Eric Smith

On August 2, 1993, 13-year-old Eric Smith lured 4-year-old Derrick Robie into a wooded area in Steuben County, New York. There, he brutally murdered the young boy. The crime shocked the community and garnered national media attention due to the gruesomeness of the act and the age of both the victim and perpetrator. Eric Smith was soon arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Eric Smith was arrested on August 16, 1993, two weeks after the murder of Derrick Robie. The arrest came after significant media coverage and police investigation. Smith's confession was central to the arrest, and the case highlighted issues surrounding juvenile crime and the impact on small communities.

Eric Smith was convicted of second-degree murder on August 16, 1994, for the killing of Derrick Robie. During the trial, which captured the attention of the nation, the defense argued that Eric's difficult upbringing and mental health issues contributed to his actions. The conviction highlighted debates about juvenile crime and the justice system's response to young offenders.

On November 29, 1994, Eric Smith was sentenced to a minimum of nine years to life in prison for the murder of Derrick Robie. The sentence reflected the serious nature of the crime and the judge's decision that Smith remain incarcerated as long as he posed a threat to society. Eric Smith's sentence became a point of interest in discussions about the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

Eric Smith had his first parole hearing on June 27, 2002. Despite expressing remorse for his actions, the parole board denied his release, citing concerns about public safety and the nature of his crime. This was the first in a series of parole hearings where Smith argued for his release, sparking debates about redemption and justice for juvenile offenders.

After numerous parole hearings and nearly three decades in prison, Eric Smith was granted parole on October 5, 2021. The parole board's decision was based on Smith's expression of remorse, his behavior while incarcerated, and his preparation for re-entry into society. The decision was met with mixed reactions from the public and the family of Derrick Robie.

Eric Smith was released from prison on February 1, 2022, after serving 28 years. His release was contingent on a series of parole conditions aimed at ensuring his successful reintegration. The case continued to spark conversations about rehabilitation, forgiveness, and the long impact of violent crimes committed by juveniles.

On February 3, 2022, Eric Smith gave his first television interview after being released from prison. In the interview, Smith spoke about his remorse for the crime, his plans for the future, and the challenges he expected to face upon re-entering society. The interview provided insight into his state of mind and intentions moving forward.