Teen Killer's Parole Shocks the Nation
James Parker, a former high school "class clown" who committed a brutal double murder in 2001, has been granted parole after serving nearly 25 years in prison. The now 40-year-old Parker was just 16 when he and his friend, Robert Tulloch, killed Dartmouth College professors Half and Susanne Zantop in their New Hampshire home.
A Deadly Scheme
In January 2001, Parker and Tulloch came up with a plan to rob homes to fund a move to Australia. Under the guise of conducting a survey on climate issues, the teenagers gained entry to the Zantops' home in Hanover. Once inside, Tulloch stabbed Half Zantop and allegedly instructed Parker to kill Susanne. The boys, who didn't know the couple, chose the house because it appeared wealthy and secluded.
Despite their elaborate scheme, the teens only managed to steal $340 from Half's wallet. Crucial evidence left at the scene, including knife sheaths with fingerprints and a bloody boot print, led police to the killers three weeks later.
Arrest and Trial
Following their arrest, Parker and Tulloch were tried separately. Parker testified against Tulloch and pleaded guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years. Tulloch, who was 17 at the time of the crime, received a mandatory life sentence without parole for first-degree murder.
Path to Parole
During his time in prison, Parker has made significant efforts to rehabilitate himself. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees, participated in jailhouse theater productions, took up sports, and helped develop educational programs for other inmates. At his parole hearing, Parker expressed deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging the pain and loss he caused. Despite the gravity of his crime, the New Hampshire state parole board granted his release.
Reactions to the Decision
The decision to grant Parker parole has been met with mixed reactions. Veronika Zantop, one of the surviving daughters of the victims, expressed her sadness and loss but also extended her wishes for healing to Parker and his family. Others who attended the parole hearing, including friends and family of the Zantops, were visibly emotional. Some expressed relief that the case had finally reached a conclusion, while others struggled with the idea of Parker being released.
Legal Context
Parker's parole comes after significant legal changes regarding juvenile sentencing. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life imprisonment without parole for juveniles was unconstitutional. This decision allowed Parker to appeal his sentence, leading to his eventual parole.
Robert Tulloch, now also in his 40s, is expected to get a new sentencing hearing, but it keeps getting rescheduled. He remains in prison, having withdrawn a previous petition for sentence reduction after objections from the Zantop daughters.
Moving Forward
As part of his parole conditions, Parker is prohibited from contacting the Zantop family and will continue to receive mental health treatment. His release marks a new chapter in a case that has haunted the New Hampshire community for over two decades.
Parker's journey from a teenage "class clown" to a convicted murderer seeking redemption highlights the complexities of justice and rehabilitation. While the scars of his crime will never fully heal, his efforts to atone and the parole board's decision reflect a belief in the possibility of change and forgiveness.
References: 'Class clown' given parole after 2001 murders of Dartmouth College professors | Ivy League ' class clown' killer to be freed after nearly 25 years behind bars
