Connecticut man who killed, ate victim's body parts granted release, sparking outrage

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A Connecticut man who killed a victim with a hatchet and ate body parts has been granted conditional release. This has sparked outrage from the victim's family and lawmakers, who fear public safety risks.

Tyree Smith

Tyree Smith (Hearst Connecticut Media via AP, File)

India Today Global Desk

UPDATED: Feb 23, 2025 23:47 IST

A Connecticut man found not guilty by reason of insanity for a gruesome 2012 killing has been conditionally released from a maximum-security psychiatric hospital, despite opposition from the victim’s family and state lawmakers.

Gruesome crime and court ruling

Tyree Smith was sentenced to 60 years of confinement at Whiting Forensic Hospital in 2013 after he was found to have killed Angel Gonzalez with a hatchet and consumed parts of his body. Gonzalez’s remains were discovered in a vacant Bridgeport apartment a month after his murder. During the trial, Smith’s cousin testified that he admitted to eating portions of Gonzalez’s brain and an eyeball while drinking sake.

Conditional release decision

On Friday, Connecticut’s Psychiatric Security Review Board approved Smith’s conditional release following testimony from a psychiatrist who stated that his schizophrenia, as well as his history of alcohol and drug abuse, were in full remission due to ongoing treatment and medication.

Under the conditions of his release, Smith will continue to be monitored while residing in a community setting. For the past nine months, he has already been living in a supervised facility with 24/7 oversight. The board’s ruling now officially discharges him from Whiting Forensic Hospital.

Victim’s family and lawmakers express concern

The decision has left the victim’s family deeply unsettled. Angel Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, voiced her fears during the board hearing, questioning whether Smith’s mental illness was truly under control.

"How do we really know he’s not going to do this again?" she asked. Several Connecticut Republican lawmakers also condemned the release, calling it “outrageous” and “mind-boggling.”

"This terrible decision puts public safety in jeopardy and is yet another terrible message to send to Connecticut’s violent crime victims and their families. This person should never be out," stated Senators Heather Somers, Paul Cicarella, Henri Martin, and Stephen Harding in a joint statement.

Security Measures in Place

Smith attended the hearing virtually alongside his attorney, though he was not visible on screen due to security concerns arising from media coverage.

While officials argue that his condition is under control and his release is structured with strict oversight, critics remain deeply skeptical, questioning whether public safety is truly being prioritized.

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indiatodayglobal

Published On:

Feb 23, 2025

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