UPDATE: Oct. 9 at 11 p.m.
A man found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2015 killing of 6-year-old Logan Tipton is back behind bars after failing to register as a felon in Florida, as required by state law.
Ronald Exantus was arrested on Thursday in Marion County, Florida. The county's sheriff's office confirmed he was living just blocks away from schools.
He had been released early from Kentucky custody last week on assault charges related to attacking the Tipton family.
Logan's family says they learned about Exantus' arrest through news reports rather than being contacted directly by authorities.
"We should have been the first people contacted," Logan's father said. "I'm putting you on blast. Guys, we are the victims. We matter, let us know."
Logan's sister, Koral, expressed relief at the news of Exantus' arrest.
"Our world felt like they were crashing down around us and with us. Now, knowing that he's back behind bars right now, it takes a huge weight off of our shoulders," she said. "I didn't think somebody could be that stupid to not register as a convicted felon."
In a statement, the Marion County Florida Sheriff said the situation was particularly troubling given Exantus' proximity to schools, given his criminal history.
"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," the sheriff said.
The Tipton family praised Florida authorities for their swift action compared to their experience with Kentucky officials.
"Florida did a better job of anything than Kentucky did," Logan's mother, Heather, said.
Logan's father noted that Florida authorities seemed genuinely concerned about Exantus' presence in their community.
"I think they are upset that he was living in their town," he said.
Exantus is currently in jail with no bond. Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday, via X, that Florida officials are now working to "send him back to Kentucky."
The family previously spoke about the lasting impact of Logan's death when Exantus was released last week.
"He didn't just kill my son. He killed every member of my family, every single one of us, and every person that's sitting here today is a completely different person," Heather said.
UPDATE: Oct. 9 at 5:20 p.m.
Ronald Exantus is now back in police custody after failing to register as a felon in Florida.
In a press release, the Marion County Sheriff's Office reported that they received information that 42-year-old Exantus had relocated from Kentucky and confirmed his residency in Marion County.
He was later found to be residing in a home adjacent to an elementary school and blocks from a middle school.
Under Florida law, Exantus was required to register as a felon within 48 hours, the department reports.
“I am proud of the quick response by my deputies and the inter-agency teamwork that helped locate and arrest this disgusting individual," said Sheriff Billy Woods. "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."
He is lodged in the Marion County Detention Center with no bond.
Original Story:
An arrest warrant has been obtained for Ronald Exantus in Florida for failing to register as a convicted felon, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier reports.
According to Uthmeier, who made the announcement on Thursday via X, Florida officials are now working to "send him back to Kentucky."
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.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) October 9, 2025
This afternoon, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 5th Judicial… https://t.co/0dFwZbTAqi
"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," he wrote.
Covering Kentucky
6-year-old's accused killer released, White House 'looking into' case
Exantus was released last week after serving less than ten years in connection to the death of 6-year-old Logan Tipton. Although Exantus was found not guilty by reason of insanity for Tipton's murder, he was convicted on two counts of assault.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via X on Saturday that the White House was looking into the case, calling it "wholly unacceptable."
Tipton's family has been outspoken following Exantus's release.
"He didn't just kill my son. He killed every member of my family, every single one of us, and every person that's sitting here today is a completely different person than they were when they went to bed December 6," Heather Tipton said on Oct. 2.
