5 Shocking Facts About Tyree Smith's Conditional Release: The 'Connecticut Cannibal' Case Revisited

The controversial conditional release of Tyree Smith, infamously dubbed the 'Connecticut Cannibal,' has sparked intense debate and fear across the state, bringing the horrific details of the 2011 murder back into the public eye. As of December 15, 2025, Smith, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGBRI) for the brutal killing and subsequent act of cannibalism, has been moved from a secure psychiatric facility to a monitored group home setting, a decision made by the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). This move, predicated on Smith's claims of stabilized mental health and a lack of recent hallucinations, is met with outrage from the victim's family and concern from law enforcement, prompting a deep dive into the strict monitoring conditions and his troubled history. The case of Tyree Lincoln Smith is one of the most shocking in modern Connecticut history, involving a crime so gruesome it captivated and repulsed the nation. His conditional release is not a full exoneration but rather a step-down in supervision, allowing him to re-enter society under a rigorous set of rules and continuous psychiatric oversight. Understanding the profile of the man and the legal framework that allowed this release is crucial to grasping the complexity and controversy surrounding the PSRB's decision.

Tyree Lincoln Smith: Case Profile and Key Facts

Tyree Lincoln Smith’s profile is defined by the tragic and disturbing events of December 2011 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His legal status as "not guilty by reason of insanity" placed him under the jurisdiction of the state's mental health system rather than the traditional correctional system, leading to his initial confinement at Whiting Forensic Hospital.

• Full Name: Tyree Lincoln Smith
• Primary Residence: Bridgeport, Connecticut
• Case Incident Date: December 2011
• Victim: Angel "Tun Tun" Gonzalez (Age 35)
• Method of Crime: Bludgeoned the victim with an ax or a similar blunt object.
• Disturbing Detail: Smith admitted to eating parts of the victim's body, including portions of his brain.
• Legal Finding: Found "Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity" (NGBRI) in 2013.
• Original Sentence/Confinement: Ordered to be confined to Whiting Forensic Hospital for a period of 60 years.
• Releasing Authority: Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB).
• Current Status: Granted Conditional Release to a supervised group home setting.

The NGBRI finding was based on expert testimony that Smith was suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of the crime, rendering him incapable of understanding the wrongfulness of his actions. This legal distinction is what allows the Psychiatric Security Review Board to oversee his confinement and, ultimately, his conditional release.

The Controversial Conditional Release and PSRB Oversight

The decision by the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) to grant Tyree Smith conditional release has been met with widespread public and political condemnation. The PSRB’s mandate is to protect the public while also providing treatment for individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The board's ruling was based on the testimony and assessment of treating clinicians who stated that Smith's hallucinations had ceased and his mental state had stabilized significantly during his confinement at Whiting Forensic Hospital.

The release is not a full freedom but a transfer to a highly structured and monitored group home environment. This step-down process is designed to gradually reintroduce individuals into society while maintaining public safety.

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However, the delay in the release of the PSRB's written decision fueled public frustration and transparency concerns. Critics argue that the nature of the crime—the murder of Angel Gonzalez and the subsequent cannibalism—warrants perpetual confinement, regardless of psychiatric progress.

Strict Monitoring Conditions and Public Safety Concerns

The conditions of Tyree Smith's release are exceptionally strict, reflecting the severity of his past actions and the heightened public safety risk. These conditions are a core component of the PSRB's effort to manage the transition and mitigate the potential for recidivism.

Smith is required to reside in a specific, supervised group home, and his movements are severely restricted. He is not permitted to leave the premises without the direct supervision of a designated staff member or caregiver.

A crucial element of the monitoring involves continuous medical and psychiatric oversight. Visiting nurses and a team of caregivers are mandated to ensure his compliance with medication protocols and to monitor for any signs of relapse into psychosis or the return of auditory or visual hallucinations.

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Furthermore, Smith is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and must attend regular therapy and counseling sessions. Any violation of these stringent conditions could result in the immediate revocation of his conditional release and a return to the secure environment of Whiting Forensic Hospital. The fear remains, however, that even with strict monitoring, the potential for a catastrophic failure exists.

The Troubling History and Warning Signs Exposed

New reports and prison documents have surfaced, revealing a history of troubling behavior by Tyree Smith even after his initial confinement, which casts a shadow of doubt over his current stability and the PSRB's decision.

One notable incident occurred in 2013 while he was confined at Garner Correctional Institution. Smith admitted to assaulting a fellow inmate, striking him in the face and pushing him down.

This history of violence, even within a controlled environment, has been cited by opponents of the conditional release as evidence that Smith remains a danger to the community. The documents suggest a pattern of aggression that goes beyond the singular psychotic break of the 2011 murder.

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The victim's family, including the sister-in-law of Angel Gonzalez, Talitha Frazier, has publicly expressed their horror and opposition to the release, stating they cannot forget the horrific nature of the crime committed against their loved one.

The designation of "Connecticut Cannibal" has made Smith a pariah, and the public outcry reflects a deep-seated belief that some crimes are so heinous that the concept of rehabilitation, especially under conditional release, is unacceptable. The ongoing debate pits the legal and medical necessity of treating mental illness against the moral and ethical demands for permanent justice for the victim.

The Future of Tyree Smith and the PSRB’s Mandate

The conditional release of Tyree Smith will serve as a critical test case for the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board. His transition into the group home setting is not the end of his confinement but merely a change in the location and intensity of his supervision.

The PSRB retains jurisdiction over Smith for the full 60-year period of his original confinement order. This means that for decades to come, the board will be responsible for reviewing his status, assessing his risk, and determining whether he is fit for less restrictive conditions or if he must be returned to the hospital.

The case highlights the complex and often unpopular role of the NGBRI defense and the boards that manage these individuals. While the legal system acknowledges that a person cannot be held criminally responsible for actions committed during a state of insanity, the public struggle is reconciling this legal principle with the brutal reality of the crime. The ongoing monitoring of Tyree Lincoln Smith will be under intense scrutiny as the community seeks assurance that the safety of Bridgeport and the surrounding areas is paramount.