A parole has been granted to a teenager who spent two decades in prison for the murder of two Dartmouth College professors as part of a conspiracy to earn money quickly to move to Australia.
James Parker, who is now almost 40, appeared before the New Hampshire state parole board after pleading guilty to the killings of Half and Susanne Zantop in Hanover.
Parker, who was 16 at the time of the crime, has served close to the minimum of his 25-years-to-life sentence for second-degree murder. He expressed deep remorse during his parole hearing and stated that he was “deeply sorry.”
His lawyer and Department of Corrections staff highlighted Parker’s efforts in rehabilitation and assisting fellow inmates during his time in prison.
Parker acknowledged the gravity of his crime and expressed understanding that no amount of time served could undo the pain he caused.
At 16, Parker and his 17-year-old friend, Robert Tulloch, devised a plan to leave their lives in Chelsea, Vermont, to start anew in Australia.
Those who knew the pair were shocked that the “class clowns” could commit such a brutal crime.
Their plan involved obtaining $10,000 by visiting homes under the pretense of conducting environmental surveys, then tying up residents, stealing their belongings, and ultimately killing them.
Parker mentioned that they targeted the Zantop house due to its appearance and location.
During the crime, Half, 62, allowed them into his home, where Tulloch stabbed him within minutes. Parker was then directed to stab Susanne, 55, as well, as per Parker’s police interview at the time.
After the murder, they left with Half’s wallet, which contained money and other items. They realized they left evidence behind and could not return to the scene.
Evidence such as fingerprints and a bloody boot print eventually led to their arrest after they fled and hitchhiked west before being caught at an Indiana truck stop.
In 2018, Parker sought a sentence reduction but withdrew the petition after objections from the Zantop daughters.
Tulloch, now 40, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a life sentence without parole. He is set for a resentencing hearing in June.
In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled against sentencing juvenile offenders to mandatory life imprisonment without parole.
Tulloch and four others with similar sentences were granted resentencing hearings in 2014.
Susanne Zantop was the head of Dartmouth’s German studies department, while Half Zantop taught Earth sciences, both originally from Germany.
With Post wires
