Eric Smith (murderer)
Eric Smith is an American criminal who gained notoriety for the murder of a young child in 1993. His case drew significant media attention due to his age at the time of the crime and the nature of the offense.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Eric Smith was born on January 22, 1980, in Steuben County, New York. He was raised in a small town and attended local schools. Smith was known to have a difficult childhood, characterized by bullying and social isolation. He struggled with emotional and behavioral issues, which were noted by teachers and family members.
The Murder of Derrick Robie[edit | edit source]
On August 2, 1993, Eric Smith, then 13 years old, murdered four-year-old Derrick Robie in the town of Savona, New York. Robie was walking alone to a summer camp located a short distance from his home when he encountered Smith. Smith lured Robie into a wooded area, where he strangled and bludgeoned him with rocks. The murder was particularly brutal, and the community was shocked by the crime.
Arrest and Trial[edit | edit source]
Eric Smith was arrested on August 8, 1993, after confessing to the crime. His trial began in 1994, and he was tried as an adult due to the severity of the offense. During the trial, Smith's defense argued that he suffered from mental health issues, including intermittent explosive disorder. However, the prosecution maintained that Smith was aware of his actions and their consequences.
Smith was found guilty of second-degree murder and was sentenced to the maximum term for a juvenile, which was nine years to life in prison. He was incarcerated at various facilities, including the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York.
Parole Hearings[edit | edit source]
Eric Smith became eligible for parole in 2002. Since then, he has had multiple parole hearings, all of which were initially denied. During these hearings, Smith expressed remorse for his actions and discussed his efforts at rehabilitation. In 2021, after several previous denials, Smith was granted parole and released from prison in February 2022.
Public and Media Reaction[edit | edit source]
The case of Eric Smith received widespread media coverage, both at the time of the murder and during subsequent parole hearings. The public was divided on the issue of his release, with some advocating for his continued incarceration and others supporting his rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
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