Tyree Smith, the infamous “Cannibal Killer,” could soon be released from a Connecticut psychiatric facility after more than a decade. His release has sparked outrage among local politicians and the public. Smith was convicted of a horrific crime in 2011. He murdered a homeless man and ate parts of his body. Now, a decision by the Psychiatric Security Review Board is allowing him to leave the hospital under certain conditions. This has left many questioning the safety of the community.
Who is Tyree Smith?
Tyree Smith is a man diagnosed with schizophrenia. In 2011, he committed a brutal crime that shocked the public. He murdered 43-year-old Angel Gonzalez, who was homeless, inside an abandoned house in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After killing Gonzalez with an ax, Smith mutilated his body. He removed parts of the victim’s brain, eyeball, and other organs. Smith then took these body parts to Lakeview Cemetery and ate them, washing them down with sake. The gruesome nature of the crime led to widespread horror.
Conditional release shocks many
In 2013, Smith was committed to Connecticut Valley Hospital after being found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was sentenced to 60 years at the psychiatric facility. However, last Friday, the Psychiatric Security Review Board granted Smith a conditional release. This means he will be allowed to leave the hospital for supervised outings. Doctors who have treated Smith say he has improved significantly. They claim that medication has helped control his schizophrenia. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caren Teitelbaum says Smith is now a “joy” to be around. He’s considered a positive influence on others at the hospital. But not everyone agrees with this assessment.
Victim’s family speaks out
Angel Gonzalez’s family is speaking out against Smith’s release. His sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, expressed deep concerns during the hearing. She questioned whether Smith had truly been rehabilitated. “How do we really know he’s not going to do this again?” Frazier asked. Her fear stems from the fact that Smith showed no remorse for killing her brother-in-law. This lack of remorse makes it difficult for her to believe he is truly reformed. She fears for public safety, especially since Smith’s crime was so brutal and shocking.
Political pushback grows
Connecticut’s state politicians are also strongly opposed to Smith’s release. Republican State Senator Paul Cicarella was vocal about his concerns. He called the idea of releasing a murderer and cannibal “a problem.” Cicarella believes that Smith’s release poses a threat to the public. He isn’t convinced that Smith has been fully rehabilitated. Along with other state senators, Cicarella issued a statement against the decision. They argue that releasing Smith sends the wrong message to victims of violent crimes. It also puts the safety of Connecticut residents at risk.
Other politicians, including Senators Henry Martin, Heather Somers, and Stephen Harding, share similar concerns. They fear that if Smith stops taking his medications, he could revert to violent behavior. This group of politicians believes that releasing Smith is a dangerous decision. They have voiced their frustration, stating they are “dumbfounded” by the board’s choice. The release, they argue, is an injustice to the victim’s family and to the public.
Smith’s path to release
Smith’s release will not be immediate. He will first receive supervised day passes. This means he will be allowed to leave the hospital but will remain on the grounds under supervision. Over time, if his progress continues, Smith could receive more privileges. These privileges may include supervised off-site visits. However, his release will still be monitored carefully. The goal is to assess whether Smith can safely reenter society. Despite the measures in place, the question remains: is it too soon for him to be released? Critics say the severity of his crime makes it impossible to believe that he’s truly rehabilitated.
Public Outrage Continues
The public expresses outrage over the board’s decision. Many fear that Smith hasn’t rehabilitated enough to safely return to society. They worry about the potential risk he poses if he stops taking his medication. The gruesome crime of cannibalism leaves many wondering if anyone who commits such an act can ever be truly “cured.” Some call for the system to be reexamined. They argue that someone who commits such a horrific act should never roam free.
The public’s concerns are not unfounded. If Smith were to stop his medication or suffer a relapse, there is a real risk that he could harm others. As a result, there is growing anxiety over the future.
