“To quote the director there, he is a joy. He is considered a support to the other people there,” Teitelbaum stated. “Once he was stable, he was a really calming presence for other patients.”
Teitelbaum further emphasized that Smith has “maintained clinical stability, adhered to the medications, and continued to engage in group and substance abuse treatment.” She also noted that he has denied experiencing visual hallucinations or having any desire to harm himself or others.
Public and Political Backlash
Despite the board’s ruling, several local officials and members of the public voiced strong objections to Smith’s release. GOP state Sen. Paul Cicarella was among those who condemned the decision.
“Murder and cannibalism and release in the same sentence. That’s a problem. That’s concerning to me,” Cicarella told WFSB.
Republican state Senators Henry Martin, Heather Somers, and Stephen Harding echoed these concerns in a joint statement, calling the decision “outrageous” and “mind-boggling.”
