Ronald Exantus’ early release from prison got the attention of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the White House, and even Elon Musk.
In Tampa, Florida, authorities apprehended a Kentucky man labeled a “child killer” following public outrage over his early prison release, as reported by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Ronald Exantus faced trial for the 2015 stabbing of 6-year-old Logan Tipton during a random home break-in in Versailles, Kentucky. In 2018, a jury acquitted him of murder, citing insanity.
Exantus was still sentenced to 20 years in prison for injuring members of the 6-year-old boy’s family during the home invasion.
According to court records, Exantus was released on Oct. 1, 2025, after serving less than seven years of his 20-year sentence.
Ronald Exantus release draws attention of White House
The announcement of his release captured the attention of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who mentioned in a post on X that the White House was investigating the matter.
“It’s wholly unacceptable for a child killer to walk free after just several years in prison,” she wrote.
Exantus was arrested in Marion County on Wednesday night after authorities discovered he relocated to Florida without registering as a felon with the sheriff’s office, a requirement under state law to be completed within 48 hours of moving. Officials were alarmed as Exantus settled near an elementary school.
DeSantis, Elon Musk comment on Ronald Exantus’ arrest in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis expressed outrage in an X post, saying, “It’s outrageous that this individual was released after serving such a small part of his sentence for the murder of a six-year-old. He won’t find leniency in the Free State of Florida.”
At a news conference, the sheriff’s office public information officer, Paul Bloom, said there was a “loss of common sense in the judicial system in some places” when talking about Exantus’ early release.
Bloom also said Exantus is facing a violation of his probation in Kentucky.
“We don’t want him here,” Bloom said.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a X post that state officials are working to send Exantus back to Kentucky.
“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,” the post read in part.
Elon Musk replied to Uthmeier’s post, saying, “This will save innocent lives.”
Exantus was placed into the Marion County Jail and is being held without bond.
C.J. Daniels from our sister station WHAS 11 contributed to this report.
