Connecticut releases cannibal killer who ate victim’s brain, sparking outrage and fears for public safety. The shocking decision by the Psychiatric Security Review Board to grant conditional release to Tyree Smith, found not guilty by reason of insanity for a gruesome 2011 murder, has left lawmakers and citizens demanding answers. This disturbing case highlights the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform and mental health treatment in America.
Brutal Murder and Cannibalism Shocks Nation
In December 2011, Tyree Smith, now 35, brutally murdered Angel Tun Tun Gonzalez with a hatchet in a vacant Connecticut apartment. The horrific crime didn’t end there.
Smith’s cousin later testified that the killer ate the victim’s eyeball and part of his brain while drinking sake. This grisly act of cannibalism sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
This is quite the risk – These "experts" better have this correct. Using an AXE to murder someone, Eating a portion of the brain and eye after is quite astoundinghttps://t.co/GzXgpBqM46
— Arnold (@Tiburon96_3) February 22, 2025
Insanity Plea Leads to Psychiatric Confinement
Smith was found not guilty by reason of insanity and sentenced to 60 years in a maximum-security psychiatric hospital. His diagnosis included schizophrenia and substance abuse issues.
RELEASED FROM JAIL AN HOUR AGO IN CONNECTICUT: A deranged cannibal who terribly kil*ed someone with an axe — and then ate the brain and eyeballs.
After a review of his clinical progress, the officials in Connecticut said he was granted conditional release because he agreed that… pic.twitter.com/jHFF1y4ExG
— ✝️ Dr Margaret Aranda Ferrante, MD PhD FACFEI ♿️ (@TheRebelPatient) February 23, 2025
Doctors warned that Smith could become a threat if he stops taking his medication. Despite these concerns, Smith’s psychiatrist recently reported improvements in his mental health.
Outrage Erupts Over Killer’s Conditional Release
The Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board’s decision to grant Smith conditional release has sparked fierce backlash. Republican legislators called the move “outrageous” and “mind-boggling.”
“This individual killed and ate part of his victim and was found not guilty by reason of insanity. This terrible decision puts public safety in jeopardy… This person should never be out,” multiple Republican legislators stated.
State Senator Paul Cicarella expressed deep concern, saying, “Murder and cannibalism and release in the same sentence. That’s a problem. That’s concerning to me.”
The victim’s family is understandably devastated by the decision. Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, questioned the board during the hearing, asking, “How do we really know he’s not going to do this again?”
Critics argue that this case demonstrates a disturbing trend of prioritizing criminal rehabilitation over public safety. They warn that releasing such a dangerous individual puts innocent lives at risk.
Supporters of the decision point to Smith’s reported progress and the strict conditions of his release. He will continue to live under close supervision while receiving ongoing treatment.
This controversial case reignites debates about the effectiveness of the insanity defense and the balance between mental health treatment and public safety. It also raises questions about the long-term containment of violent offenders deemed mentally ill.
As Smith prepares for his conditional release, many Americans are left wondering if justice has truly been served and if their communities are safe from potentially dangerous individuals.
Sources:
‘Mind-boggling’: Accused cannibal murderer granted conditional release
Connecticut man who killed, ate victim’s body parts granted release, sparking outrage – India Today