole hearing is expected to be at least eight weeks away.abc.net.au/news/snowtown-bodies-in-barrel-murders-james-vlassakis-reaction/105244922Link copiedShareShare articleThe nephew of one of the "bodies-in-the-barrels" murder victims has called on South Australia's Parole Board not to release convicted killer James Vlassakis who has applied to be released into the community.SA Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC told the ABC on Thursday that Vlassakis, the youngest of the four Snowtown murderers, has made the application.Vlassakis, who is now aged in his mid-40s, was jailed for life but given a 26-year non-parole period because his testimony helped authorities to convict John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were jailed for 11 and 10 murders respectively.Mark Ray Haydon, Robert Joe Wagner and John Justin Bunting were jailed for their involvement in the Snowtown murders. (Supplied: Tim Ide)His testimony also helped to convict murder accomplice Mark Ray Haydon — who was released into the community last year after serving a 25-year sentence.The nephew of victim Barry Lane has told the ABC of his fear at Vlassakis being released and said he should "100 per cent not" be let out into the community."I really disagree with it, the matter of fact that he's done a lot of murders," 40-year-old Ronald Lane said."If I had it my way none of them should ever be released, they should rot in there until they die."Ronald Lane's uncle was among the victims of the Snowtown "bodies-in-the-barrels" serial killings. (ABC News: Che Chorley)Barry Lane, who was also known as Vanessa, was one of 11 people horrifically murdered by the Snowtown killers in the 1990s.Mr Lane said Vlassakis applying for parole feels like "a slap in the face"."I find it very disturbing and very uncomfortable," he said."I don't think it's going to be safe for everyone here."Mark Ray Haydon released into communityPhoto shows Snowtown accomplice Mark Haydon in a cap and jumper.Mark Ray Haydon, who was an accessory to Australia's worst serial killings, left the Adelaide pre-release centre on Thursday where he has been living on parole, the head of the Parole Board says.The 40-year-old said he also felt "shaken" when Haydon was released into the community last year, and that he doesn't feel safe going out in public."I have to look over my shoulder 24/7 when I'm out, I have to have support with me otherwise I'm a complete wreck," he said."Life is not the same anymore with him being out, and now knowing that James could possibility be getting out, it's going to be even worse."It will be like it happening all over again."Lives 'tainted' by murdersVlassakis was 19 when he committed the crimes, spanning between 1992 and 1999, and was found guilty of being involved in four of the murders.His image remains suppressed to this day.He was involved in the killings through his stepfather Bunting — who lived with him and his mother in Adelaide's northern suburbs.The majority of the victims were either family or friends of the four perpetrators.Police officers carry evidence bags out of the old Snowtown bank building early in the investigation into the serial killings. (ABC News)In May 1999, SA Police discovered decomposing remains of several victims inside plastic barrels in an old bank vault in Snowtown — north of Adelaide.The commissioner for Victims' Rights, Sarah Quick, said she has spoken with "many victims" in relation to the application, and said most of them do not want him, or his co-offenders, released."They acknowledge however, that if Mr Vlassakis' is refused parole, their agony and torment is simply prolonged as they will likely face a fresh application the following year," she said.Sarah Quick says she has spoken to "many victims" regarding the parole application. (ABC News: Che Chorley)"It is clear the passage of time has done little to diminish the pain, trauma and fear experienced by these victims."It is evident the effects of these crimes infiltrate nearly every facet of their lives, with one victim explaining that every aspect of their life was tainted."Last year, Ms Nelson said each man convicted of the murders was reviewed by the Parole Board annually and that neither Bunting nor Wagner had shown contrition for their crimes.Posted 23m ago23 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 6:04amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesLittle-known entity comparing Dutton to Trump spends more than $400,000 on political Meta adsTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A man in front of a billboard which says "the parties are the problem"Vote Compass data reveals key issues for respondents ahead of electionTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A graphic shows a smartphone screen showing a graph.'It's just a disaster': Motorists describe chaos on M1 after scrap metal spillTopic:Road Accidents and IncidentsPhoto shows A metal shard embedded in a tyreDutton has 'no doubt' Coalition can win this election, as campaigning nears endLIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton speaks at lectern Erin Patterson sent 'extremely aggressive' texts to estranged husband, court hearsTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A close up photo of Erin Patterson looking over her shoulder wearing glases.Related storiesYoungest Snowtown murderer applies for release on paroleTopic:HomicidePhoto shows A composite of images linked to the Snowtown murders.One Snowtown offender is out, could another get parole next year? 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