A Controversial Release: Tyree Smith, the Cannibal Killer, Granted Conditional Freedom
In a decision that has sparked widespread outrage and debate, Tyree Smith, a man who confessed to the brutal 2011 murder of a homeless individual in Connecticut and subsequently consumed parts of the victim’s body, has been granted conditional release by the state’s Psychiatric Security Review Board. Smith, who was deemed not guilty by reason of insanity, has spent over a decade at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. While he will no longer be confined to the hospital, he will remain under strict supervision and continue to receive mental health services. The decision has been met with skepticism and anger, particularly from the victim’s family and state lawmakers, who argue that Smith’s release poses a significant threat to public safety.
A Troubling Crime and a Controversial Rehabilitation
Tyree Smith’s violent past is undeniably disturbing. In 2011, he killed Angel Gonzalez, a homeless man, using an ax in an abandoned home in Bridgeport. He then mutilated Gonzalez’s body, removing and consuming parts of his brain, an eye, and several organs at a nearby cemetery. Smith’s actions shocked the community and led to his arrest and subsequent psychiatric evaluation. In 2013, a three-judge panel found him not guilty by reason of insanity, citing his severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia. He was committed to Connecticut Valley Hospital for a period of 60 years. However, after more than a decade of treatment, Smith’s medical team argued that he had made significant progress. Dr. Caren Teitelbaum, a forensic psychiatrist, testified that Smith had achieved clinical stability, adhered to his medication regimen, and actively participated in group therapy and substance abuse treatment. She described him as a “joy” and a calming presence for other patients, stating that he no longer experiences visual hallucinations or a desire to harm himself or others.
Conditional Release and Ongoing Supervision
Under the terms of his conditional release, Smith will initially be granted day passes but will remain confined to the hospital’s grounds. As he demonstrates continued stability, he may be allowed supervised off-site visits. While this gradual approach is intended to ease his reintegration into society, it has done little to alleviate concerns among the public and policymakers. Smith’s release is contingent on his continued adherence to treatment, including medication to manage his psychosis. His progress will be closely monitored by mental health professionals, and any signs of instability could result in his return to the hospital. Despite these safeguards, many remain skeptical about the decision to release a man with such a violent history, even if he has shown signs of rehabilitation.
Outrage from Lawmakers and the Public
The decision to grant Smith conditional release has been met with fierce opposition from Republican state lawmakers, including Sen. Paul Cicarella, Henry Martin, Heather Somers, and Stephen Harding. In a joint statement, the lawmakers called the decision “outrageous” and “mind-boggling,” arguing that Smith’s crimes were heinous and that his release sends a troubling message to victims of violent crime and their families. “Murder and cannibalism and release in the same sentence. That’s a problem,” Sen. Cicarella remarked. The lawmakers expressed concerns about public safety, questioning how Smith’s release could be justified when his victim’s family remains traumatized by the crime. “What about THEM? Where is the justice for THEM? This terrible decision puts public safety in jeopardy,” the lawmakers said.
The Victim’s Family Speaks Out
The family of Angel Gonzalez has also expressed their outrage and fear over Smith’s release. Talitha Frazier, Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, addressed the Psychiatric Security Review Board during the hearing, pleading with them to keep Smith hospitalized. “How do we really know he’s not going to do this again?” Frazier asked, her voice trembling with emotion. She criticized Smith for showing no remorse for his actions and highlighted the ongoing pain and fear experienced by Gonzalez’s loved ones. “His grandkids are scared. His daughter is scared,” Frazier said, adding that Gonzalez’s daughter was so distraught that she was unable to attend the hearing due to health complications. The family’s concerns underscore the emotional toll of Smith’s crimes and the deep-seated fear that he could harm someone again.
The Broader Debate: Justice, Rehabilitation, and Public Safety
Smith’s case has reignited a broader debate about the balance between rehabilitation and justice, particularly in cases involving severe mental illness. While Smith’s medical team argues that he has been rehabilitated and no longer poses a threat to society, others question whether someone who committed such heinous acts can ever truly be considered safe for release. The case also raises questions about the role of mental health treatment in the criminal justice system and whether individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity should ever be granted freedom, regardless of their progress. As Smith begins his conditional release, the public will undoubtedly watch closely, hoping that the system has made the right decision while fearing the consequences if it has not. For now, the release of Tyree Smith serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of mental health, justice, and public safety.
