In a shocking turn of events, James Parker, who played a role in the brutal stabbing deaths of two Dartmouth College professors in 2001, has been granted parole after serving more than half of his life behind bars. The incident, which involved Parker and his best friend Robert Tulloch, sent shockwaves through the small town of Hanover, New Hampshire, as the community grappled with the loss of two beloved educators.
Parker was only 16 years old at the time of the crime, and now, just shy of 40, he appeared before the state parole board seeking release. His lawyer and Department of Corrections staff argued that he had made significant efforts to rehabilitate himself during his time in prison. Parker earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree while incarcerated and even created paintings that are displayed within the prison walls. Additionally, he actively participated in theatrical, musical, and sports activities and played a crucial role in developing inmate education guides.
While Parker sought a sentence reduction in 2018, he withdrew his petition the following year after objections from the Zantop family. The daughters of Half and Susanne Zantop, the murdered professors, expressed their opposition to Parker’s release, emphasizing the lifelong impact their parents’ deaths had on their lives.
The motive behind the crime was a desire to obtain money for Parker and Tulloch’s planned escape to Australia. They devised a scheme to knock on homeowners’ doors under the guise of conducting an environmental survey. Once inside, they would tie up their victims, steal their credit cards and ATM information, and force them to provide their PIN numbers before ultimately killing them. The Zantop residence was specifically chosen due to its perceived wealth and secluded location.
On January 27, 2001, Parker and Tulloch executed their plan. Half Zantop allowed them into their home, unaware of the danger that awaited them. Parker later revealed to the police that the initial interview lasted at least ten minutes before Tulloch viciously stabbed Half Zantop and directed Parker to attack Susanne Zantop. Both professors lost their lives in the horrifying incident.
After fleeing the scene with Half Zantop’s wallet, containing approximately $340 and a list of numbers, the young criminals realized they had left behind knife sheaths at the crime scene. In an attempt to retrieve them, they returned to the Zantop house but encountered a police officer in the driveway, forcing them to abandon their plan. Fingerprints on a knife sheath and a bloody boot print ultimately connected them to the crime. However, instead of facing justice, they evaded the authorities and hitchhiked to Indiana, where they were finally apprehended at a truck stop several weeks later.
Tulloch, who was 17 years old at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a mandatory sentence of life without parole. However, a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional to sentence juvenile offenders to mandatory life imprisonment without parole. As a result, Tulloch is scheduled for a resentencing hearing in June.
The victims, Susanne Zantop, 55, and Half Zantop, 62, were both born in Germany. Susanne served as the head of Dartmouth’s German studies department, while Half taught Earth sciences. Respected in their respective fields, the Zantops were adored by colleagues and students alike. Their home was known to be a warm and welcoming place for friends and acquaintances from the Dartmouth community.
The news of James Parker’s parole has undoubtedly reignited painful memories for those affected by this tragedy. While he may have taken steps towards rehabilitation during his time in prison, it is crucial to remember the immense loss suffered by the Zantop family and the community as a whole. As the legal proceedings surrounding Robert Tulloch’s resentencing approach, it remains to be seen how the justice system will address the consequences of this heinous crime.
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