October 13 – A man who was accused of fatally stabbing a 6-year-old child while he slept in 2015 has been arrested once more after being released early from prison, authorities confirmed. The arrest follows his relocation to Florida, where he allegedly failed to register as a convicted felon, a violation of state law.
Ronald Exantus, 42, had been freed from a Kentucky prison last week after serving eight years for crimes committed in 2015. At that time, Exantus was accused of entering an unlocked home and stabbing Logan Tipton, 6, with a kitchen butcher knife, resulting in the child’s death. He also attacked two of Logan’s sisters and their father during the same incident.
Exantus was acquitted of capital murder and first-degree burglary by reason of insanity in a 2018 Kentucky trial. However, he was convicted on two counts of second-degree assault and one count of fourth-degree assault related to the attacks on the other members of the Tipton family. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Early Release Sparks Outrage
Exantus’ early release stemmed from a 2012 Kentucky state law designed to support reintegration for prisoners. The law allows felons to be released after completing designated periods of incarceration, along with good behavior, educational credits, and work credits. Despite repeated recommendations from the Kentucky Parole Board to keep him in custody, the statute mandated his release.
The release immediately drew criticism from officials and the public alike. Florida authorities arrested Exantus on Thursday in Marion County after determining he had failed to register as a convicted felon within the required 48 hours of arriving in the state. Police noted that he had been in Florida for several days before his apprehension. Exantus is now awaiting extradition to Kentucky.
At a press briefing, Lieutenant Paul Bloom of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office strongly condemned Exantus’ actions and expressed frustration over the early release. “I understand he was released based on good behavior. But the sheer brutality of killing a child and attacking a family overshadows any progress he could have made,” Bloom said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed similar concerns on social media, describing the situation as “shocking” and emphasizing that it was unacceptable for someone involved in the murder of a young child to serve only a fraction of their sentence.
The White House has also indicated it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding Exantus’ early release. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the situation is “wholly unacceptable” and affirmed that the administration is monitoring the case closely.
Background and Legal Details
Exantus’ legal team previously highlighted his struggles with schizophrenia, which played a key role in the insanity ruling during his trial. His former attorney described him as having taken meaningful steps toward rehabilitation while in prison, including pursuing nursing education and maintaining good conduct. However, the attorney also acknowledged the lasting impact of the crime.
“While Exantus may have worked to improve himself, the tragedy of Logan’s death and the trauma inflicted on the surviving family members cannot be undone,” the attorney said.
Exantus’ work and educational credits in prison contributed to his eligibility for early release, a factor that has drawn scrutiny in the public debate over prison reform and reintegration policies. Experts note that cases like this one can ignite controversy over the balance between rehabilitation programs and public safety.
The Kentucky Department of Corrections confirmed that the Parole Board repeatedly recommended that Exantus remain in custody, but the law required his release once he accrued sufficient credits. Beth Moore, Director of Public Affairs for the department, stated that the Mandatory Reentry Supervision statute (KRS 439.3406) dictated the timing of his release, leaving officials with limited discretion.
Following his release, members of the Kentucky Parole Board reported receiving threats and harassment from members of the public. The threats included the disclosure of personal information, prompting investigations by the Kentucky State Police and the FBI. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged the public to share only accurate information about the case, highlighting the serious nature of threats and the importance of safety for public officials.
Currently, Exantus remains incarcerated in a Marion County jail without bond. Authorities in both Florida and Kentucky are coordinating his extradition back to Kentucky, where he will continue to face legal consequences for his parole violation and pending issues stemming from his original conviction.
The case has reignited discussions about the handling of violent offenders with mental illness, the limits of early release statutes, and the tension between rehabilitation and public safety. Many officials emphasize that while rehabilitation is critical, policies must be balanced against the risks posed by individuals with violent histories, particularly when children are involved.