Conditional Release Granted to Cannibal Killer Tyree Smith
Introduction
Tyree Smith, a man institutionalized for over a decade following a heinous act of cannibalism in 2011, has been granted conditional release by the Nutmeg State’s Psychiatric Security Review Board. The decision has sparked outrage from some lawmakers and the victim’s family, raising concerns about public safety and the weight of justice.
The Crime and Confession
In 2011, Smith confessed to the gruesome murder of a homeless man named Angel Gonzalez. The crime took place in an abandoned home in Bridgeport, where Smith reportedly used an ax to kill Gonzalez. Afterwards, he removed parts of the victim’s brain, an eye, and several organs, which he consumed at Lakeview Cemetery.
Trial and Commitment
In 2013, a three-judge panel found Smith not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered him committed to Connecticut Valley Hospital for 60 years. During his confinement, Smith’s medical experts claimed he had been rehabilitated and was taking medication for psychosis and auditory hallucinations.
Conditional Release
On Friday, the Psychiatric Security Review Board granted Smith conditional release. He will initially receive day passes while remaining confined to the hospital grounds. As he demonstrates progress, he will be granted additional freedoms, such as supervised off-site visits.
Support for Release
Smith’s doctor, forensic psychiatrist Caren Teitelbaum, expressed confidence in his rehabilitation. She described Smith as a "joy" and stated that he had maintained clinical stability, adhered to medications, and participated in therapy.
Opposition to Release
GOP state Senator Paul Cicarella and his Republican colleagues strongly opposed Smith’s release. They argued that the severity of his crime and the public safety concerns outweighed any claims of rehabilitation. "Murder and cannibalism and release in the same sentence. That’s a problem," Cicarella stated.
Victim’s Family Concerns
Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, voiced the family’s objections to Smith’s release. She questioned the reliability of Smith’s rehabilitation and expressed fear for her family’s safety. "How do we really know he’s not going to do this again?" Frazier asked.
Legal Precedent
The concept of conditional release for individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity has a legal basis. In Connecticut, the Psychiatric Security Review Board has the authority to grant release if it determines that the person is no longer a danger to themselves or others.
Balancing Justice and Safety
The decision to release Smith highlights the complex balancing act between justice for the victim’s family and the potential for rehabilitation in mental illness cases. While some argue that Smith’s heinous actions should bar him from ever being released, others believe that his progress in treatment should be considered.
Conclusion
The conditional release of Tyree Smith has sparked a debate about the limits of justice and the role of mental health in determining societal safety. The decision raises questions about the reliability of rehabilitation in cases of extreme violence and the responsibility of the legal system to protect both the public and the rights of the mentally ill.
