Exantus released from prison after serving half of 20-year sentance
By Karyn Czar
July 30, 2026 at 9:22 AM EDT
Ronald Exantus, the man convicted in the 2015 killing of 6-year-old Logan Tipton in his Versailles home and injuring other family members, was released from custody Wednesday after a request for involuntary hospitalization was denied.
Exantus was found guilty but mentally ill in 2018 after prosecutors said he entered a Versailles home and stabbed Logan to death while also attacking family members. He was sentenced to 20 years but was released after serving less than half of his sentence because of earned credits required under Kentucky law.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Kelli Kearney said her office shares the public’s concerns about Exantus’ release and believes he poses a serious threat to public safety. She said Exantus was not released on parole or supervision, but as a free man.
Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, a sponsor of Logan’s Law, criticized the release, saying the Tipton family was not properly notified. Logan’s father, Dean Tipton, also expressed frustration, saying the justice system had failed his family.
Exantus’ release comes after he was returned to Kentucky last year following an arrest in Florida for failing to register as a felon. The Tipton family says it is pursuing additional legal options while continuing efforts to preserve Logan’s legacy through Logan’s Law.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Kelli Kearney said her office shares the public’s concerns about Exantus’ release and believes he poses a serious threat to public safety. She said Exantus was not released on parole or supervision, but as a free man.
Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, a sponsor of Logan’s Law, criticized the release, saying the Tipton family was not properly notified. Logan’s father, Dean Tipton, also expressed frustration, saying the justice system had failed his family.
Exantus’ release comes after he was returned to Kentucky last year following an arrest in Florida for failing to register as a felon. The Tipton family says it is pursuing additional legal options while continuing efforts to preserve Logan’s legacy through Logan’s Law.