Connecticut cannibal killer granted conditional release

The forensic psychiatrist says he has continued to "engage in group and substance abuse treatment" and "denied visual hallucinations and a desire to harm others or himself.”

By Nicholas Ballasy

Published: February 23, 2025 7:10pm

Tyree Smith, who confessed to the 2011 killing of a homeless man in Connecticut where he ate the victim's brain and eye in a cemetery, has been given a conditional release, according to WFSB.

Smith was found not guilty by reason of insanity back in 2013.

The Nutmeg State’s Psychiatric Security Review Board made the decision on Friday to release him from the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown.

WFSB reported that Smith will stay under supervision and be provided mental health services.

“To quote the director there, he is a joy. He is considered a support to the other people there,” forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caren Teitelbaum said. “Once he was stable, he was a really calming presence for other patients.”

Teitelbaum said he has "maintained clinical stability" and "adhered" to his medications.

She added that he has continued to "engage in group and substance abuse treatment" and "denied visual hallucinations and a desire to harm others or himself.”