A high school student who was involved in the murder of two Dartmouth professors in a tragic incident back in 2001 has been granted parole after spending the majority of his adult life behind bars.
James Parker, who is now approaching 40 years old, was just 16 when he and his accomplice, Robert Tulloch, deceived Half and Susanne Zantop by pretending to conduct a survey on climate issues. The unsuspecting Zantops invited the teenagers into their New Hampshire home, where the horrific crime took place.
Tulloch fatally stabbed Half, and allegedly instructed Parker to do the same to Susanne. The motive behind the crime was a bizarre plot to rob the Zantops and use the money to move to Australia. The boys, who did not know the couple, targeted their home due to its perceived wealth and secluded location.
Despite their initial plan to extort money from captives, the duo only managed to steal $340 from Half's wallet before being apprehended by the authorities. Fingerprints on the sheaths of their knives and a bloody boot print led the police to the perpetrators three weeks after the tragic events.
During his recent parole hearing, Parker expressed deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging the gravity of his past deeds. He described the ill-fated plan to move overseas as a misguided pursuit of adventure, emphasizing his inability to fully comprehend the enormity of the tragedy.
Parker's attorney highlighted his client's exemplary behavior during his incarceration, noting his academic achievements, artistic endeavors, and contributions to the prison community. Despite his remorse and efforts at self-improvement, Parker understands that his actions can never undo the pain he has caused to the Zantop family and their loved ones.
The decision to grant Parker parole was met with mixed emotions, with the surviving daughter of the Zantops expressing her wishes for his rehabilitation and healing. Veronika Zantop, who lost both her parents in the senseless act of violence, shared her profound sadness over the void left by their absence and the missed opportunities for shared moments.
The Zantops, both esteemed professors at Dartmouth University, were cherished members of their academic community, known for their kindness and dedication to their students. The tragic loss of their lives continues to reverberate among those who knew and loved them.
While Parker has been granted parole, his accomplice, Robert Tulloch, remains incarcerated with a life sentence without the possibility of parole for his role in the murders. Tulloch is scheduled for a resentencing hearing in the near future.
