A man who committed a gruesome act of violence by consuming parts of his friend’s brain and eyes, likening them to the taste of oysters, has been identified as Tyree Smith. The incident occurred in December 2011 when Smith, displaying erratic behavior and speaking about Greek mythology, brutally murdered Angel ‘Tun Tun’ Gonzalez with a hatchet. Gonzalez’s disfigured body was found in an abandoned flat in Bridgeport, where Smith had spent his childhood.
According to court testimonies, Smith had visited his cousin, Nicole Rabb, a day before the heinous crime, expressing his fascination with Greek gods and a desire to engage in violent acts. The following day, covered in blood and armed, he returned to Rabb’s residence, confessing to consuming Gonzalez’s organs while under the influence of Sake, claiming he had “acquired his blood.”
During his trial in 2013, Smith admitted to remorse for his actions, stating he was sorry for the tragedy but attributing it to his own internal struggles. Despite this, concerns about his potential for future violence were raised by Gonzalez’s relatives, including Talitha Frazier, who questioned the safety of releasing Smith back into society.
Following a review by Connecticut’s Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB), Smith was granted release from a maximum-security mental facility to a group home in Waterbury after being deemed stable. This decision sparked criticism from State Senator Paul Cicarella, who expressed apprehension about allowing someone with a history of murder and cannibalism to be released into the community.
Medical professionals overseeing Smith’s care emphasized the importance of his continued medication and supervision, acknowledging the potential risk if he were to discontinue treatment. The PSRB’s decision to release Smith was supported by a forensic psychiatrist who assured that Smith’s schizophrenia was being managed effectively and that he would remain under strict monitoring while undergoing treatment in a communal setting.
Recent reports indicate that Smith has been discharged from Whiting Forensic Hospital, marking a significant step in his transition back into society. Despite concerns raised by lawmakers and the victim’s family, Smith’s release has been approved based on his progress and stability under supervised care.
The decision to release Smith has drawn criticism from several senators who fear for public safety and the well-being of past crime victims. They have expressed disappointment and disbelief at the outcome, emphasizing the need for caution when dealing with individuals who have committed such heinous acts.
At Reach and across our entities , we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to enhance your site experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized ads. You can opt out of data sharing or sales at any time by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the page. Please note that your choices are specific to each browser. By using our website and services, you consent to the use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms