Connecticut cannibal killer given conditional release after 2011 murder in which he ate victim’s brain, eye

In a decision that has sparked widespread controversy and concern, Tyree Smith, a man who confessed to the brutal 2011 murder of a homeless individual in Connecticut, has been granted a conditional release by the state’s Psychiatric Security Review Board. Smith, who admitted to killing Angel Gonzalez and consuming parts of his body in a cemetery, will now be allowed to leave Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. However, his freedom comes with strict conditions: he will remain under close supervision and must continue to receive mental health services. The decision has been met with outrage from some lawmakers and the victim’s family, who argue that Smith’s release poses a threat to public safety and undermines justice for Gonzalez’s loved ones.

Smith’s case is deeply troubling, and his history of violence is shocking. In 2011, he killed Gonzalez, a homeless man, using an ax in an abandoned home in Bridgeport. After the murder, Smith removed parts of Gonzalez’s brain, an eye, and several organs, which he later ate at Lakeview Cemetery. His actions were so heinous that they have left a lasting impact on the community and the victim’s family. In 2013, a three-judge panel found Smith not guilty by reason of insanity, and he was committed to Connecticut Valley Hospital for a period of 60 years. Over the years, Smith has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has reportedly been receiving treatment for his condition. His doctors now claim that he has been rehabilitated and is no longer a danger to himself or others.

According to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caren Teitelbaum, Smith has made significant progress during his time in the hospital. She described him as a “joy” and a calming presence for other patients, emphasizing that he has maintained clinical stability, adhered to his medication regimen, and actively participated in group and substance abuse treatment. Teitelbaum also noted that Smith no longer experiences visual hallucinations or has a desire to harm others or himself. While these assertions suggest that Smith has improved, many remain skeptical about his release, particularly given the nature of his crimes. The idea that someone who committed such atrocities could be deemed safe for release is difficult for some to accept.

The decision to grant Smith a conditional release has been met with fierce opposition from Republican state senators, including Paul Cicarella, Henry Martin, Heather Somers, and Stephen Harding. These lawmakers have called the decision “outrageous” and “mind-boggling,” arguing that it sends a dangerous message to victims of violent crime and their families. In a statement, they expressed their concern for public safety and demanded justice for Gonzalez’s family, who have repeatedly objected to Smith’s release. The victim’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, also spoke out during the hearing, questioning how anyone could be certain that Smith would not reoffend. She pointed out that Smith had shown no remorse for his actions and that Gonzalez’s family continues to suffer from the trauma of their loss.

Despite the objections, the Psychiatric Security Review Board has determined that Smith is ready for a gradual reintegration into society. Initially, he will be granted day passes that allow him to leave the hospital but remain on its grounds. As he progresses, he may be granted supervised off-site visits. This phased approach is designed to ensure that Smith’s transition is closely monitored and that any potential risks are mitigated. However, even with these safeguards in place, many are left wondering whether such a release is appropriate, given the severity of Smith’s past actions. The case raises complex questions about mental illness, rehabilitation, and the balance between public safety and compassion.

The debate over Tyree Smith’s release highlights the challenges of handling cases involving severe mental illness and violent crime. While some argue that Smith’s apparent rehabilitation and adherence to treatment justify his conditional release, others point out that his crimes were so extreme that they can never truly be forgiven or forgotten. The victim’s family, in particular, continues to grapple with the aftermath of their loss, and the decision to release Smith has only added to their pain. As the community moves forward, it will be important to consider the broader implications of this case and to ensure that both public safety and the rights of victims’ families are taken into account. For now, the conditional release of Tyree Smith serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the difficult decisions it often faces.