The Disturbing Case of Tyree Smith: A Connecticut Cannibal
A Shocking Incident in Connecticut
In 2011, a horrifying event in Connecticut left law enforcement and medical professionals in shock. The murder of a homeless man, followed by cannibalistic acts, culminated in the arrest of Tyree Smith, who became infamously known as the 'Connecticut Cannibal.' This article delves into the chilling details of Smith's story.
Brutal Murder and Cannibalism
Tyree Smith committed the brutal murder of Angel Gonzalez, a homeless man, using an axe in Bridgeport. Following the crime, he was discovered sitting in a cemetery, having consumed a portion of Gonzalez's brain and an eye. The day before the murder, Smith had visited his cousin, Nicole Rabb, where he rambled about Greek gods and expressed a desire to 'stain his hands with blood.' The next day, he arrived at her home covered in blood, recounting how he had killed Angel and eaten parts of his body.
Smith described the taste of the eye as 'similar to an oyster' and claimed he was under the influence of Japanese sake during the act. Days later, Gonzalez's decomposed body was found in an abandoned apartment.
Institutionalized for Mental Illness
In 2013, the court determined that Smith was suffering from severe schizophrenia at the time of the incident. He was declared not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to Whiting Forensic Hospital for 60 years. Medical professionals reported that with medication and ongoing treatment, Smith's mental health improved significantly. A forensic psychiatrist noted that he now assists in maintaining calm among other patients and no longer exhibits his previous violent tendencies.
Tyree's Conditional Release
At the beginning of 2025, the Psychological Security Review Board granted Smith conditional release. He is now living in the community under strict supervision, with regular medication and therapy. However, documents from his time in prison reveal that he had several altercations with other inmates, leading to his temporary isolation due to reported misconduct.
Talitha Frazier, the sister-in-law of Angel Gonzalez, expressed concerns that Smith remains a danger to society. She stated, 'If he was violent in prison, how can he be safe outside?' Nevertheless, prior to the court's decision, Smith had apologized for Gonzalez's death.