Staff Reports
In a case that has shocked the nation and sparked an emotional outcry, Ronald Exantus, a man who took the life of six-year-old Logan Tipton, has been released from prison after serving only seven years. This unjust reality has the tipton family and many others questioning the very fabric of our justice system. It’s a tale that tugs at heartstrings and raises eyebrows, as the anguish experienced by Logan’s family is compounded by the knowledge that the man who ended their child’s life is now walking free.
On that tragic evening of December 7, 2015, young Logan was peacefully asleep in his bed when Exantus invaded their home. In a horrific attack, he stabbed Logan in the head, leaving the child’s family shattered and forever changed. Logan’s father and sister were also victims in this brutal encounter, but thankfully survived to tell the tale. The pain of witnessing such an unimaginable event is something no family should ever endure. Even more painful is the reality that Exantus would evade true accountability for Logan’s murder.
Fast forward to 2018, and a jury shockingly found Exantus not guilty due to insanity. While he was convicted of assaulting Logan’s father and sister, the insanity defense meant that he would not face punishment for the murder itself. Instead, he received a mere 20-year sentence for lesser charges. This twist of fate left the Tipton family grappling with how to explain such an illogical verdict to their children. The confusion and heartbreak were palpable, leaving them to wonder how a jury could deem someone “innocent” despite witnessing the horror firsthand.
As if the heartache of losing a child wasn’t enough, on October 1, 2025, the unthinkable happened. Against the wishes of the Kentucky Parole Board, who believed Exantus should remain incarcerated, a state law requiring mandatory reentry supervision forced his release. The board’s objections were brushed aside, and like that, a family’s worst nightmare was brought back to life as a convicted assailant was once again free—parameters of the law overruled the common sense of public safety.
The outcry for change is now stronger than ever. The Tipton family has rallied to garner support for what they are calling “Logan’s law.” This proposed legislation aims to impose tougher penalties on individuals who commit violent acts, regardless of insanity claims, especially when the victim is defenseless—a child, elderly, or disabled. They believe that individuals like Exantus should not roam free in society, where they could potentially harm more innocent lives. The heartbreak of the Tipton family is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for justice to be served in cases where it truly matters.
As the debate rages on, it leaves many pondering whether our current laws prioritize the rights of offenders over the safety of victims. One cannot help but think about the future and what it holds for all families across the nation. Will justice be served? Will laws be reformed to ensure that such tragedy does not repeat itself? For families like the Tiptons, these questions keep them awake at night, praying for a change they hope will come too late for one but just in time for many others.
