EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers React to Shocking 'Connecticut Cannibal' Case
CAUTION: The following narrative includes explicit content. Reader beware.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — An investigative report by News 8 revealing prison records associated with the "Connecticut Cannibal" has led some state officials to comment publicly.
They're requesting that the state's psychiatric review board reconsider a contentious choice.
Recent reports have exposed instances of violence within a state correctional facility, including an incident where someone ate another person's flesh. As a result, four state senators are seeking answers regarding whether the review board responsible for releasing this individual was aware of these disturbing details before granting their freedom.
Initially, Tyree Smith murdered a man using a hatchet. Following this act is where understanding becomes challenging. Subsequently, Smith consumed portions of his victim’s brain and even an eye. The deceased was Angel Gonzalez, leaving behind a devastated family.
Smith has the chance to be reunited with his family, and on April 25th, it would've been Angel's birthday; he would've turned 57," stated Talitha Frazier, the victim's sister-in-law. "Unfortunately, we couldn't see him as all we have left are his ashes, which makes it incredibly painful.
Smith was acquitted due to mental illness. In the end, he was sent to a psychiatric facility. Currently, News 8’s thorough investigation into Smith’s incarceration following the murder charges is gaining notice at the state capital.
"You understand that this involves severe fights and significant confrontations, but the Psychiatric Review Board remains tight-lipped and secretive about their reasons for releasing this individual back into society," stated State Senator Heather Somers.
Somers, alongside State Senators Henri Martin, Paul Cicarella, and Stephen Harding, has penned a letter to the state’s psychiatric review board regarding their decision to allow Smith conditional release to a Connecticut halfway house.
Following the News 8 investigation that revealed Smith, while detained on a murder charge, was housed at the Garner Correctional Facility where he assaulted another inmate. He struck this individual after they made derogatory comments and pushed them to the floor; however, the victim did not retaliate.
The senators stated, "Following our viewing of the News 8 investigative report, we ask that the psychiatric evaluation panel revisit their choice to discharge Smith."
The letter continues.
Derderian's probe uncovered that Smith exhibited aggressive conduct while incarcerated. Additionally, state officials raised the query, 'Did the review board have knowledge of these recently disclosed prison records?'
"If they were unaware, they ought to have the capability to retract their decision, revisit it, and consider whether this is something that warrants reconsideration," stated Somers.
News 8 approached the Review Board with additional inquiries sparked by the letter sent to them. The officials chose not to address our queries directly regarding whether they had knowledge of the particular issues at the prison concerning Smith. However, they stated broadly that prison records frequently undergo review, and there are currently no plans for the board to revisit their previous ruling.
In their email reply to News 8, they stated, "The incidents you mentioned, specifically the prison brawl, occurred before Mr. Smith appeared before the psychiatric review board."
Smith received a 60-year sentence, yet he only ended up serving a fraction of it. The review board informed News 8 that there have not been any breaches of the stipulated conditions since Smith’s release.
View the complete exclusive report above.
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