Kentucky Man Who Killed 6-Year-Old Boy in 2015 Arrested in Florida Just One Week After Early Prison Release
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — A Kentucky man convicted in connection with the 2015 killing of 6-year-old Logan Tipton has been arrested in Florida, just one week after his early release from prison, authorities confirmed.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Ronald Exantus was taken into custody Thursday for failing to register as a convicted felon — a violation of Florida law that requires registration within 48 hours of moving to the state.
Background: 2015 Murder That Shocked Kentucky
Exantus was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2018 for the fatal stabbing of Logan Tipton, who was attacked as he slept inside his family’s Versailles home on December 7, 2015.
Investigators said Exantus broke into the home on Douglas Avenue, climbed the stairs, and stabbed the 6-year-old boy multiple times. Logan’s sister, Dakota, was also injured but survived. The children’s father subdued Exantus until police arrived.
During his 2018 trial, Exantus’ defense argued he was insane at the time of the crime, claiming a state of psychosis. While he was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity, he was convicted on charges of assault and burglary for his attacks on other family members during the same incident.
Early Release Sparks Outrage
Last week, Exantus was released early from a Kentucky prison for good behavior, prompting immediate backlash from Logan’s family.
“Nobody from the state contacted us,” Logan’s mother, Heather Tipton, told LEX18 News. “If a violent criminal connected to your case is being released, you should at least get a phone call or some protection. We got nothing.”
Exantus had been scheduled to remain under court supervision until June 2026. Officials said he was allowed to relocate to Florida under the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, which governs the transfer of supervised offenders between states.
Arrest in Florida Near Schools
Authorities in Florida said they located Exantus living adjacent to an elementary school and within blocks of another school in Marion County, without having registered as a convicted felon.
He was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
In a statement, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed his office is working with Kentucky officials to return Exantus to state custody.
“Public safety is our top priority,” Uthmeier wrote on social media. “This dangerous individual will be held accountable.”
Kentucky Officials Clarify Parole Board Role
The Kentucky State Parole Board said it had no authority in Exantus’ early release, clarifying that his departure came under mandatory reentry supervision, a process dictated by law rather than board discretion.
“Despite repeatedly voting to keep Exantus in prison, board members have faced threats and harassment,” said Ladeidra N. Jones, Chair of the Parole Board. “This release was mandated by statute, not by our decision.”
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that the FBI is now assisting in the investigation into threats made toward parole board members following the public backlash.
The arrest reignites painful memories for the Tipton family and raises questions about how violent offenders are managed after early release. For continuing updates on Kentucky and Florida justice developments, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.