by Lexington, KY — A man once found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2015 stabbing death of a 6-year-old Kentucky boy has been rearrested in Florida, just one week after being released from prison.
According to authorities, Ronald Exantus — the man linked to the death of Logan Tipton — was taken into custody after failing to register as a convicted felon. He is now being held in Marion County Jail, where state officials are working to return him to Kentucky.
Arrest and Official Statements
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that Exantus was arrested around 5 p.m. on Thursday following a warrant issued for his failure to register.
“My office has been working with State Attorney Gladson’s office in Marion County since we were alerted that this dangerous individual, who murdered a child by repeatedly stabbing him in the head, was in Florida,” Uthmeier said on X.
Officials emphasized that cooperation between agencies helped ensure public safety.
“I want to thank Sheriff Woods and State Attorney Gladson for keeping our communities safe from this dangerous felon,” Uthmeier added.
According to FOX 56 News, Exantus was booked into the Marion County Jail late Thursday evening and is awaiting extradition proceedings.
Background: The 2015 Stabbing Case
In December 2015, Exantus broke into a Versailles family’s home, where he fatally stabbed 6-year-old Logan Tipton while the child was sleeping. Exantus then attacked the boy’s father and sisters before being restrained.
The case shocked Kentucky and drew national attention due to the brutal nature of the killing and the later court outcome.
In 2018, a jury found Exantus not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder charge but guilty of assault and mentally ill. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, yet was released early after earning good behavior and education credits.
“He was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murder, but guilty of assault, and mentally ill,” court records stated.
Florida Officials Respond
Law enforcement in Florida said Exantus’ recent failure to register violated state law for convicted felons, prompting the warrant and his immediate arrest.
Authorities say they are now coordinating with Kentucky officials to have him returned to custody in his home state.
“We are working diligently to ensure this individual faces the full consequences of his actions and does not pose a threat to any community,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
Community Reaction and Public Safety Concerns
The news of Exantus’ release and swift rearrest has reignited concerns among Kentucky residents who remember the Tipton case. Many have expressed outrage that a man once found responsible for such a horrific act was allowed to leave prison early.
Officials are urging residents to remain alert and report any felon who fails to comply with registration requirements.
“Public safety depends on accountability,” Uthmeier noted. “Our job is to make sure dangerous offenders do not slip through the system.”
Exantus remains in Florida custody as extradition efforts continue.
What are your thoughts on this case and the concerns it raises about early release and mental health rulings? Share your views in the comments below.
