In a gruesome incident, Tyree Smith, 35, consumed parts of his friend’s brain and eyes, likening them to the taste of oysters. The horrific act took place in December 2011 when Smith, obsessed with Greek gods, brutally killed Angel ‘Tun Tun’ Gonzalez with a hatchet. Gonzalez’s mutilated body was found in an abandoned flat in Bridgeport in January 2012, where Smith had previously resided.
Smith’s cousin, Nicole Rabb, testified that he had visited her home the day before the murder, talking obsessively about Greek gods and wanting to commit violent acts. The following day, Smith returned covered in blood, admitting to consuming Gonzalez’s organs and expressing remorse in court in 2013.
Despite Smith’s apology, doubts remain about his potential for future violence. The sister-in-law of the victim, Talitha Frazier, raised concerns about his release, questioning his likelihood of repeating such heinous acts. Smith was granted permission to leave Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown in February after spending time in a group home in Waterbury.
Dr. Caren Teitelbaum praised Smith’s behavior in the group home, stating that he had been stable and supportive of others. However, State Senator Paul Cicarella expressed unease about releasing a murderer and cannibal back into society.
Medical professionals emphasized the importance of Smith’s continued medication and supervision to prevent any potential danger. Despite being discharged from Whiting Forensic Hospital in February, concerns persist about Smith’s mental state and the risk he may pose to others.
Public figures, including Senators Heather Somers, Cicarella, Henri Martin, and Stephen Harding, condemned the decision to release Smith, labeling it as dangerous and distressing for crime victims and their families. The senators called for stricter measures to ensure public safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.