Eric M. Smith

Eric M. Smith. Eric M. Smith is an American convicted murderer known for the 1993 killing of four-year-old Derrick Robie in Savona, New York. The case, tried in Steuben County court, garnered intense national media attention due to Smith's age—he was thirteen at the time of the crime—and the brutal nature of the act. His subsequent legal proceedings, including his trial as an adult and multiple parole denials, have made his case a focal point in debates surrounding juvenile delinquency, criminal responsibility, and the New York State penal law.

Early life and education

Smith was born and raised in the small village of Savona, New York, located within Steuben County. He attended local public schools and was described by teachers and peers as a frequent target of bullying, which reportedly contributed to significant social difficulties. Prior to the murder, he had no serious history with law enforcement or the juvenile justice system. His family life and psychological state later became subjects of extensive examination during pre-trial evaluations and his sentencing hearing.

Murder of Derrick Robie

On August 2, 1993, Smith lured four-year-old Derrick Robie away from a park in Savona, where the younger boy was walking alone to a summer camp program. Smith led Robie into a nearby wooded area, where he strangled him, beat him with rocks, and sexually assaulted him with a stick. The victim's body was discovered later that day, prompting a massive investigation by the New York State Police and the Steuben County Sheriff's Office. Within days, suspicion fell on Smith after he gave inconsistent statements to investigators; he ultimately confessed to the crime in a detailed videotaped interview.

Trial and conviction

The case was prosecuted in Steuben County Court by District Attorney John C. Tunney. Citing the extreme violence, a family court judge ruled Smith should be tried as an adult under provisions of the New York State penal law. His defense attorneys, including Lorenzo Napolitano, argued for a manslaughter verdict, presenting psychiatric testimony suggesting Smith suffered from intermittent explosive disorder and other emotional disturbances. In July 1994, a jury rejected the insanity defense and found him guilty of murder in the second degree. Judge Marilyn L. O'Connor sentenced him to the maximum term for a juvenile: nine years to life in a state correctional facility.

Incarceration and parole hearings

Smith was initially housed at the Tryon Boys Center before being transferred to the adult New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision system, serving time at facilities including Elmira Correctional Facility and Collins Correctional Facility. He first became eligible for parole in 2002. The New York State Board of Parole has denied his release multiple times, often citing the "heinous and brutal" nature of the crime and opposition from the victim's family, community, and officials like District Attorney Brooks Baker. In 2022, the board again denied parole, ordering him held for another 24 months, a decision upheld by the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division.

In popular culture

The case has been featured in numerous television series and documentaries exploring true crime and the juvenile justice system. It was profiled on programs such as *Dateline NBC*, *20/20*, and *On the Case with Paula Zahn*. The narrative of a child killing a child has also been analyzed in books and articles discussing criminal psychology, including works by authors like Michele R. McPhee. The enduring notoriety of the case ensures it remains a reference point in discussions about rehabilitation versus retribution in the American criminal justice system.

Category:American child murderers Category:American prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment Category:People convicted of murder by New York Category:People from Steuben County, New York Category:1993 murders in the United States