VERSAILLES, Ky. — The Tipton family of Versailles is pushing legislation to end Kentucky’s use of the insanity defense, more than a decade after their 6-year-old son, Logan, was killed.
In 2015, Ronald Exantus broke into the Tiptons’ home and fatally stabbed Logan. Exantus was found not guilty by reason of insanity for Logan’s death. He was, however, convicted of assaulting Logan’s father and two sisters, receiving a 20-year prison sentence, of which he served less than half.
Dean Tipton, Logan’s father, said, “As far as Logan goes, there will never be accountability for his death. If we can save one family from that feeling, then we’ve done our job.” Heather Tipton added, “We just miss him. But this is helpful, knowing that maybe his death wasn’t in vain.”
Logan’s Law
The proposed legislation, named Logan’s Law, would eliminate the option of an insanity verdict in Kentucky courts. Instead, offenders could still be found “guilty but mentally ill,” ensuring they receive psychiatric care while being held accountable for their actions, said State Rep. TJ Roberts of northern Kentucky, who helped draft the bill.
Roberts criticized the commitment process in Exantus’ case, saying it failed to ensure he received proper mental health care and oversight. The law would also prevent early release for violent offenders not recommended for parole, as happened with Exantus, who was released on supervised six-month early release and later failed to register as a felon in Florida, resulting in his extradition back to Kentucky.
Critics voice concern
Retired Jefferson County Judge David Holton called the legislation a “knee-jerk reaction” that removes constitutional rights. He prefers strengthening courts’ ability to involuntarily commit individuals to mental institutions for extended periods.
Other provisions
The bill would require violent offense sentences to be served consecutively, meaning multiple sentences for separate offenses would add together instead of running concurrently.
Exantus is scheduled for release from Kentucky State Reformatory in Oldham County on July 29. While Logan’s Law would not apply retroactively to his case, the Tiptons hope it will prevent future families from enduring similar fears and losses.
Dean Tipton said, “He was a beautiful kid, and he was too good for this world.”
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