A high school student, James Parker, was granted parole after serving nearly 25 years in prison for murdering two Dartmouth professors, Half and Susanne Zantop, in their home. In 2001, Parker and his accomplice, Robert Tulloch, pretended to conduct a survey on climate issues to gain entry into the Zantops’ New Hampshire home. The two teenagers chose the couple’s house for its perceived value and remote location and planned to rob them to fund a move to Australia. However, the robbery only resulted in $340 from Half’s wallet, leading to their capture by the police. Fingerprints on a knife sheath and a bloody boot print linked the boys to the crime.
Initially, the police suspected a crime of passion related to an affair, but evidence quickly pointed to Parker and Tulloch. Parker, who was 16 at the time of the murders, pleaded guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree murder. He appeared before the state parole board and expressed deep remorse for his actions, admitting his part in the “unimaginably horrible” crime. Those who knew Parker and Tulloch from high school described them as pranksters and nonviolent, expressing shock at their involvement in a double murder. Parker’s attorney highlighted his client’s positive behavior in prison, including earning degrees, creating artwork, participating in theatrical productions, and developing educational programs for inmates.
Parker was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years, but a Supreme Court ruling in 2012 deemed mandatory life imprisonment for juveniles unconstitutional. Parker appealed his sentence in 2018 and ultimately withdrew his petition in 2019 after learning of Veronika Zantop’s disapproval. Veronika, the Zantops’ surviving daughter, attended Parker’s parole hearing along with eight others and expressed well wishes for him and his family, hoping for healing for all involved. The Zantops were beloved members of the community, with Susanne leading Dartmouth’s German studies department and Half teaching Earth sciences. Their daughter mourned the loss of her parents’ humor, wit, and kindness.
Tulloch, Parker’s accomplice, received a mandatory sentence of life without parole for first-degree murder in the Zantops’ killings. He is scheduled for a new sentencing hearing in June following the Supreme Court ruling for resentencing for those sentenced to life as juveniles. Veronika Zantop expressed gratitude for the support received and shared memories of her parents, who were respected educators and cherished individuals. Parker could be released from prison as early as next month, having spent over two decades reflecting on his crime and working toward self-improvement and community service while incarcerated.
Parker’s attorney emphasized his remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions, noting that nothing he does can undo the pain caused to the Zantop family and friends. Parker’s path to rehabilitation included education, artistic pursuits, and contributions to the prison community. He awaits release into the community and plans to maintain privacy and respect for the Zantop family. The parole board’s decision to grant him early release prompted mixed reactions from those affected by the tragedy, highlighting the complexities of forgiveness, healing, and justice in the aftermath of a violent crime committed by a juvenile offender.
