On August 2, 1993, thirteen year old Eric Smith did something horrible. Something unimaginable. He beat, sodomized, and killed a four year old boy. Public outrage followed. Then, shock erupted after the killer confessed. He was only thirteen.
Even though I didn't live near the town the crime occurred in, I remember the case. It caused headlines across the state. Like most of these brutal juvenile cases, it causes people to question the juvenile crime laws. Are they tough enough? Are they too focused on punishment? Not enough on rehabilitation?
The judge gave Smith a sentence of 9 to life. That means he had to serve nine years before he was eligible for parole. If he made parole, he would be on it for the rest of his life. Smith is up for parole again this year. He's 19 years into his sentence.
Smith claims his actions were a result of bullying. At the time, everyone thought bullying was something that every kid went through. In 2012, people are still fighting against that notion.
In New York the sentencing range for a juvenile offender convicted of murder is a minimum of 7 years to life in prison and a maximum of 15 years to life in prison. I tried a 15 year old two years ago in a murder case. He shot and killed a man during a robbery. He confessed, but said he only meant to hurt him. It went to trial because the defendant wanted the lesser charge of manslaughter. It didn't carry a life sentence. The jury agreed with his statement that he only meant to injure, not kill, when he shot the victim in the leg.
An interesting note in that case. When that defendant confessed, he was already in jail for another gun point robbery after the murder. At 15, his street nickname was "murder." The judge wouldn't let the jury hear about the new robbery or his nickname. A little too prejudicial, she said.
So, the question becomes, how long should Eric Smith stay in jail? He has already been in longer than most convicted murderers that are convicted at double his age. Should it be a true life sentence? Should he be allowed out? What about the victim who would be 23 now? What would he say?
Update - Eric Smith was denied parole again in 2014. He is eligible again in 2016.
I know that's only one excerpt from that interview but interesting that he is only talking about HIMSELF. A four year old? A defenseless, trusting four year old? And he was 13? That's old enough to know what you're doing is wrong. Period. I think he should be in jail for life. I just think that if you hurt or kill a child, it should be an automatic life sentence. Period. End of discussion. I mean that is victimizing someone who is unable to fight back in any meaningful way. And he lured the child? So there was clearly forethought? The crime sounds like something grown child abductor/sex offenders commit. If he couldn't control those urges at 13, how can we expect him to control them now? Life. Prison. No parole.
ReplyDeleteLisa I agree with you totally; Eric Smith should never be released as he is a danger to young children.
DeleteIf he had such anger to the extend of killing a 4 year old innocent kid when he was 13; what stops him from killing again now that he is an adult and is in prison? Now he will turn his anger to the world US cos he has been jailed.
Let him rot in jail; he does not deserve any parole.
How do you know what he feels? Are you inside his head? Can you read his thoughts? He killed a 4 yr old, smashed his head with rocks, and stuck a stick up his behind. A 4 yr old baby. Defenseless baby. I say "An eye for an eye" Amen!!!!!!!!!!!
Deletewhat this article doesn't state is he had a disorder at the time that caused him to act out in violence randomly. its not fair to try him as a normal 13 year old
DeleteI agree with you all entirely.
DeleteYes, they say he has been in counseling, yes HE says he is reformed and could be an asset to society.
But would you really want to trust someone such as him with the well being of YOUR child!?
I think not, mates!
It is deplorable what he has done, truly inhumane in every sense of the word.
He says, "you can call me what you want"
Ha! That's a laugh.
You want so desperately to get out, and why is this?
What are you so eager to get out for?
If you were truly sorry for all you have done,
you'd nut up and accept your punishment that's how I see it.
I do not wish him parole, I do not wish him out of jail.
A deed so despicable as to cast aside basic human emotion and murder a defenseless child, especially in such a brutal manner, is not to be forgiven.
My apologies,
but I do not see him fit for any life behind bars.
He grew up in jail.
DeleteThat was his start in life. I dont think he'd be able to survive outside, but then he showed no remorse when sentenced.
So he'll either be a spokesperson for young criminals or he will be an absoulte monster.
Is it worth the risk?
But the main question is, why should HE get a second chance at life when his victim never will?
My nephew is four and if this happened to him, I would be the one in prison for killing his attacker.
It's easy for all of you to judge...but what if it was your child that killed another? You would be singing a different tune.
DeleteIf he really had a disease at the time it would of been with him in jail but he never acted out in jail so stop trying to protect a horrible person he killed that boy because it was his choice
DeleteThat is one of the creepiest people I have ever seen in my life ...he should NEVER get out of prison, if he is capable of that as a 13 yr old I dread to think what he would do as an adult
DeleteAnd if it was your child that had been killed so would you
DeleteHE SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO GET OUT OF JAIL..HE KILLED AN INNOCENT CHILD THAT DID NOT DESERVE WHAT WAS DONE TO HIM.WHY WOULD YOU RELEASE HIM FROM JAIL....SO HE COULD DO IT AGAIN, OR TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE..WHEN THAT POOR 4 YEAR OLD LOST HIS LIFE..HE BELONGS NRIGHT WHERE HE IS THE REST OF HIS LIFE.....
DeleteHe is where he belongs, for what had taken place, life in prison, should mean, life in prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
DeleteYou guys just don't understand, that people can change. Okay?
DeleteWe made mistakes. That should not define who we are forever.
You once made someone feel bad, does that mean you will do it always forever? no.
You can't say the Eric will do it again just because he did it once. You need evidence other than the fact on what he did to Dereck Robbie, which I admit is brutal.
I think it is very important for us to be cautious and not treat criminals as if they are wild animals. All humans are capable of acting violently (Stanford Prison Experiment), and a violent act does not automatically render someone into a being incapable of reform. There are people in organizations today who devote all their time and passion to helping prisoners prepare for life outside of prison. I know of such an organization locally and have a friend who works tirelessly within it on the behalf of women re-entering society, and when the process works it is a beautiful thing. Parents are reunited with children and families are healed. Reformed criminals (yes, even ones who committed a violent act) get jobs, make friends and grow in character, even though odds are stacked against them. Sweet raisin danish, what kind of society do people want to live in? One where we isolate a segment of a population (and be careful with this, because the more black and white an issue becomes the wider the net that is cast to make sure and collect all the offenders) and disregard their humanity, or one in which we give people a fighting chance to earn back the right to move freely within our society?
ReplyDeleteI think it is vital that we do not become so obsessed with the victim or the crime that we forget that life goes on. We may read about a horrible act on the news in the morning, but then we see the guilty get tucked away behind bars somewhere and then we go to work, go out with friends, mow our lawn, and forget that there was more than one human involved the story. Or we may be intimately involved in a crime and a loved one is the victim, but the healing process happens, and life goes on. No matter how much violent acts frighten and sadden us, stripping down someone's humanity and removing all chance of their possible reform creates an society full of cracks and damage, instead of one of hope and healing.
It is very comforting to "feel" safe, knowing that we dispose of humans who might hurt us or our loved ones, but is it worth sacrificing the humanity, respect and hope in other human beings for that feeling? I think not.
If the people who are deciding Eric's fate believe he earned a fighting chance to try again; if they feel he has served his time, then I respect their decision. In effect, society is giving Eric something that he did not give his victim. Sympathy. Mercy. I want to live in a society that values these virtues, even if there are those individuals who would make the sad choice not to.
I agree that people can definitely be reformed (even in the terrible state of our prison system) and believe in giving people another chance. However, whether or not he's been reformed should not be the question. He simply had not done enough time yet! He does not deserve to be OUT yet, regardless if how old he was when he committed the crime. And it's sad that every two years the victims of this crime have had to deal with it. Should he possibly be released one day? Of course, but not until he's served a good healthy 30 year sentence.
DeleteA truly reformed person is OK with serving the time warranted for the crime and since the magnitude of the crime is so great on so many levels I don't think he should ever be released. I think as a society we have to figure out ways that predators don't expect to be released when they learn to say a few key phrases
DeleteOK ipowell, if he gets out, how about he lives next to you? youre telling me you'd be ok with that??
DeleteMatt, that is an extremely good point.
DeleteAside from ipowell's "Merciful" point of view on things.
This man certainly does not fit the kind who deserves mercy.
He didn't show a tiny tot any mercy.
So why should we?
Okay, killing out of anger it's one thing but then removing the clothes and sodomizing the corpse is another.
DeleteI would be fine if he lived next to me and my children... Mainly because I know what its like to be bullied and want to hurt someone... I wasn't bullied badly but I was just as mad as Eric was. Some people can't supress the anger. I don't blame him for making a mistake he was a child he was to young to understand that he did not need to take his anger out on another kid. He doesn't deserve a life sentence just because of a mistake he made as a child. He did not go outside thinking "Oh I'm gonna kill someone that'll get my anger out" he was thinking about how to get his anger out and he made an irrational decision, I would not give him life for that I'd say 30 years AT MOST is what he should have been sentenced to and people should stop trying to keep him in jail if he is on parole he has a chance for a do over no one knows of he would do it ever again he might but what if he didn't what if he really changed but people are to scared to give him a chance hell I would let him move in WITH me because I think h deserves tat chance...
DeleteHe's sorry. He learned his lesson. Let 'em out.
ReplyDeleteAgree but only people with true understanding and little judgement can say that...people do not realize that acting otherwise, meaning with cruelty and hatred make them just as bad
DeleteI agree let him out. His trailer trash family abandoned him even before the murder. And now he's still alone . I say release him to a therapeutic facility until they see fit to release him on his own.
DeleteI say it's the victims fault also! What was they doing that allowed him to walk alone?! They look like meth heads to me or crank
DeleteHe didn't mean an to kill someone he just happened to see a kid who was weaker than him and he wanted to be on top after being on bottom his whole life
DeleteThank you for saying what you said Ipowell and also Anonymous.. If you could join and share this link to those that feel the same way. I am fight for his parole in 2014. I actually am going to find housing for him or have him live on my Tobacco and Cotton farm and allow him to learn to work and have his own place and pay him.
ReplyDeleteI know some may not agree but I am supporting this and getting anyone that does agree to sign so please sign this Petition. You dont need to leave your negative feedback at this time, I know everyone doesnt agree and thats ok.. Cause I dont agree with Murder but I do say its time for him to have a 2nd chance and also for the family of the VICTIM please know I am sorry for your loss almost 19 years go I think you should also think of this case as Negligence. Who would allow their child to walk a block at 4 years old, and if it where someone else or if they had feel asleep and this happened would be charged. I know that the mother of the victim stated she didnt think it would be a problem him walking a block alone, since is YOUNGER BROTHER was sleeping. Sounds like a lack of parenting in my book. I have a 6 and 7 and 11 year old that I WOULD NEVER ALLOW TO WALK A BLOCK OR TWO ALONE.. I have to say there are 800+ ppl in this community but also 12 registered sex offenders as well so it could have been a cold case or a case of Rape, and something god awful.. If you agree please sign if not thats fine as well, but just continue on.. I am fighting for what I believe is right and fair... Thank you all that sign and help..Eric Is sorry and wants to be given another chance and I believe in him. IF YOU CAN PLEASE SHARE THE LINK TO THE PETITION to any other site where ppl can be aware of it being out there, would be greatly appreated.
Petition Eric Smith's Parole Release In 2014
www.ipetitions.com
This is petition for Eric Smith's Parole Release In 2014. Join the movement! Sign now!
If you think you raising kids in 2012 is the same as the way people raised them in 1993 you are sadly mistaken. Also using all caps does the opposite of getting your point across, it just shows that you have to rely on text shouting to bolster a weak point. In 1993 sex offender registration was not required and was not near as extensive as it is now. But by all means don't try to relate to the parent of the child, try to make excuses for the murderer. Look up the definition for negligence and you'll see letting your 4 year old walk one block in an incredibly safe neighborhood in 1993 may not be advisable, but its certainly not negligence.
DeletePS If you ever think its necessary to have to say "I don't agree with murder" you should really evaluate what you are about to type.
I do not agree with you; Eric smith should not be released. He is still a danger to children. If he can kill at the age of 13 and enjoyed it; what is going to stop him from killing now that he is an adult?
DeleteWho is fighting for Derrick? - only his parents.
No, let Eric smith spend the rest of his natural life in prison.
I agree my children were never allowed to walk alone especially at the age of four but......sounds like your blaming the victim! How unfortunate that in this day and age we can never allow our children to be alone. Unfortunately do to adults and minors like Eric Smith.
DeleteWhy would you not allow your young childrent to walk a short distance by themselves? Could it be because you're afraid someone might, for instance, lure them into a wooded area, strangle them, bash their head with a large rock, strip and sodomize them? That's what that monster did to a four year old child when he was himself considered a child. Noone who is capable of that should ever be allowed to be free in society. Shame on you for blaming the victims mother. You will never know the hearthache she went through knowing the suffering her child was caused because of him. Life may go on, but her child will never come back, this wrong will never be righted no matter how sorry he is.
DeleteAs for you letting him live with you and your small children. Put yourself in Derrick Robie's place and imagine the hell and torture he was put through. Now imagine that happening to your children.
are you kidding me? Your blaming the mother. Unbelievable. Maybe he can stay at your house when he gets out and babysit your grandchildren. This man is a monster.
DeleteSo its the patents fault ??? Can't believe you had the audacity to even suggest that , who would let a convicted child killer live at their house , if he ever does get out and I hope to God he never does, who's fault will it be when he undoubtedly kills again ,Agree with the above post , this is a monster , not human
DeleteThis has to be a joke, written by some deranged eric smith fan base. If Derrick's parents ever read this messed up post, I hope to GOD, they don't allow it to eat at them. It is NOT their fault! I was 8 years old in '93 and my parents- my father a respected police lieutenant, left me home alone for small periods of time, not out of negligence, but faith and trusting naivety. Sadly, ppl like Eric Smith have killed that freedom (yet he begs for his) and cases like Derrick is what shapes the minds of fearful (righteously so) parents today. I have a 6 year old and a 4 year old. I'm sure I've made impulsive decisions at one time or another that, if something terrible would happen, could be considered "negligent." Would it be my fault if... I can't even bare to go there, where Derrick Robie's parents have been FORCED to go every day... This post disgusts me. A tobacco farm, a poisonous and damaging substance with no benefits to human beings- and I am a smoker. Ha! Well I hope, if he ever does earn his freedom, that is God's will, this person lives up to his offer. And I pray he doesn't live to regret it...
DeleteMy thoughts and prayers to Derrick and his family. God bless.
I can not click on the link
DeletePeople as smart as you, come at once per 1000 people. Finally, someone who doesn't think that one mistake makes the person bad forever. I am completely on your side.
DeleteYou have just restored my faith in humanity. Thank you.
Eric Smith does not deserve to be let out. He was fully aware of his actions when he was brutally murdering a 4 year old boy that he was more than three times the age of. Plus, have you seen him? He does not look like someone who needs to be in public. His interviews are not convincing either.
ReplyDeleteHi Shane,
DeleteI agree with you totally. He will kill again if released; so he should not be released.
I am curious to know if Eric Smith was ever tested for Aspergers syndrome? Intermittent explosive disorder is not as rare as once thought and does occur as a dual diagnosis. My heart breaks for this young man. Clearly he has a mental or developmental defect. Not sure prison is really the best place for ppl like this. I know what he did was deplorable and my heart also aches for the robbie family.
ReplyDeleteHis attorney "claimed" Intermittent Explosive Disorder. If you read the account of what happened, based on his confession to the police, it doesn't support the claim.
DeleteHe has to be in prison because the only other place For him is in hell.
DeleteYou really need to learn to keep your religois views out of this. Thanks.
DeleteI don't care if has intermittent explosive disorder, no matter what was wrong with you to kill someone so brutally, you are a danger to society and must be kept out! He will always be a danger in my mind because whatever was wrong with him to make him do that is likely still there
DeleteEric smith, is & always will be a threat. Just like a terroist waiting, lurking, for there next victim. I have a 13yr. Old in 8th grade (son) & god forbid he would ever commit such an act, I would not think twice about letting him out ever. Eric smith lured that litte boy. Why not murder in the 1st.? He knew what he did then & now. Please do not sign anything letting this monster out! Ever.
ReplyDeleteNo disrespect, but I don't believe you when you say what you would or would not do if your 13 year old son was guilty of the same crime. The thing is to be greatful he is not Eric, because you couldn't bare the thought of your kids being in either situation, but it can happen. Do you really think Eric's parents at some point in life, imagined their son being capable of such an act. Being the best parent on the planet can't guarantee you will have the best kid on the planet, these actions are becoming more and more popular than in 1993 and we still don't know when to look at our kids suspiciously and think I am raising a killer....get over yourself.
DeleteI don't think he should ever get out he just doesn't seem to think it was wrong. It's because I was bullied by other kids. So anytime you are bullied you have the right to murder someone in cold blood. As for Derrick's family if you have ever been to that town it is very small one traffic light. Everyone knows everyone. I agree in the 90's you would not think about all the bad people in the world. Eric could have taken him from the summer program just as easily as the street going to camp. You can't blame the parents. In the 60's we didn't have car seats or helmets when we rode bikes but you have to now. Should you blame the parents if the child falls of the bike and dies because they don't have a helmet on? Think before you speak!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI live in a small town less than 2000 people and no traffic lights. NO WAY would i let my 4 year walk down the street by her self she can only play out in the back yard with a fence and I am checking on her often if out there by herself. I grew up in the 90's you would you hear people getting kidnapped then to. A four year old do not have the judgement to walk by themselves and attention span is small. They could easily forget about cars and cross the road and get hit by a car.
DeleteI do not believe Eric Smith has been reformed, as he claims. He is still blaming others for his own actions. Phil Garrido was serving a 55-year sentence but it was believed he had learned his lesson when he was let out early, and just look what Garrido did with his second chance! We cannot keep making the same mistake over an over. When Eric Smith gets out, he will offend again.
ReplyDeleteLet Eric out. He has paid his debt. It is time for forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked n saddened to hear how some people talk of other human beings!!!what kind of world do we live in??I also have children and for someone to say that they would lock thier child up and never want them out is not being honest at all..you never know until you are in that situaton. On the other hand, how many of you talking about the fact that he was 13 and knows what he was doing, have ever taken psychology?probably none of you because you would then know that at 13 they are not truly aware of thier actions and consequences to those such actions. I do believe this child was in need of something but, i'm not sure that prison was what that was..rehabilitation seems like a better fit in a situation like this..I don't know I am no expert but, at 13 come on...
ReplyDeleteits only peoples opinion on what they see. In his case murdering a 4year old defenseless especially when it was premeditated he knew what he was doing. To his disorder of anger he CHOSE to release it onto the young victim Derek and the consequences are final so he must sty in prison for the sake and safety of society because i know damn well prison does not help a person become stable especially how segregated it can be
Deleteyou seem to be a bit more reasonable than some of the others I have read, yes, what he did was disgusting, yes, he needed to be punished, but I agree, at 13 years old surely there must be a safe alternative to prison, I feel very sad for both Erics and Derrick parents to be honest, they are the ones who I feel most sorry for, and people making comments about the Eric he looks, what good is that? So childish and unhelpful.
DeleteIt was not premeditated he did not leave the house thinking he was gonna kill a kid he didn't even mean to kill the kid he only wanted to make the kid feel the same pain he felt then he lost control it wasn't his fault or his parents or the victims parents fault it was just a last minute horrible decision
DeleteThe longer someone stays in jail the more likely they are to become less stable for society. If you have never been to jail then yes he probably looks like a killer to you. Jail is one of the most segregated places on earth. The rule "you get in where you fit in applies." This is a tough one though. At what point is someone rehabilitated, if were still calling it that.
ReplyDeletehe doesnt look "like" a killer...He IS a killer !!!!...simple as that !
DeleteIf he had such anger to the extend of killing an innocent 4 year old kid when he was 13; what stops him from killing again now that he is an adult?
ReplyDeleteBeing bullied is not an excuse to kill another human being, so many children are bullied and are still being bullied; coming from a broken home is not an excuse either because there are many other children from broken homes.
I cannot imagine what this every-two-years-parole-hearing is doing to Derrick's parents and brother.
Eric Smith did the crime so let him do the time;he was given life imprisonment, so life imprisonment it should be!
Let him rot in jail; he does not deserve any parole.
"Being bullied is not an excuse to kill another human being" Your right, there is no excuse to kill another human being. And yet, in the past and even today, people have killed others and themselves because of bullying.
DeleteI think all the people who are making comments here like "he should rot in jail!" or "at 13 he knew exactly what he was doing" really have no clue about the psychological influences bullying can have on a person.
I mean come on, people kill themselves because of bullying, why is it such a shock to hear about people killing others because of bullying? As humans we are emotional and mental beings – and we react emotionally and mentally to all our influences and experiences!
This 13 year old kid was bullied so horribly, and then ostracised from the rest of the kids his own age. He had no one to help him release all that emotional build up. People who have not been bullied have no clue and no right to make judgements on this poor boy, and what his thoughts or actions were. He was probably living through hell and one day that all came out.
I am completely empathetic towards this man. For me growing up was hell, I had a loving family at home but was bullied horribly at school, and my family never even did anything about it. The only thing I ever did wrong to deserve this was my freckled skin, glasses and red hair. I mean by the time I got to 13 I was plotting to kill all the kids in my school and then myself. I never went through with it though cause in the end I made one friend and she made all the difference. She didn’t know it but she made me change my mind. And today im a completely different person from back then, the thought of hurting another person sickens me, but at the same time ive now got the confidence to stand up for myself.
My own experiences help me to view this man in a totally different light. He went though with the murder, he probably even at the time had a sick satisfaction for doing it. But 19 years have passed since then. For me its been only 8 years since I was 13 and im a completely different person, this man would be no different! We do not stay at the same mentality as we had as kids, so why should he? I can not even fathom his sorrow for what he has done as a kid! His regrets would be greater than others! But this man has served his time. Why can he not be let out now? If it is because he murdered as a 13 year old, then no other person should be let out for murdering if they are older. If they are, then justice has not been done.
Just a link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME2wmFunCjU
Let him free. He deserves a second chance. He was a child himself when he committed the crime. Of course he has changed. His brain has developed. He has had counseling, etc. I think it's pathetic that so many are cruel and unforgiving. How sad for humanity.
ReplyDeleteYou need to accept the fact that some people are pure evil and there is no cure for them
DeleteBut who are you to judge this person? Pot meets kettle & THEY ARE BOTH BLACK!
DeleteIf they keep him in adult prison much longer, he won't be fit to re-enter society. I think he deserves a second chance. The FACT of the matter is, kids who are bullied extensively DO lash out, because, after years of this abuse, they apparently crack. If this guy wants to get out and help young people who are VICTIMS of bullies learn how to cope in non-violent ways, then I think he deserves a chance. If he can prevent one Eric Harris or Dylan Klebold (and save a few lives), maybe he can make up for the life he took 19 plus years ago...
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching the interview #1 made me sick to my stomach I am mother of a 16 yr boy and 6 yr girl n 2 step children 16 girl n 12 yr boy n yes kids get in a lot of trouble I know been there done that my kids r no Angel but they have common sense my 6 yr old know better everyone is MAKING EXSCUSES for Robbie not only he knew he was gonna take this poor helpless child life because y else did he lure him in… choked and enjoyed smashing him with big rocks he tortured that boy pooppooapplaud in his
ReplyDeleteWas also said he sodomized the kid he is sick in the head he showed no REMORESED then n especially now still not had taken actions is still blaming others n for the 5 dollar lawyer sayin she would let him be her neighbor he had been rehabilitated wonder if it was one her kids would she still be saying this the hell with him u take a life u serve life rehabilitated my azz he will say what parole wants to hear he will do it again n this time he will be more caution had 19 yrs to think of how not to get caught next time there r no second chances y him not not the family of the 4 yr old.prosecutor did his job n did it well keep fighting for life sentence please TIME HEALS BUT WE DON'T FORGET WHICH IS A LIFE SENTENCE FOR THE FAMILY
ReplyDeleteHe should stay in jail to the day he dies. Killing a child smaller then him just, because he was bullied by kids his age. He thinks bulling is bad then wait til he gets out and he is bullied (not able to fit into society) he will kill a small child or women or animal. If he wants to help people who bully let him do it from jail. I also like to add even though he was just hitting puberty. He sodimized a little boy who is to say if he is let out he will do it again.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to stay in prison. I've studied legions of killers extensively & Eric Smith is one killer that has always struck me as truly dangerous & apathetic. I think it would be an immense mistake to free him. All he knows now is prison life & if he couldn't cope w/the real world as a 13 year old child, it will be nearly impossible to do so as a man who grew up behind prison walls. His demeanor has always been chilling to me.
ReplyDeletei had Eric Smith in custody for 5 years and i can you, they should never ever let this man out, he is pure evil
ReplyDeleteI have just watched the LMN movie and read what Eric Smith did to helpless Dereck and I strongly believe that he should be jailed without given chance of parole. Eric Smith will always a threat to innocent children.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys forget to understand that this boy smashed 2 dam rocks in a 4 years face with no mercy. Open your eyes and realize that he premeditated young Derek into the woods making him totally responsible for his actions. He knew what he was doing and despite his anger or neglect chose to kill the young defenseless boy horribly. I do understand that some say parents and bullying can lead a young mind to to do crazy things but this is too much and over the line crossing into criminal acts. It was good he was put in jail to stay away from the society because if he was to lose control of his anger , he would find the nearest child yet again to take his anger on. Open you eyes and realize this kid needs help in a psychiatric way. You put him on the streets again and its almost a guarantee hell do something even worse without proper help from a psychiatric facility. prison does not help a man. Leave that made in there to rot.
ReplyDeleteSociety cant take the chance on letting him out. Hes a monster and he had his chance at life. I dont need to do any homework. There is no way in hell this man can be normal after his crime.
ReplyDeleteI like how after he did that to the boy it was like nothing happened. This man has no emotions and there is a wire loose in his brain.
ReplyDeleteAWW poor Eric Smith. I have as much sympathy for him as Eric had for the 4 year old he brutally murdered.
ReplyDeleteCommenting on his appearance is quite unhelpful I must say, Iam from England, the Jamie Bulger killers were released in 2001 and given new identities, their crime was every bit as barbaric and cruel as Erics, the US seem to be more keen on punishment than rehabilitation.
ReplyDeleteSadly Jamie Bulger didn't receive justice like Derrick Robie has so far. I wouldn't be surprised that if Eric Smith & Derrick Robie were British or at least resided in UK that Eric Smith would have been released from prison long ago whereas for Jamie Bulger & his killers if they were American or at least resided in US and if his killers were 13 at the time that they might still be languishing in prison if they were found guilty by a U.S. court. When it comes to Robert Thompson's & Jon Venables's ( Jamie's killers') sympathizers or supporters,their attorney(s) (solicitor(s)),a juror who regretted convicting them,the UK justice system and even the European Court Of Human Rights that in my opinion they're a bunch of idiots.I directly blame European Court Of Human Rights,the UK justice system and even the attorney(s) for the release of Thompson & Venables.I indirectly blame Thompson's & Venables's sympathizers or supporters and that regretful juror for their prison release and if someone were to learn where Thompson & Venables currently reside and if that someone or society simply shuns Thompson & Venables then that would be their problem where they are not entitled to my sympathy and if Robert Thompson's & Jon Venables's sympathizers or supporters etc don't like seeing them shunned that too would be their problem. Finally a few other points to raise is that if Thompson and/ or Venables commit unjustifiable murder again then that would naturally be their fault but also their lawyer(s)' fault and the fault of the UK justice system and even the European Court Of Human Rights.Also is it really true that in the UK the rights of criminals supersede the rights of victims and if so the UK justice system is idiotic in that respect and if need be to mention but I reside in Canada where I feel that in some ways the Canadian justice system grants leniency or unnecessary leniency to criminal offenders.
DeleteThe same Jamie that later was arrested for CHILD Pornography and then given ANOTHER new identity? I'll stick with the US system. We don't always get it right but we nailed this one.
DeleteI think you are referring to Robert Thompson or Jon Venables and yes I believe one of them was arrested,convicted and eventually released for possessing pornography.
DeleteEric's mother took drugs during her pregnancy to control her epilepsy, and who knows what else she took while in the womb. His adoptive father had anger issues, and was abusive towards Eric. He is accused of molesting Eric's older sister. Neither parent supported Eric when he was bullied at school. His mother told him to stick up for himself, and his father advocated punching something, just as he did when he was angry. In my opinion, these adults should be locked up right alongside Eric. From all the comments here, one would believe that Eric raised himself from cradle to murder, and that none of the disturbed adults around him (and not just the parents) left their mark. Then again, that would probably call for introspection, which just will not do.
ReplyDeleteEric smith is a sociopath. The most dangerous type of mentally ill person. If he were not caught and imprisoned, he would have gone on to be a serial killer. Sociopaths cannot be rehabilitated. They have no conscience. No remorse. It is unjust that Derrick Robie's family must relive this nightmare for the rest of their lives to keep a monster behind bars. He should have been executed 19 years ago and saved many tax dollars and given the family the closure they deserve. He was a monster at 13. He will always be a threat to society.
ReplyDeleteEric's sympathizers and empathizers need to remember that he didn't just kill a defenseless toddler, He sodomized him after the fact. This wasn't a crime of passion, it was a crime of opportunity; and given the opportunity again, he will kill again. He feins remorse. It is not genuine. Do not be fooled.
ReplyDeleteHis parole request was denied again today, so clearly the parole board isn't ready yet to release Eric back into society.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I am from new zealand and the comments I am reading are horrible he should get a second chance it sucks what he did but he was 13 with issues why not help him I guess it is easier for you guys to put him in the too hard basket what he did was horrible and that poor boy didn't not ask for that but eric was 13 I am glad that where I come from we believe in second chances and believe in helping people gatherd some are rotten eggs that can never be helped but you should always give them a chance. After all it could be your child that commits a crime of heaven forbed murder you all would be saying different things . Let the guy out I say hes served enough time
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous from New Zealand first and foremost as you may expect but it's not up to us but it's up to the parole board to decide if Eric Smith should eventually be released and also if Eric Smith was remorseful or sincerely remorseful you would think he'd be emotional or emotionally apologetic for what Eric did to Derek Robie and finally I know it sucks that Eric was relentlessly bullied and if he at least physically retaliated against those who bullied him I'd be supportive but taking it out on Derek was the wrong thing to do which even you seem to concur with.
DeleteFor you "Anonymous" from New Zealand how can you say or assume with certainty that Eric Smith has been rehabilitated for good? Of course it's ultimately up to the New York state parole board to determine if he's fit to reenter society but as you or others are aware but I believe it's in the town of Savonna (if I spelled it correctly where he formerly resided including his victim) that is said to significantly oppose Eric Smith's release back into the community.
DeleteSo New Zealand, would you want this guy living next door to you if he got out? At least Eric Smith's parents can visit him in prison. What alternatives do Derrick Robie's parents have other than to go visit a cemetery? "Where you come from" I don't think I'd I'd want to live if it's that easy to get out of prison after committing a horrific murder. I believe in second chances too, but not in a case like this. There is absolutely no guarantee that he won't get out and do it again. Would you be willing to risk another life or lives just to set this guy free? It would be one big gamble letting him out. I personally hope he never gets out.
DeleteNever forget the Victim people Eric still has his life what about The Victim??? forgiving is one thing but releasing the beast to wreak havoc is another.....furthermore not everyone that were bullied became murderers I was bullied as a kid and I still manage to live a productive life.What happens the next time he gets angry......it would not be a wise decision to release him my heart goes out to the victims family
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if Smith has ever been tested for XYY syndrome? Research on it as a predicting factor for violent behavior has been mostly refuted but it would still be interesting to know.
ReplyDeleteI say let him out
ReplyDeleteWe live in times when evil has been recoded with all sorts of exotic "disorder" labels. When will people realize that evil walks this earth? Soon killers will claim they should not be locked up or discriminated against because they are "disabled" with a disorder or just born that way...that is the path we are falling into...chaos. Smith should never get out.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, while I sympathize with Derick's parents, allowing a 4 year old to walk to day camp by himself was plain foolish...yes even in 1993 where we saw some of the worst murders/abductions against children right in the suburbs. They literally gave Smith the opportunity to kill their son (even if Smith did not plan to kill that fateful day, the opportunity presented itself when he saw the vulnerable boy walking alone and the demon in him jumped at it). There is something about exposed and vulnerable kids that attracts dangerous people. No such thing as a "safe" neighborhood folks. In fact, these days it seems the most shocking, demented and unpredictable crimes come right out of "safe" middle to upper class suburban communities by angry white teenage males... who shoot up public spaces about once a month or murder small children (creepy... like Jason from Friday the 13th). It all makes the gang ridden inner city hoods seem safer or at least predictable as gangsters for the most part target their enemies unless kids are hit by stray bullets. God help us all.
Letting him out would set an example to others with the same tendencies that you can kill and be out in a few years. He should in fact be executed to send the message that human life matters and will not take a back seat to evil. People don't like the word "evil" because it reminds them of sin and hell and thus shows the the truth of the Word of God. Also, there is something irretrievably broken about someone who commits a crime like Eric did--cannot take that chance.
ReplyDeleteI am currently doing a paper on "Should juvenile offenders being tried and sentenced as adults", for my English class, in my Paralegal class. I am using this case as my first example of why juvenile offenders should not face a "life" sentence. Yes, he was a despicable 13 year old boy. Yes, his actions made him deserving of a HARSH sentence. But LIFE? I live close to that area, and at that time my son was 3. I was shocked, and outraged at that time. This case has made me keep a closer eye on my children. (I have 3 boys now). I wanted him to face DEATH at that time. But now? He was denied in 14, and isn't up again until 2016. That being said.. how many of you are the same person you were at 13? The blog states that "he has already served longer than most convicted murders double his age. Why were they let out? They were ADULTS at the time of their crime. Their victims aren't alive either. Even if he is granted parole, he would be on parole for the rest of his life!
ReplyDeleteThose of you who are so ardent about this monster "being released from prison because he's done his time, we need to forgive, blah, blah, blah..." would you want him living next door to you??? I sure as hell wouldn't. Maybe you need to think about that. Also, how would you feel if the murder victim had been YOUR CHILD??? I think you'd probably be humming a different tune.
ReplyDeletehe doesn't have the disorder that has been talked about if he did he would have had episodes in prison it's not something that just stops because he was sent to jail he got caught should he still be in prison at least he is alive he used a 30 pound rock to crush a 4 year olds head like I said at least he's alive
ReplyDeleteso disturbing......how did he learn to strangle and sodomize unless it was done to him.Disgusting. I feel sympathy and horror at the same time.
ReplyDeleteHe should be released. He was 13 years old. He was stupid and deserves another chance.
ReplyDeleteA COMMON SENSE DISCUSSION ABOUT ERIC SMITH
ReplyDeleteChildren don't get bullied because they have red hair and freckles. Children get bullied because they're developmentally behind. In other words, if you're 13 years old and in some aspects of your behavior isn't at the level of a 13-year-old and more like a 2-year-old then THAT would be a reason for a kid to get bullied. It's most likely coincidental that Eric had bright red hair for the bullies to focus on and NOT the reason he was bullied. Eric's emotional age was much younger than 13. Children developing behind their age group will continue to be slow throughout their development until they hit age 30, at which point they're stuck. So, typically a kid like Eric will never fully mature. He'll always be a little immature. But the error everyone is making is that you think you prosecuted a 13 year old and most certainly, Eric was not at that level... and that explains WHY he was bullied. Eric's social intelligence might have been 5 years old or it might have been 2 years old. The point is, in many respects, Eric was a mental child at the time of the murder and , therefore, you cannot punish a mental child the same as you would an adult. It doesn't make any logical sense and it's not fair to the kid who, in some respects, was never anywhere near 13 years old. Let this kid out. You cannot hold him as responsible as a fully formed mental adult.
Anonymous: I want to state right off the bat that the opinions I'm about to share are playing the part of devil's advocate. I absolutely am not excusing the actions of Eric Smith, I'm simply looking at a variety of sides to this tragedy. When the whole story is laid out, the end result shows the real possibility that this crime could of been prevented. Eric Smith told several family members that he was angry and that he wanted to hurt someone. He displayed more than enough signs that showed how angry and hurting he was. He was being abused and constantly bullied. Again, I'm not making excuses, but he needed help and the people responsible for his welfare ignored his pleas and added to his abuse. His parents should have been charged as abusers and negligence which led to the death of a child. Who was looking out for Eric, he was 13 years old and for someone who is considered psychotic, he asked for help which is not a sign of someone who truly has no emotions. Sadly no one helped him. But I truly believe he knew what he did was wrong, he took every piece of anger and pain inside of him out on that precious little boy. He made the conscience choice to hurt and his punishment is justified. Now the another part of this story is hard to write as I'm a mother myself and I'm far from perfect. I have made choices that could of had bad consequences when it came to my kids and I'm thankful everyday they are okay. My point is, I blame myself for my own actions. My job is supposed to be to protect my children and if something happened to them due to my negligence, it would be my fault period. The 90's were no safer or different than they are today. Child services could of investigated a mother who allowed her 4 year old child to walk alone to a summer camp. Furthermore the summer camp should have had it be policy that a child that young be accompanied by an adult when checking in and out of the camp. Hours passed before the mother , who allowed her four year old walk alone to a summer camp, realized her child was missing. Why did the camp not call and inquire if Derrick was coming? Why didn't his mother not call the camp and make sure he arrived safe? These are questions that many do not want to ask. Derrick's mom is hell bent on making sure Eric is not released. Could part of that be because she knows she is partially responsible? Again, what Eric Smith did was wrong and I'm not suggesting the mother deserved to punished by her child dying because she made a negligent mistake. I'm asking why it was not investigated or charges brought for a four year old left to his own defenses to make it two blocks to a summer camp. Most likely authorities were trying to spare anymore heartache. Bottom line is; the trial only focused on one guilty person. Too many adults in this awful nightmare had the power to make the outcome different.
ReplyDeleteWe all very much know that there are others who have done far worse than anything Eric Smith could have committed and although he showed very little remorse for the Robie family doesn't suggest such they he isnt so sorry for what he had done to both his parents his little brother and most of all Derek just imagine being continously tormented throughout school and at home and at that time Eric Smith probably thought he had nothing to lose or to live for but do people seriously that if Eric Smith was to be released back into society that he would risk doing anything to risk his chances of freedom after spending a decade in prison he should be given the chance to live the remaining life he has left to help and support those that have went through similar experiences in life . ALL humans make terrible mistakes in life whether mental or not everyone should have the right to make amends and live their lives in the best way possible as we only get one chance at life and all Eric wants to do is make amends and show how turly sorry he is and there is no doubt that he is not haunted by the terrible deed that he had committed and that is something that he will have to live with for the rest of his life
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