The “monster” who was released from a Kentucky prison early after being convicted of fatally stabbing a 6-year-old boy in 2015 has been arrested in Florida and is in the process of being sent back from whence he came.
Ronald Exantus, who served less than half his sentence after a jury convicted him on assault charges — he was found not guilty of murder by way of insanity — was released on parole for “good behavior,” but did not choose wisely when deciding to relocate.
The monster who murdered this child stabbed him in the head so hard, the blade bent.
The monster was set free. pic.twitter.com/2DykBau03t
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 8, 2025
The 42-year-old convicted child killer was found living “right next to an elementary school,” according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
“I am proud of the quick response by my deputies and the inter-agency teamwork that helped locate and arrest this disgusting individual,” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said. “The fact that he was living right next to an elementary school is even more repulsive. I have no tolerance for this type of dangerous person flaunting our laws and thinking he would hide out in our county.”
Exantus was arrested on Thursday for failure to register as a convicted felon after MCSO received information that he was residing locally. State Attorney General James Uthmeier said state officials are now working to send the killer back to Kentucky.
BREAKING: The man who was released 13 YEARS EARLY after killing a 6-year-old boy was just arrested in FLORIDA by the local sheriff
“The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office obtained a warrant for the arrest of Ronald Exantus for… pic.twitter.com/gtHVxejQWa
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 9, 2025
Uthmeier made the announcement in response to the White House revealing that it was looking into the release of Exantus.
“It’s wholly unacceptable for a child killer to walk free after just several years in prison,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
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.
This afternoon, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 5th Judicial… https://t.co/0dFwZbTAqi
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) October 9, 2025
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on X:
This will save innocent lives
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 10, 2025
Thank you, AG Uthmeier, for swiftly removing this dangerous criminal from our state and securing his return to jail! The decision to release him was a shameful disgrace—he should never have been freed.
— Grass (@DewyGrassBlades) October 9, 2025
This is like a horror movie synopsis.
How could anyone release someone like this. pic.twitter.com/7mTvorxwUm
— ChurchsSermons (@churchs_sermons) October 9, 2025
Now arrest the judge who let him go free and let them be cell mates.
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) October 9, 2025
Time to hold these judges accountable. If parents can be charged for owning the gun a school shooter uses, they can be held to the same standard. Period.
— Raptor Jesus (@thejeebuzcrust) October 9, 2025
Florida is going to save the nation. It’s already the sanctuary state for the based. Thank you @AGJamesUthmeier @RonDeSantis
— Concha Bassetti MD (@cg085716) October 9, 2025
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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