A Connecticut man found not guilty by reason of insanity after committing a gruesome murder and engaging in cannibalism has been granted conditional release from a psychiatric hospital.

Tyree Smith, who killed 43-year-old Angel Gonzalez with an axe and consumed parts of his body, will now transition out of Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown, where he had been confined since 2013.

Smith was initially sentenced to “up to 60 years” in the psychiatric facility after being found legally insane at the time of the crime.

Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans

He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was reportedly abusing drugs and alcohol when he committed the murder.

According to The Hartford Courant, Gonzalez’s body was discovered in an abandoned building on Brooks Street in Bridgeport on January 20, 2012.

The remains were severely decomposed, and the victim had suffered extensive wounds to his head and face.

Authorities later learned details of the crime from Smith’s cousin, Nicole Rabb, who told police that Smith arrived at her home in mid-December 2011 and stated that he needed to “get blood on his hands.”

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

Rabb said Smith planned to go to Beardsley Park and then return to his former residence on Brooks Street.

The next day, Smith returned with blood on his clothing and an axe in hand.

He told Rabb he had been sleeping on the second-floor porch of 216 Brooks Street when Gonzalez invited him inside to escape the cold.

Once inside, Smith attacked Gonzalez with the axe, striking him repeatedly.

Smith later described how he removed Gonzalez’s eyeball, pieces of his brain, and part of his skull.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Smith then went to Lakeview Cemetery, where he consumed the eyeball, stating it “tasted like an oyster,” along with portions of brain matter.

On Friday, the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board approved Smith’s conditional release, citing his progress in treatment.

“The board previously determined that Mr. Smith has demonstrated long-term stability, remained engaged in all recommended treatments, and consistently followed his care plan,” board spokesperson Vanessa Cardella said in a statement obtained by The Hartford Courant.

His release will be conditional, requiring continued structured supervision and mental health treatment.

Cardella explained that individuals in his situation first undergo a temporary leave process, where they are gradually reintroduced to the community under strict oversight before receiving conditional release.

“Conditional release continues this supervision with strict conditions to prioritize both public safety and the individual’s ongoing treatment.

Rehabilitation, not punishment, is the goal for all individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity,” Cardella added.

Gonzalez’s family has strongly opposed Smith’s release, expressing concerns over public safety and justice for their loved one.

Several Republican state senators also condemned the decision, issuing a joint statement denouncing the psychiatric board’s ruling.

“Outrageous. Mind-boggling. This individual killed and ate part of his victim and was found not guilty by reason of insanity,” read the statement from State Senators Heather Somers, Paul Cicarella, Henri Martin, and Stephen Harding.

“His victim’s family raised objections about his release. What about them? Where is the justice for them?”

The lawmakers warned that the decision could put public safety at risk and send a dangerous message to violent crime victims in the state.

“This terrible decision puts public safety in jeopardy and is yet another terrible message to send to CT violent crime victims and their families.

This person should never be out,” they stated. “We are dumbfounded at this injustice. In what universe is this okay?”

Smith’s conditional release is expected to involve close monitoring, though it remains unclear what restrictions will be in place or where he will reside.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.