Eric Smith (murderer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Eric M. Smith | |
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| Born | January 22, 1980 Steuben County, New York |
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| Occupation | prisoner |
Eric M. Smith (born January 22, 1980) is an American criminal, incarcerated for the murder, sexual abuse and mutilation of four-year-old Derrick Robie on August 2, 1993, in Steuben County, New York. According to court documents, Smith, a loner, was often tormented by bullies for his protruding ears, thick glasses, and freckles. The murder case made national headlines, largely due to the young age of the killer, at 13 years of age and his victim, 4 years of age.
While in jail, Smith wrote an apology letter to Robie's family and he read it on public television. Taken from a 48 Hours Mystery episode: "I know my actions have caused a terrible loss in the Robie family, and for that, I am truly sorry. I've tried to think as much as possible about what Derrick will never experience: his 16th birthday, Christmas, anytime, owning his own house, graduating, going to college, getting married, his first child. If I could go back in time, I would switch places with Derrick and endure all the pain I've caused him. If it meant that he would go on living, I'd switch places, but I can't." Smith was denied parole a second time in 2006; his next parole hearing is scheduled for June 2008. If granted parole, Smith has stated an intent to return to Savona. He was held in a juvenile facility for six years. In 2001, he was transferred to the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, a maximum security prison. Since then he has been moved to the Wyoming Correctional Facility.
[edit] References
- Documentary on the case
- What Childhood is Meant to Be from The Malefactor's Register
- Child killer Smith up for parole from the Corning Leader
