Mentally Ill man released despite warnings from experts
THE EATING OF A BRAIN…
On February 21, the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board granted conditional release to Tyree Smith, a man who confessed to a grisly 2011 murder and cannibalism case in Bridgeport, sparking outrage and concern across the state.
Smith, found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2013 for killing homeless man Angel Gonzalez with an ax and consuming parts of his brain and eyeball, had been confined to Whiting Forensic Hospital for over a decade. The board’s decision, announced after a hearing in Middletown, shifts Smith from temporary leave—where he’d lived full-time in a supervised community facility for nine months—to formal discharge under strict supervision and ongoing mental health treatment.
WHY LET HIM OUT?
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caren Teitelbaum testified that Smith’s schizophrenia and substance abuse issues are in full remission due to medication, describing him as a “joy” and a calming presence among peers. The board emphasized his “long-term stability” and commitment to treatment, aligning with their goal of rehabilitation over punishment for those deemed not guilty by insanity. However, this rationale has met fierce opposition. Retired Milwaukee detective Dennis Murphy, who investigated Jeffrey Dahmer, warned the board against the release, citing Dahmer’s admission that he’d resume killing if freed—a parallel he fears applies to Smith.
Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, pleaded with the board to reconsider, questioning Smith’s remorse and the risk of relapse if he stops medication. “How do we know he won’t do this again?” she asked, voicing the family’s anguish. Connecticut Republican senators, including Heather Somers and Paul Cicarella, condemned the ruling as “outrageous,” arguing it jeopardizes public safety and disrespects victims. Despite the backlash, Smith’s transition to a supervised community setting is now official, leaving many to grapple with the balance between rehabilitation and justice in this chilling case.
My take: What the heck is wrong with Connecticut.