A man who was released early from prison after stabbing a 6-year-old boy to death in his sleep in 2015 has been arrested again in Florida for failing to register as a convicted felon.
Ronald Exantus, 42, was taken into custody by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after violating state law requiring former felons to register with local authorities within 48 hours. The arrest followed revelations that Exantus had resided near an elementary school while serving mandatory reentry supervision in Florida.
Exantus was originally sentenced to 20 years in prison for stabbing Logan Tipton in 2015, though he was found not guilty of murder due to insanity. He was released from Kentucky’s Department of Corrections on October 1 after serving roughly half his sentence, despite a parole board recommendation that he complete the full term.
Marion County Sheriff Bill Woods condemned Exantus’ actions, stating, “The fact that he was living right next to an elementary school is even more repulsive.” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed officials are working to return Exantus to Kentucky, calling for him to face consequences for breaking the law.
Exantus had been under reentry supervision in Florida since his release but failed to comply with registration requirements, leading to his arrest Thursday. The case has drawn scrutiny over the circumstances of his early release and subsequent violation of legal obligations.
