Missing Boy's Case Unravels with Teen's Disturbing Inquiries
In 1993, 13-year-old Eric Smith confessed to the murder of 4-year-old Derrick Robie in Savona, New York, after raising suspicions with his family. Smith, who grew up in an abusive environment and was bullied, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to nine years-to-life in prison. Despite opposition from Robie's family, Smith was granted parole in 2021 after serving 28 years, claiming he had changed through therapy and expressing a desire to help bullied children. His release remains controversial, with Robie's family advocating for longer intervals between parole hearings for violent offenders.