A Kentucky man acquitted by reason of insanity for the 2015 stabbing death of 6-year-old Logan Tipton was released from prison Wednesday, having served his full sentence. The release has intensified criticism of the judicial system from the victim's father.
Ronald Exantus, 42, is no longer in the custody of the Kentucky Department of Corrections, according to a statement from the department. He was not released by the Kentucky Parole Board, and his release was not considered early, the department stated. Exantus does not face any additional probation related to the killing.
Dean Tipton, Logan Tipton's father, expressed his anguish and frustration, stating that his family received a harsher sentence than the perpetrator. "The judge and jury gave this monster a slap on the wrist while handing down a life sentence to my family," he wrote on Facebook. He described his ongoing struggle to cope with his son's death and the killer's freedom.
The incident occurred on December 7, 2015, when Exantus broke into a home in Versailles, Kentucky, and fatally stabbed Logan Tipton while the child slept. Exantus also attacked Dean Tipton and two of his sisters.
During his 2018 trial, Exantus was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity, with his defense arguing he suffered from schizophrenia. He was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years for assault charges stemming from the attacks on the other family members. Exantus received nearly nine years of sentence credit during his incarceration, which contributed to his earlier release.
Exantus had previously been released on parole on October 1, 2025, but was re-incarcerated after violating parole by failing to register as a convicted felon shortly after moving to Florida. He was extradited back to Kentucky to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Following the killing of Logan Tipton, the Kentucky State Legislature passed "Logan's Law." This legislation amended parole eligibility for violent offenders, altered procedures for insanity defenses, and reduced early-release options. However, as the law was not retroactive, it did not affect Exantus's release.
Dean Tipton has stated his intention to continue advocating for further changes to the judicial system. He aims to fight for limitations on sentence reductions for violent offenders, especially those convicted of severe crimes. "Our judicial system as a whole needs to be overhauled and I am gonna fight for more change," he said.
In the past, Dean Tipton had publicly stated he would kill Exantus if they ever encountered each other, expressing his intent to the court as well.