The Unforgettable Life Of Derrick Joseph Robie: 5 Key Updates On The 1993 Tragedy And Eric Smith's Parole

The tragic story of Derrick Joseph Robie remains one of the most heartbreaking and widely-discussed juvenile crimes in American history, but the narrative has recently shifted from one of pure loss to a complex path toward healing. As of late 2025, the case is back in the public eye not due to new evidence, but because of the controversial release of his killer, Eric Smith, who was paroled after serving 28 years for the 1993 murder of the four-year-old boy. The latest updates center on the Robie family’s extraordinary decision to publicly let go of their anger, choosing instead to focus on celebrating the short, beautiful life of their son.

The profound impact of the August 2, 1993, tragedy in Savona, New York, continues to resonate decades later. New information and fresh perspectives, particularly concerning the killer’s parole and the family’s response, offer a crucial look into the lasting effects of such a heinous crime on a small community and the survivors who must find a way to move forward. This article provides a comprehensive look at Derrick’s life, the horrific event, and the most recent updates on the case.

Derrick Joseph Robie: A Brief Biography and The Tragic Day

Derrick Joseph Robie was a bright, energetic four-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. His memory is kept alive by his loving parents, Dale and Doreen Robie, and the Savona, New York, community that rallied around them.

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• Full Name: Derrick Joseph Robie
• Age at Death: 4 years old
• Hometown: Savona, New York, Steuben County
• Parents: Dale and Doreen Robie
• Date of Incident: August 2, 1993
• Cause of Death: Murdered by strangulation and blunt force trauma
• Killer: Eric M. Smith, who was 13 years old at the time of the crime.

On the fateful day of August 2, 1993, Derrick was walking alone to a nearby summer day camp. He was intercepted by 13-year-old Eric Smith, who lured the young boy into a wooded area near the Savona park. The details of the crime were horrific, involving sexual abuse, strangulation, and severe beating with rocks. Smith, who later became infamously known as the "Freckle-Faced Killer," confessed to the murder seven days later after intense questioning.

The shocking brutality of the crime, committed by a child against another child, gripped the nation and sparked widespread debate about juvenile justice, mental health, and the nature of evil. Eric Smith was tried as an adult and convicted of second-degree murder in 1994, receiving a sentence of nine years to life.

The Long Road to Parole: Eric Smith’s 28 Years in Prison

Eric Smith’s time in prison was marked by multiple parole board appearances, each one a painful re-opening of old wounds for the Robie family and the Savona community. The "nine years to life" sentence meant Smith became eligible for parole in 2002, but he was denied release ten times over two decades.

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The parole hearings became an annual, agonizing ritual for Dale and Doreen Robie, who tirelessly attended each one to advocate against Smith’s release. Their presence and powerful victim impact statements were instrumental in the board’s repeated decisions to keep the convicted killer incarcerated. The case highlighted the deep conflict between the concept of rehabilitation for juvenile offenders and the need for justice for the victim's family.

During his incarceration, Smith reportedly participated in various programs, earned his GED, and worked in the prison system. He consistently expressed remorse for the crime, though the sincerity of his regret was often questioned by the Robie family and the public. The parole board’s denials were often based on the extreme violence of the crime and the perceived risk to public safety.

Key Update: Eric Smith’s 2022 Parole and Current Status

The most significant and current development in the Derrick Robie case is the release of Eric Smith on parole. After his eleventh appearance before the New York State Parole Board, he was finally granted release in October 2021, and officially walked out of the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in February 2022.

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Smith, who was 42 years old at the time of his release, had spent 28 years behind bars. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with many in the community expressing fear and outrage, while others pointed to his decades of incarceration and the legal structure that mandates parole eligibility.

Parole Conditions and Relocation

Upon his release, Eric Smith was relocated to Queens, New York, a move that placed him far away from the small, tight-knit community of Savona. His parole comes with strict conditions, which typically include:

• Mandatory supervision by a parole officer.
• A curfew and travel restrictions.
• Required participation in therapy and counseling.
• Restrictions on contact with the Robie family and children.
• A ban on consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.

Any violation of these conditions could result in his immediate re-incarceration. His release remains a source of ongoing public interest and a frequent topic in true crime circles, as observers monitor his adjustment to life outside of prison after nearly three decades.

The Robie Family’s Path to Healing and Forgiveness

Perhaps the most compelling and inspiring recent update to the Derrick Robie case is the public stance taken by his parents, Dale and Doreen Robie.

In the wake of Eric Smith’s parole, the couple made a remarkable and profound choice: to actively let go of the anger and hatred that had consumed a large part of their lives for 28 years. They publicly announced that they were choosing to forgive Smith, not for his benefit, but for their own, allowing them to finally begin the process of true healing.

This decision was not about excusing the crime but about reclaiming their lives from the emotional prison the murder had created. They stated that holding onto anger was only hurting them, and their focus would now be entirely on celebrating the memory of their son.

Honoring Derrick’s Memory: The Memorial Field

The community of Savona, New York, has consistently worked to ensure that Derrick Joseph Robie is remembered for his life, not just his death. A key part of this enduring legacy is the dedication of a memorial in his honor.

A new memorial field, dedicated to Derrick, was presented to the community. This space serves as a permanent, positive tribute to the four-year-old boy, replacing the dark memory of the crime with a place for children to play and for the community to gather. The field symbolizes the Robie family’s and the town’s resilience, transforming a site associated with tragedy into a place of hope and remembrance.

The ongoing commitment to keep Derrick’s memory alive through community action and personal healing is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. The Robie family’s journey, particularly their choice to move past decades of justifiable anger, stands as a powerful example of how survivors can ultimately find peace, even when justice, in their eyes, feels incomplete.