The passage of time often softens the edges of tragic events, yet certain occurrences leave an enduring mark on the collective memory.
In Australia, the name of a particular town remains associated with a series of deeply disturbing crimes that shocked the nation.
Recent developments suggest that the aftermath of these historical events may be entering a new and potentially significant phase.
It’s a name that still sends a chill down the spine of many Australians: Snowtown. More than two decades after the grisly discovery of bodies in barrels in a disused bank vault, the legacy of the Snowtown murders continues to haunt the families of the victims—and now, a new chapter in this dark saga may be about to unfold.
A grim warning from the man who uncovered the horror
Gordon Drage, the former forensics officer who first uncovered the barrels in Snowtown, has issued a sobering warning to the families affected by the notorious murders.
Drage revealed that James Vlassakis—the youngest of the convicted killers—could soon be released from prison.
‘It’s etched in my mind, yeah … all these years later. You never forget a job like that,’ Drage recalled, describing the moment he was led into the bank vault in 1999.
Inside, he found a scene that would shock the nation: rubber gloves, saws, knives, and, most disturbingly, six barrels containing the remains of eight victims.
In total, the Snowtown murders claimed 11 lives, making it one of Australia’s worst serial killing cases.
Why is Vlassakis eligible for parole?
James Vlassakis, now in his 40s, admitted to four of the murders. However, his cooperation with authorities—helping to convict ringleaders John Bunting and Robert Wagner—meant he became eligible for parole.
According to Drage, ‘Unfortunately for the families, they are going to have to get used to the fact that one day Mr Vlassakis will be released and out in the public to live his life outside of prison.’
Reports suggest that Vlassakis has been a model prisoner, and authorities are said to be ‘pleased’ with his behaviour behind bars.
This, combined with his cooperation during the original investigation, means there is a real possibility he could be granted parole in the coming months.
The families’ pain: ‘I’d do anything to have my brother back’
For the families of the victims, the prospect of Vlassakis’ release is deeply distressing. Karen Davies, whose brother Ray was the second victim, says she will fight to keep Vlassakis behind bars.
‘I’ll be pleading with them please, do not let him back out into the community, for the safety of all the victims and their families,’ she said.
Although Vlassakis was not directly responsible for Ray Davies’ death, Karen says his release would still feel like a personal blow.
Her plea echoes the sentiments of many families who feel the pain of their loss as acutely today as they did more than 20 years ago.
How does the parole process work in cases like this?
The South Australian Parole Board is expected to consider Vlassakis’ application in the coming weeks, but has stated it will not rush its decision.
The board will weigh up a range of factors, including the risk to the community, the nature of the crimes, and the impact on the victims’ families.
It’s worth noting that parole does not mean a free pass. If released, Vlassakis would be subject to strict conditions and ongoing supervision.
Any breach could see him returned to prison. However, for many, the idea of any of the Snowtown killers walking free is hard to accept.
A look back: The Snowtown murders and their legacy
The Snowtown murders, also known as the ‘bodies in barrels’ case, remain one of the most shocking crimes in Australian history.
Between 1992 and 1999, John Bunting, Robert Wagner, James Vlassakis, and Mark Haydon were involved in the torture and murder of 11 people, many of whom were known to the killers.
The crimes were motivated by a toxic mix of personal vendettas, prejudice, and greed.
The case exposed serious failings in the social safety net, as many of the victims were vulnerable individuals living on the margins of society.
The subsequent trial was one of the longest and most complex in Australian legal history, with Bunting and Wagner ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Mark Haydon, convicted of assisting with the disposal of the bodies, was released from prison last year.
What happens next?
The parole hearing for James Vlassakis is still at least eight weeks away, and the outcome is far from certain.
The Parole Board has emphasised that community safety will be its top priority, and that the voices of the victims’ families will be heard.
For now, families like the Davieses are bracing themselves for a decision that could reopen old wounds.
As Gordon Drage put it, ‘Sometimes it’s not always palatable, but you have to accept that the system is the system and it doesn’t always give the result that the public might want.’
Your say: Should parole be possible for those involved in crimes like Snowtown?
The possibility of Vlassakis’ release raises difficult questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the rights of victims’ families.
Should someone involved in such horrific crimes ever be allowed to walk free, even after decades behind bars? Or does the chance of parole reflect a belief in the possibility of change and redemption?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think the parole system gets it right? Should there be exceptions for crimes of this magnitude? Share your views in the comments below.
Also read: Cold case breakthrough sparks emotional message from daughter to mum’s killer
Irrespective of his assistance to aid in the prosecution he still committed four murders. No doubt his legal time suggested that co-operation could reduce his sentence. However, his four victims had no choices, and their lives were shortened. For this latter reason I personally believe he should not be paroled.
This crime was a clear indicator for the retention of Capital Punishment, and great public saving.
It is what it is, as much I would like these people to be locked up forever that is not the deal or the judgement by the legal system. He has served his time, been a model prisoner and will remain under supervision and I doubt he will commit the same crime again. The relatives of the victims will of course never want them to be released, understandable but that’s not how it works. It is the judicial system that needs to be changed if people want longer sentences or “never to be released” clauses which I doubt will happen. But in this case he has served his sentence.