Connecticut Man’s Conditional Release Stirs Public Safety Debate

Close-up of a blue eye with intricate patterns.

The conditional release of Tyree Smith, once confined for a gruesome crime, sparks debate over mental health rehabilitation and public safety.

Key Insights

Tyree Smith, accused of murder and cannibalism, has been granted a conditional release from a maximum-security psychiatric hospital.
Smith was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2012 murder of Angel Gonzalez, where he allegedly consumed parts of the victim’s body.
The decision to release Smith has been criticized by GOP lawmakers, who called it a threat to public safety.
Gonzalez’s family expressed concerns about Smith potentially hiding his mental illness.

Details of the Release

Tyree Smith, previously confined to a maximum-security psychiatric facility, has been conditionally released after a significant assessment of his mental health progress. The Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board approved this decision due to Smith’s sustained mental stability and adherence to his treatment.

Smith’s release incorporates supervision and ongoing therapy to ensure continuous recovery and societal protection. The arrangement includes living in a community-supervised facility with day passes to hospital grounds.

⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence & cannibalism

Tyree Smith, who was found “Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity” in 2013 for the murder & cannibalism of Angel Gonzalez, 43, has been granted conditional release by the Connecticut Psychiatric Security… pic.twitter.com/zSIZCbnE58

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) February 23, 2025

GOP Lawmakers’ Reactions

State lawmakers have expressed discontent with Smith’s release, labeling it “outrageous” and a reckless breach of public safety. Their concerns highlight the contention between upholding public security and rehabilitating individuals with severe psychiatric histories.

Lawmakers argue that releasing an individual with Smith’s criminal history is “mind-boggling,” given the heinous nature of his past actions. These sentiments echo a widespread concern among conservative circles wanting stricter adherence to punitive actions.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝘁 ‘𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿’ 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲.

Tyree Smith axed a homeless man in Bridgeport, & ate brain parts, eyeball & organs.

CT Psych Hosp OK’d conditional release Fri; shrink says schizophrenia & substance… pic.twitter.com/TDPhkBBY7A

— CeCe ˗ˏˋ ✞ ˎˊ˗ 🌴 🇺🇸 (@Ohio_buckeye_us) February 23, 2025

Family Concerns and Ongoing Safety Measures

Smith’s troubled past remains a significant concern for Angel Gonzalez’s family, who question the assurances of Smith’s mental stability and potential risks he might present. Family members fear that discontinuation of his treatment could lead to relapses.

“How do we really know he’s not going to do this again?” said Talitha Frazier, sister-in-law to Angel Gonzalez.

Psychiatrists emphasized Smith’s long-term stability, noting the remission of his schizophrenia and the role that structured supervision plays in maintaining it. They attest to Smith’s positive influence in pre-release environments.