A man who spent over 20 years in prison for his role in the brutal murders of two Dartmouth College professors in 2001 has been granted parole. James Parker, who was 16 at the time of the crime, was part of a conspiracy with his best friend Robert Tulloch that resulted in the deaths of Half and Susanne Zantop in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Zantops, who were highly respected professors at the college, were beloved by colleagues and students alike.

Parker, now almost 40, appeared before the state parole board after serving nearly the minimum term of his 25-years-to-life sentence. His lawyer and Department of Corrections staff highlighted his efforts to rehabilitate himself during his time in prison, including earning bachelor's and master's degrees, creating paintings displayed in the prison, and participating in various educational and recreational activities. Despite seeking a sentence reduction in 2018, Parker withdrew his petition in 2019 after objections from the Zantop daughters.

The crime, which was part of a plan by Parker and Tulloch to rob and kill people before fleeing overseas, shocked the community. The two teenagers had attempted to gain entry to several homes before targeting the Zantop house, where they brutally stabbed the professors in a planned attack. Tulloch, who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, received a mandatory sentence of life without parole and is scheduled for a resentencing hearing in June.

The Zantop family, who have endured immense pain and loss since the murders, have tried to focus on perpetuating the essence of their parents through memorials and lectures at Dartmouth College. Veronika Zantop, one of the daughters, expressed the deep impact of the tragedy on her family and friends. The parole decision for Parker, who expressed deep remorse for his actions, has reignited discussions about the nature of rehabilitation and justice in cases involving juvenile offenders.