One of Australia's 'most violent' killers makes bid for freedom
An underworld killer who murdered four people, including three members of the same family, is fighting to be released from prison after almost four decades behind bars.
Alistair MacRae, a notorious Australian killer imprisoned for the 1980s murders of four individuals, has initiated a bid for freedom. The Parole Administrative Review Commissioner has announced that a review of MacRae's parole is underway, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for the following week. This troubled individual, who once stated he should never be released from prison, is fighting to be released after almost four decades behind bars.
Initially granted parole, his release decision is now under scrutiny. On July 1985, MacRae shot and killed Dominic Marafiote before burying him at his rural property in Merbein, near Mildura. He subsequently killed the Marafiote parents, Rosa and Carmelo, in Adelaide. Additionally, MacRae murdered Albert O Hara in Victoria six months prior to the Marafiote murders.
A criminologist from Central Queensland University describes MacRae as one of Australia's most violent offenders, citing his execution-style murders as premeditated and carefully planned. The 77-year-old, currently housed in the Yatala pre-release centre, was granted parole in June but is now under review by the new Parole Administrative Review Commissioner David Lovell.
While the specifics of the review remain undisclosed, only a select few have the authority to request it under the Correctional Services Act. The review process has sparked controversy, given the severity of MacRae's crimes and the safety concerns it raises for the community. Despite MacRae's conviction and statements expressing no remorse, the parole review process has reignited debates on his suitability for release.
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