Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer | Full Episode
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- Опубликовано: 10 май 2024
- When he was 13 years old, he committed an unthinkable crime. 28 years later, Smith is out on parole. What’s next for him? "48 Hours" contributor Jim Axelrod reports. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
"I started covering this case in 1993 as a young producer," says "48 Hours" executive producer Judy Tygard. "One child, Eric Smith, had killed another, Derrick Robie. It would be years before any of us had any real understanding of why. I think of Derrick often and I have long admired the strength and grace of his family. I think of Eric, too, and wonder if he’d gotten help could both boys have been saved."
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He was just a little too YOUNG to leave out of the yard by himself DON’T YA THINK 😢
I do NOT think Eric smith has changed!
@48Hours
Thank~you for the full episode uploads.
💛
@@YazzyNikole
I agree 💯
@T Collick Yes but I don't blame them. I blame the killer !
The fact Derrick’s parents stayed together is a true miracle. These things tend to ruin the entire remaining family…Kudos to their Love…
When it's a strong love, nothing can separate two people.
True, but they also realize they have another child to raise that needed them.
@@dinarusso3320 Just lost my loved one Nov 27. The ones left behind can get you through it.
their revenge thoughts keep them together it seems... how sad is this? revenge ist not justice! only in the USA it is like that. not in civilized countries.
@@painfreesunrise explain...
Sadly I am going through this right now. My son was shot and killed for no reason. He went down to North Carolina to help his sister pack up And move and while doing that he was shot in the head while walking down the street from her house. No reason for it at all. I am destroyed and I miss him so much I barely am able to function . It's only been 4 months since this happened and I struggle to get myself out of my bed every single morning. It's destroyed me and my life. I lost half of my heart and soul with him when he died. I am the mother of 4 children and I'm trying to be strong for my other children. He was my first born son. He was only 29nd his name was Joshua. I miss him every minute of my life. I'll never be the same. My other kids are grown as well but they are destroyed as well. Mommy missy you Josh. We love you from here to heaven and back. My heart goes out to anyone that has lost a child.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the peace of God comfort your and your family. And I pray that the perpetrator is brought to justice. In Jesus name. Amen!
I’m so sorry for your and your families loss. I hope one day y’all can find peace
So sorry for the loss of your son. I pray that God will give you the strength to carry on🙏🙏🌹. Also that those who are responsible for your son's death will be found.
I’m so so deeply sorry. You’re a very brave, strong person. Thinking of you.
I’m so very sorry, ma’am.
“Dad, I want to hurt somebody” really shook me. That suggests to me that it was premeditated and that the poor little boy just happened to be there at the wrong place, at the wrong time…
Also suggests to me that he knew what he was doing. No way that the little boy wasn’t crying or shouting for his mommy :-(
Something can’t be premeditated and the victim be at the wrong place wrong time. Premeditation would be if the boy knew he would be there.
@@Zaevia Can’t it be premeditated like: he knew what he was going to do but only needed a younger and smaller target, so he waited on that for days on end outside?
If one of my kids told me that...... he'd be getting professional help asap. RIP Derek
@@Stiastenyno that's not what premeditated is lol
So much retained anger, aggression and pain. Eric killed Derrick because he represented everything he did not have: a happy home, emotional stability, acceptance and love (the lunch was spilled and the shoes removed to destroy the last traces of this idyllic world that Eric so desperately longed for but could not get imo). For the first time, he controlled the narrative and felt powerful. It remains questionable if he has healed his childhood traumas by now and has full control over his anger if a trigger occurs. No one can look inside his head and no one wants to take the responsibility if another innocent victim gets killed. My deepest sympathy for Derrick's parents. What a heartbreaking story.
🎯 Eric was covetous of Derrick’s light RIP lil one
Yeah. I mean prison isn’t a place where people get real help.
Þþ⁵⁶⁶66
Came here to say the same thing; Derrick was everything Eric wasn't and had the life Eric would never have. That drew Eric's attention and rage. Not entirely sure a person like that can be "fixed".
This is true. Many people have this similar times of anger.
Telling parents of a murdered child to “just get over it” is one of the most heartless things I have ever heard.
Well, that is what you tell everybody else, raped, abused and violated people. Some day people need to understand that if there isn't justice for all people or compassion for all people there will be compassion for nobody.
@@BosisofSwedenwhat are you talking about? How are you going to tell this random person they talk down to victims. No quit saying this. None of us do that. You're told we do so you believe it.
@@BosisofSwedenway to bite your own hand
Elizabeth, I think you mis-heard what you called "heartless" - because nobody said what you claimed. Derrick's mother said: "I know that some people probably think, geez, you should just get over it" - but nobody actually said that to the grieving parents, Liz 🙄
@@mikejohnson3338 i think she meant the idea of somebody saying something that to the parents is heartless, not that there was a specific time it happened yk
Psychopaths don't change. They just learn how to blend in better and seem normal
Yep!
There are treatments but I see what you’re saying
@iramosv7al415 Treatment isn't the same as a cure. The vast majority of them can't change and will always be the way they are.
@@meowmachine9147 very well then
Agreed
Bc he violated that baby he should be registered as a sexual predator as well imo. He shouldn’t be allowed to be near ANY children
We didn’t have the sex offender registry back then. Google is free
It wasnt about sex
@@StofStuiver Um, so?
@@blue-vv3rd If its not about sex, its not a sex offence.
@@StofStuivernot true and irrelevant
Even as a child, Eric shows ZERO emotion or remorse. This is a psychopath.
If he doesn't know why he did it, how can he know he won't do it again?
He knows exactly why he did ut
He doesn't know because he was so young. Nah he's all good. Very unlikely as he was a bullied and frustrated boy who snapped. Those bullies should have been jailed too
Except that he does know why he did it. He said so in the video. You should watch it before you start rambling.
Absolutely .
Any deep therapy while incarcerated?
This man shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near a child and him wanting his own children is vert frightening
TERRIFYING.
Truly frightening
Just look at him,
He should not breed.
Just listen to his arrogance to this day.
Most people go through their lives and never take anybody else's life.
This person took the life of somebody helpless and did twisted perverted things in the process.
Idiocracy
Who in their right mind would want a romantic relationship with that thing?
You can’t rehabilitate a psychopath.
Exactly
I feel so sorry for them! I saw the comment blaming the mother for letting him walk alone at 4 years old, but in 1992-93, kids played outside all day long with no parental supervision! I used to ride my bike alone down through my neighborhood in Florida, and ride with the neighbor who was probably 13. We played outside in our neighborhood in Alabama all day long, and walked to other neighborhoods, only coming home if we got bored. My parents were not neglectful either. I'm sure he asked to go play with his friends and she said okay. Parents now never let their children out of their sights, but thanks for tv shows like Dateline, 48 hours, Unsolved Mysteries, etc. Now we just know better. The only person to blame in this case is the killer, Eric Smith!
Thank you!
I don't think it was so much blaming the mother as it was just shock that a parent would let a child that young walk alone. I also saw that you said you would play with a neighbor who's about 13. That is almost 10 years older than Derek was when he was murdered, and that's the same age as the boy who murdered him. That's a big difference between 4 and 13 years old. When I was 13 I would run around town with friends and my mother would still worry. She would have never let me walk alone at 4 years old. I've also seen a lot of people say that it was a different time back then which it was, but the mid-80s to the late 90s was the absolute height of child abductions and murders. So it's not like that stuff wasn't happening back then. I can't imagine the guilt and sorrow that Derrick's mother will feel probably for the rest of her life. And it is not her fault, it's Eric's fault for choosing to take the life of a child. However, because of people like Eric, that's the exact reason why you don't let a four-year-old child walk alone. I hope Derek's parents can find peace and healing in their lives and I pray that Eric never hurts another person again.
So true 🙏
There were children in Atlanta kidnapped and murdered by a serial killer, it has NEVER been safe on this earth.
4 years old is too young to let a child go to the park alone my kids are 10 and 15 and I still don’t let them go anywhere by themselves it’s way too risky and even when they become adults I will still be fearful we just live in a messed up world smh
The idea that this creature has a fiancé and wants to raise a family is chilling. Why should he get to experience a life he denied Derrick? Sickening.
Liberals!
The fact that there is a woman who wants to be his fiancé is more concerning. Is she the same sick person who is gonna support his sick desires in future?
@@lanashelby4527
They will probably form a cult.
HE WAS 13!!!
That is sick. How could someone think this person is for marriage. Sick. They’ve got that savior complex , think everyone can be saved lol. No, some people are beyond repair. Just the facts of science.
Never let a 4 year old walk anywhere alone. You never know what monsters are lurking.
I was thinking the same thing. 😢
Things were much more relaxed then. At age 8 I would out front with my 4 year old brother or across the street with our neighbors. Now I wouldn’t let my own child do that.
Times were so different then. I was in 2nd grade when this happened. We (every kid on my block) were out daylight to dark, my mom knew I was outside somewhere on the cul-da-sac. I walked to and from school every day and this was a in suburb of Denver.
I am 42 and I don't know what the people in ur comment section are talking about when they say that the times were more relax back then. The late 80's and the early 90's had some of the highest kidnapping cases in history. There were so many kidnappings of children back then that every week you would see another picture of a missing child posted on the back of milk cartons. (Milk cartons were like social media) My mother would have never allowed me to travel anywhere at age 4 without being with her or another adult or older child
I agree with this statement, why tempt fate? His mother's decision that day left that unprotected he cold of been run over by a car and died . Who's fault is it?
That fish 🐟 he caught was the cutest moment. The fact that he gave his mom a home run was beautiful. RIP D.
What kind of woman would want to marry this evil monster?
Now that's the golden question!
I am ashamed of her!
Uggghhhh I love that whenever the dad is too chocked up to speak, his wife jumps in. Talk about partnership and having your back 🥺❤️
It's really sweet I'm glad they're still together ❤
The way she said it is so casual...no emotion what so ever
They don't make women like these anymore they too damage now.
@@rameshrolla1574 sometimes with trauma you have to detach in order to continue life. Otherwise you would want to end it all 🥺 but I can see how it comes off
What did she say though? I still can’t make out what she’s talking about at 8:27.
Honestly, the fact that he wanted to move back to the community where he tortured and murdered a small child would make me revoke his parole in a heartbeat. It shows a huge lack of compassion and remorse.
What are you talking about? He did not want to move back to that community and nor did he. You must not have paid attention. At all.
Actually it is you who should go back and listen more closely.
It clearly says that when he finally was granted parole he wanted to move back to the community to live with/near his grandparent. It was the parole board that said this would not be a good plan and stopped it.
Frankly, if I had been on that parole board this callous “plan” of his would have had me rethinking his parole.
@@Bronte866Never said he died. Said he tortured and murdered children. Pay more attention
@@Bronte866Are you that fiancé of this murderer?
@Arbys608 she must be
My middle son is only a few months difference in age as Derrick was. He’s now 35 and married . My heart just goes out to his parents .. our children are precious , and theirs was robbed from them in a horrible way . I truly can’t imagine .
They say he’s changed but what’s in him to do that I believe is still in him just hidden better.
Rest in heaven Derrick
I grew up in the 80s, and had a lot of freedom as a child. In my adventures I happened to come across quite a few men who would do me harm. I learned early on, I would not let my children have that freedom. Children are not capable of handling these situations. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I was only fortunate they didn’t pursue me further. Even aging as a 14 year old girl didn’t help me in these situations. As a woman who has survived muggings, and rape the only thing that equips me for it today are my weapons. This world is too dangerous for children to be alone, ever.
That certainly depends on where you live.
@@Ettibridget that’s a joke considering in this day and time, it’s literally everywhere. Noone is exempt in these days of lawlessness.
How are they supposed to grow up and become independent adults then? No offense but that's nonsens. I started walking alone to my friend's house age three. Not all countries are like the US you know.
@@Ettibridget yeah their worse. Statistically proves it as well. Yes, you have to let them go at some point, and I think driving age is appropriate. Not a whole lot of choices after that anyways. Regardless the message is to stop allowing these young children to be alone, period.
The 70s and 80s made it absolutely necessary to be helicopter parents
Eric's anger was absolutely directed at Derrick. If it was directed towards other kid's that had bullied him, then he would have attacked them. Eric saw a cute little blonde haired boy, sweet kid, good personality, was well liked by others, and Eric became jealous. This wasn't about revenge this was Eric wanting to destroy someone out of jealousy.
I agree!! & him being the coward he was/is he picked a baby that he knew he could overpower!
I said almost the exact same thing earlier in these comments, but for a somewhat different reason
Obviously Eric couldn’t fight back against his bully, so he went after Derrick who looked like him but was easier to beat up. He wasn’t stalking Derrick waiting to find him alone lol this was a crime if opportunity, he got triggered by a cute blonde boy that resembled his bully.
That doesn’t even matter, he did what he did, plain and simple. Life no parole, end of story.
yep but as a professional in this particular area, the red head would have killed some other little kid if Derrick hadn't been there. What tips this off...the Sodomy and Red interjecting himself into the 'helping' the police (which is part of psychopathy of 'enjoying this 'deed'). 2 of the biggest signs of sexual serial killer.
As a father of a young kid. My heart aches. I couldn't imagine living life without my little guy. This story brought me to tears.
@@anne90ss thank you. God bless you and your family as well.
As an unmarried, child-less mum, destiny has not blessed me with what you have. My heart hurts when I hear about children in this context. Keep your little guy close, you are so lucky, I can imagine what a cheeky treasure your baby is. Somehow your comment showed me a little, excited, squealing boy, jungle-gymin' on u, it's a precious picture. Bless u both x
Same. Just thinking about it was overwhelming
Same here, I have 2 boys and I would give up the will to live!
dont cry to us about your weakness bruh. Man up and protect your family like a father should.
Derrick doesn’t get to go get married, get a job, live the American dream, because he chose to take the opportunities away from him. It’s not right to give Eric those opportunities because he “changed”. Change or not, he made the choice to do what he did. There shouldn’t be rewards given.
Its not about 'rewards'.
Even right there you go wrong already, with using untrue wording.
Its about sentencing the minimal needed sentence to change behavior. Not about retribution. Retribution is not for us mortals. Well, you can, but you better know that retribution leads to more death. And retribution. And so on.
He was a child, 13 yo, which means he did not 'choose' to do so. Children by definition cannot be held responsible for their actions. Which is why the US is so foolish in trying children as adults.
It baffles me that people can say "just get over it" to someone who has lost a loved one. That's so cruel and heartless. You never get over the death of a loved one. You learn to live with the grief. I hope Derrick is at peace and that his family is as well ❤️.
But at the same time, people can choose to heal. Some don't allow the death of a loved one to destroy them for the rest of their life.
@tamitribbiani7907 wow that's a messed up thing to say. You can't just choose to heal, especially when it's your child.
@@crosales8184 Yes you can choose to heal with God's help. I'm not saying you won't go through a grieving period because of course you will but you don't have to devastated and live in grief for the rest of your life.
Same is true for a lot of separarions and heartbreaks. There r different forms of death and mourning
Nobody said 'just get over it'
I get that this murderer was very young. But if he’s doing this for pleasure then, imagine what he’s capable of now. I don’t think he should have ever been released. Sadistic psychopathic crimes like this don’t just magically leave the fantasy world in their minds. It’s forever.
He didn't do it for pleasure, he was a severely bullied child who by definition cannot be a psychopath because a child can't consent . He can't be held to adult qualifications of knowing right and wrong in the same way adults are.
He felt like he wanted to hurt someone - because when boys/men are hurt it 99% of the time surfaces as anger instead. He
took it out on someone who wouldn't hurt him back . Illegal. Atrocious. Heartbreaking. ... but still. ..2 children. Some of you commenting obviously are un/ under educated on not only pediatric psychology but in personal experience of a childhood of torture - that's what bullying is. That is what it feels like as a child. You quickly forget/ ignore how children see the world. One day seems like it is the rest of life ... and you react without thinking as an adult! We all do to some extent! Just get education on ALL branches of an issue before you throw all your passion into an opinion.
@@conniesmith9732he’s 13 he’s old enough to know right from wrong regardless if he was bullied. The other is four I would agree with you if he was younger but the guy was 13! Not 4, 5 or 6 but 13
@@conniesmith9732 🙄🙄🙄
@@iwuvpiesgaming9164 13y would definitely know right from wrong, but for him everybody was doing the wrong thing bullying him and still gets away from it, he wanted to try it, that's just reminds us what role does the education system plays, if they would've punish kids who bullied other kids he would've been able to understand the consequences of his behavior
@@rantab2443 he understands the consequences.
Derrick Robie was such a bright and beautiful boy, and I can't help but think of how terrified he must have been. I'm so happy to see that his parents held onto one another and Dalton through these most difficult years. May they all find peace in this next stage of life and be reunited with Derrick one day on the bright side of the road
Yes ❤
Lovely comment ❤
This Monster had no sign of compassion or sadness. His expression was Blank. His eyes were front and dark. He is a bad seed. I pray he does not act out again. What this poor family had to endure should never happen to anyone. I pray for them and their healing.
My son was bullied by ,believe it or not ,one of his teachers ,to the point of being hospitolized with an ulcer.the school finally did something about.they arranged for my son to be bused to another school.he loved his new school & teacher.finished out the year with no problem.schools need to be more careful who they hire to teach their kids.other kids did not like the same teacher.😢😢😢
So sorry. I was bullied bad too
I believe some people can’t be rehabilitated. I don’t think everyone can just be fixed. Pedophiles, psychopaths, sadists. Some people are born with such an innate desire to control or harm, there’s nothing you can do to change it.
R4pists.....
Predators drive around towns just waiting for some small child to walk by unattended. Those parents are partly to blame for neglecting to keep their child safe.
@@dguarino6586 I agree where we're the parents when this little boy got killed
@@dguarino6586 no they aren't. this could happen to any child at any time even if they are being watched. there are many cases where a parent loses a child for a second and ends up in the child being murdered. the only person to blame is the one who killed the kid. you have an empathy problem
Christ can and does change that. Not Always, of course. But it happens. Just my two cents
I know he was a kid. But when you learn what he did to that child you can't believe for a moment he should be EVER let out. Would you want him to live next to you, your kids? He also tried to find out what the cops knew, does that sound like he didn't know what he was doing??
He's been out and hasn't killed anyone else.
@@awkwardautistic how do you know? Have you been watching him 24/7? How do you know he won't in the future? Would you let him live next to you and your kids??
In my country it is common. Minors do not go to prison. So let it be, he won’t do it again. There are many kids that go to the places for rehabilitation and they do not reoffend. Of course there are the ones that do it, but Eric deserves a chance.
@@awkwardautistic YET
@@m.k3281 I was a bullied kid and I hated it. Never wanted to bully others. Also, "knowed"? Lol
What an amazing, beautiful couple. You can see the love between them. It’s so rare that a couple will stay together after the loss of a child, and they did. This was a very touching story….really pulled at my heart.
Commenting because this case really is hitting me tonight. What a sweet little boy, RIP.
I’m so sorry to Derek’s parents 😢. I don’t think anyone would expect them to “get over it.”
To make matters worse...as I am writing this reply to your comment, this murdering monster is as free as bird right now, walking among us.
@@Donscottmusic he did his time stop the hate. I don't expect the parents to get over it but please quit looking at people who have made mistakes in the past as all evil there is some that are really trying to better them selves and this hate isn't good for anyone. Time heals and I hope the family the best....
Especially when it was them who allowed their four-year-old child to walk down the streets unattended. You think it isn't going to happen to you.
@@dguarino6586 it was a different time back then. You could still let your kids out and about. You didn't have to be so watchful. You could loosen the reins a bit as a parent. I think this case marks the time when this started to change. At least in America. Back then, this sort of thing was unheard of. Now it's not. Particularly in the details of this case.....another kid tormenting and then somdomizing another.....
@@cris_the_coder idiot
Such a sad story, sobbing for these parents.
I once let my 5 year old walk off with a friend at the fair while I waited in line to get food. All of a sudden I got the worst panic attack and ran through the crowd practically knocking people over till my eyes picked him out of the crowd. My friend had two other kids with her and I always wonder if she might’ve lost sight of him at some point because his soul called out to me just like Derricks mom. When I got to my son I was drenched in sweat from panic, just those 5 mins were awful I just can’t imagine this family’s pain.
Your child is blessed to have you for a parent.
No ypur a bad mom why would ypu let ypur baby whos still a baby walk off alone, are you stupid, your obky lucky something didn't happen but that is testament to what a dumb terrible horrible mother you are.. how dumb are you I never let my baby's out of my arms or sight until they were 16 and even then I bought panicky buttons and tracked theyre phones so I always know where they are, your a bad mom period ypur lucky ypur kids alive, God mothers out here are so dumb
I lost my son for a few minutes at cherry creek arts festival … the worse, absolutely the WORST feeling in my whole entire life. I am serious - the worse.
That parental love is nothing to play with. The footage of the parents talking about little Derrick is so visceral.
How could she just let him go to the park by himself at 4 yrs 10 months old? Unbelievable.
Erics parents saw he had problems and failed to get him the proper help
That's why I don't blame him all that much. I wrote this on here. Eric did to the world 🌎 what they did to him. Derrick happened to be a punching bag unfortunately. Poor little boy was caught in a wrong time man. Erics parents failed him. Truth be told Eric is being let out because he's Caucasian. If it were a minority he would be doing life
That is true
But i dont want to be blaming the mom.
You dont foresee that your kid is that troubled. And you hope that he grows out of this abuse done to him.
You cant be going around as a parent to talk to all the children that do, bc they will take that out on your kid again. ( mommies boy, etc)
It are other adults, teachers, other parents, etc that see this behavior that need to step in and tell them to stop 'OR ELSE".
no feelings of anything for that sick dude. this is absolutely heartbreaking and its a shame hes out and breathing
Feel so bad for Derricks family. What an unbelievable loss at such a young age and so viciously. May he rest in peace.
I thing the mom should be arrested for letting a 3 year old walk a bloke away alone
Ich finde jeder Mensch sollte eine 2.Chance bekommen aber wer einen anderen Menschen tötet hat das Recht verwirkt jemals wieder glücklich zu sein wenn der andere Tod unter der kalten Erde liegt
@@josephsmithmeyer1195 i think she’s paid enough, don’t you think?
*almost 5 year old
And he killed him for basically no reason. What an evil person at only 13 years old
I'm so impressed that the Robie's didn't let this monster destroy their marriage. Losing a child and marriage falling apart you tend to hear more about then not. Their love looks strong and happy even though this tragedy has happened to them. God bless and let the healing finally begin.
Well, if you look at the national divorce rate for people who don’t have their children murdered, divorce between people who have such a traumatic and senseless loss when they’re young adults wouldn’t be surprising. The problem is that parents tend to isolate themselves in their grief when they lose a child at any age. and silent embargoes on topics of conversation can drastically limit communication, which is the most important channel to keep open at that point. I’m so glad that Derrick’s mother didn’t blame herself and beat herself up forever, and of his father, because he didn’t harbor blame against her for letting Derrick walk alone. Absent Eric Smith, there was absolutely no danger she could have foreseen! As a psychologist, I know that blaming is stupid and never solves anything, but grieving parents can unconsciously see it as a strong emotion which distracts them from their loss. These are two very psychologically healthy people, who were amazingly that way when they were so young, and they had been loved and nurtured as children and knew how to apply that to each other when they needed to. And having to fight for Derrick every 2 years gave them a constant common fight, something they could _do_ together, it gave them a focus for their rage and grief, so I think that, however painful that was for them, those parole hearings may have been a blessing in disguise.
God would want you to forgive this kid
He was a mentally ill 13 year old boy that was bullied relentlessly and brutally for years and just snapped. The little boy is never coming back even if Smith was sent to the electric chair.
Parent's fault for leaving the child alone
Pretty sure that marriage is what destroys most marriages.
Just sayin..
Who let’s a 4 yr old travel outside the home with zero supervision?
in the 90s i was walking around by myself around the block too, it got strict in the 2000s
An utterly heartrending thing to be done to a child. And it’s disgusting that the parole hearings are every two years. Should be every ten years or longer.
I don't think my anger would go away poor parents my heart breaks for you 💙💙💙
Deb I feel the exact same way. Unbelievable what the systemputs these poor parents thru. No justice has been done, he should never been released, never.
I agree he would be running for ever . Get the hounds ha ha ha 😂🤣
@@fredajordan5704 and he wants to be a father! Oh my goodness.😞 I hope he doesn't get pet's or children!
@@pharris6875 I hope for the same. Just frustrating and very upsetting.
mother should have supervised her 4 year old. she should be charged with child neglect and child endangerment.
This is a parents worse nightmare. You never get over something like this. I feel so horrible for the parents and family.
Poor parents. It must be hard to know you let your four year old walk out the door and then pretend that anything that happens to him isn't your fault. I hope they feel guilty. They should feel guilty. HE WAS FOUR.
He should have never been released from prison.
Big pun is the goat
@@mnschoen I'm sure they do, I get that back then the world wasn't as dangerous, but 4 years old!?!? That insane! You can't let a 4 year old out of your sight!
@@WeezyF23 alone up the street at five was not a good choice. But that's one horrible way to learn a lesson. I'm glad both parents are still together. When I look back, I remember a few times I let my daughter walk to school with friends when she was only about ten and now I regret it. Nothing ever happened but it's just better as a parent to never leave children alone.
That guy shouldn't be free. He destroyed a whole family.
I have 3 boys of my own. Killing a child should immediately be death penalty. This is horrific.
He was a child himself, children shouldn't get the death penalty.
What makes you think you are then any better than the person that killed initially????
When are they planning to reinstate the death penalty in NY and the other states that abolished it in the last 20 years?
@@tamitribbiani7907 He was a teenager, not a child.
Dad & Mom are two beautiful people. The community support to this family is touching.
Pretty sure they said the stepdad molested the little boys sister.
If that's the case as far as I'm concerned he should be in the ground.
at this days a kid cant go alone anywere,they have to be closer to an adult parent or guardian,,
i remember my granddad going always with me as a kid
What kind of "parents" let a 4 year old walk alone down a street? No one deserves this kind of pain but give me a break. My mom didn't let me walk alone until probably around 10 or 11, 4 is still basically a baby. "It was the first ever time I let him walk alone." Horrible parents.
My mama wouldn't have ever let me out of her sight when I was 4 years old, and that was in 1971. Heck, I was almost 12 before she even let me ride my bike to school and it was only one street over and down a ways from our house...we live in a small town too. She (mama) even put me in daycare at 11 - 12 years old. When I became a mother myself, to two sons, mama would tell me "don't you ever let them out of your sight" even after they were up into their teens and she would've skinned me alive if I had let one of my sons walk down the street by himself at 4 years old.
The saddest part was Derrick’s parents talking about white ice cream with sprinkles. They seem like such sincere, loving people-just like their sweet little boy was in the footage. Derrick’s happiness and joy are what attracted Eric’s homicidal attention-and that’s! what you call a psychopath. Period.
I commented something similar on another comment on this video, but I live in Steuben county and Derrick's father used to be one of my teachers in high school. You're correct about them being sincere, loving people - Mr. Robie was one of the kindest, most understanding and accepting teachers I had. His class was probably my favorite throughout all of high school.
I went to school with the couple’s younger son and I can assure you that they are great people. Even in such tragedy they stayed together as a family. I can only imagine that they felt broken, but they were better together.
Maybe Burke Ramsey murdered his sister Jon.
The saddest part is that Eric is still alive and that Derek’s Dad didn’t take him out the second he was free!
What a beta male
Or that's what you call a child with severe trauma who doesn't get the help and support he needs to direct all that anger, rage and emotion into something else, something helpful instead of hurting someone. Whether people like it or not Eric was a child too. Kids don't just wake up one day out of the blue and say "I'm gonna ☠️ someone." There are reasons this happens, usually many events piled on top of each other that lead to this. He ultimately was the one who took Derrick's life but there are others who have some responsibility for letting it get to that point.
This story is so heartbreaking. I can't even imagine the pain this family must've felt. I live in the area and derricks dad was a teacher at a school I attended and this has always been one of the stories you hear that just haunts you. Stuff like this just doesn't happen around here. But it's so heartwarming to see the love derricks parents so clearly have for each other. I can imagine a loss like this would break apart families, but they seem like they're so strong together
I would never let a 4 year old walk by himself, ever. I think that's the mistake his mother made, but most of the time nothing happens, this was different.
What is "intermittent, explosive disorder" suppose to be, I don't know.
Eric is someone that doesn't have the popularity, and energy that Derrick had plenty of, and that made him angry.
He was bullied all the time, and here was Derrick, a fortunate child full of life, with a shining smile, loved by everyone.
Eric just wanted to take it out on him. There is no mysterious disorder.
Harming others who are luckier than you are, won't help you in life. You have to deal with it yourself, in a positive way.
It's like being born rich, or poor.
It's not fair to take an innocent life, and it's not fair to leave Derrick's parents with a life sentence.
Consider yourself lucky that you didn't live in another age, where you might have received the death penalty.
Hard to say if he really has changed, whether his remorse is real. Even a priest can't be sure of that. At least he has grown up, and 28 years is a long time to think it over.
He will always remain an ex con and a murderer, and he knows it.
If he manages to build some sort of a new life for himself, with his girl, and have a job and so forth, it might work. Let's hope it will.
How are Derricks parents not allowed at Erics parole hearings?! They are victims and they should be allowed to give impact statements and confront the man that hurt their boy.
Derrick was a victim of his parents useless caring. Who lets a 4 year old out of their sight. Crazy. Shouldnt be allowed to have kids.
I just saw an interview with them say (guess that’s why this popped up on my algorithm) but the mother said that this is horrible for them. He killed a kid and knew it was wrong. Sorry bud. Better luck in the next life because this one you gotta stay imprisoned for. He would absolutely do it again. He’s just spending time very behaving so they let him out to do it again. He learned the tricks he needs. Even the parole board questions his truthfulness. He’s giving signs he’s faking it and should remain imprisoned.
They go to parole meeting every 2 years
Interviewer said every 2 years must feel like every 10 mins to them
@@emiliocasillas694 INSANE! cruel comment.
My little cousin passed away at age 4. He was struck by a speeding car. He would be 38 now. It truly never goes away. You think about them daily. Every situation reminds you of them. And as you grow your reminded of what all they missed out on. It destroyed my aunt and uncle. My uncle passed away early from a broken heart.
I didn't know you could actually die from grief, that's horrible
@@SlimThief he blamed himself everyday and the stress from that I'm sure led to his heart attack. Stress and depression can affect your health a bunch
@@SlimThief sad part is his sister passed away about a week later as well. It was so sad at the funeral when his mom cried out. Broke my heart she lost her kids in 1 week time
Sorry to hear that happened. However, cousin is not even considered a close family member. You need to move on.
God Bless 🙏🏾🩷 , I’m so sorry about your loss . May God protect over you & your family 🙏🏾🩷
Idgaf if the killer was a kid, he was a sick kid not fit for society obviously, He should of never saw the light of day, maybe even given the death penalty, he was a bad seed there is no rehabilitation for that…justice in America is a joke
So sad what these parents went through. instead of healing the wound it open up again with Eric’s parole each two years. I’m so glad that they are stronger as a couple and remember Dereck with happiness instead or mourning him, because it just hurts more to them.
What he did to Derrick made my stomach churn. How horrible to imagine a sweet innocent little boy suffering and dying like that. That is terrifying that man is now back on the streets and my heart breaks for Derricks parents.
He was 13
In my country he wouldn't even have been charged and i think my country is doing it right because i do not believe in locking up 13 year olds, a 15 year old maybe but not a 13 year old
he sufered bullying at school as a child and it may be that he killed that boy as revenge he was physically like those who attacked him,,
the mark or cain. he's got it honest.
@@Losttribes88 you think it's gingers? I wondered. They are not that common and many of them are very mischievous...
@@bornwithbsguards
What??? You can't be serious.
Someone who is capable of committing such brutality at such a young age is definitely going to be able to replicate that as an adult. God forbid what is coming to the fate of some other innocent child!
Total savage, disgusting
man that child was HAPPY and to think that he could have parole
Absolutely, all's it takes is some trigger in his mind and boom. Can happen anytime just when
I have to wonder if Eric Smith was ever tested for Fragile X syndrome?
@@BirdieSueA Possibly not. He is pretty intelligent, manipulative and not to mention- violent. People with Fragile X syndrome usually suffer from moderate to severe mental retardation- to the extent that they could not go to a regular school, and they are non-violent. Plus- his physical features do not really match the textbook criteria.
My sister is 6 years old but never ever would I let her walk outside alone. Even if it was just a few yards away, evil is out there. Even in the nicest neighbourhoods... I can't imagine the pain and the guilt... RIP little angel 🕊And Eric... I think he isn't the same as he was when he was a child. I think it is possible for someone to change and get better. Of course it's debatable if it's fair or not but if he truly regrets his actions and got better, I think he isn't a danger to society. I hope if he has children already they will lead him to understand what pain he caused the parents of Derek.
The wisdom of Derricks parents is admirable and truly inspiring. Thank you for teaching me this huge lesson of forgiveness and love ❤️
eric smith might have changed but so has society. if he thinks people were mean back when he was younger, he is in for a huge awakening, lets hope he can contain his anger when he gets bullied in todays society and social media. Prayers to derricks family.
He hasn't changed. No one has ever proved that a murderous sociopath like him can change enough to be made safe for society. So all this talk about rehabilitation is just self-righteous posturing.
Right? I was thinking this too.
Hope he has the life he deserves
Eric is a sociopath.
That does not go away like a headache.
Yep! Well stated
Eric’s bad attitude & angry demeanor remains the same in my opinion. Even after 30 years he seems to have absolutely NO remorse, as if “the world owes him something”. Not only did he destroy & steal Derrick’s life, he changed Derrick’s family’s lives forever. They will NEVER know who he could’ve become. Eric WILL reoffend, if he hasn’t done so already & no one has connected it to him…………yet. Rest in Peace sweet little Derrick. Forever young.💔😔🥀🕊️
mother should have supervised her 4 year old. she should be charged with child neglect and child endangerment.
Do you know him? Personally
@@anicatt Do you? This forum allows for me to opine, hence the words “seems”, “in my opinion”…..
@@anicatt Don't need to know him personally. You can't rehabilitate a psychopath or sociopath. I felt horrible for Eric's family at the trial but the kid is/was a bad seed. It happens. There's no place for him and others like him on this planet. I can't believe he's out in society. As a mom, I'd have to take care of it and take the consequences.
@@zariballard Totally agreed with your comment, people like him shouldn’t be allow to have kids he is incapable to feel remorse for his actions stay vigilant know your neighbor
These parents are admirable. I love the lesson of forgiveness they are teaching
Admirable? They never want him out of jail for something he regrets whats admirable about that?
@@filmtheory783 No, the mother in the end says something different. And thats a very good thing.
He became worse than his bullies. He became a murderer
Thats what bullying does.
@@JuMow_ Smoking can do harm.
Still, smoking rarely kills someone.
Having your four year old son taken away from you by anyone, let alone another kid, it’s unfathomable. I’m so sorry for the parents. It’s heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking.
Well said sweet Hannah
Another kid? Do you know the meaning of the word TEEN? the murderer was THIRTEEN and the victim FOUR! do you know the difference? the murderer had the capacity to do the heinous crime and know it was wrong, something he would never if he was only a 4 years old child himself... he wasn't a kid and he was sentenced accordingly!
@@kitsune090 he was a minor and he looked very small. He was 13, cusp into an adulthood. I was immature at 13. If you’re under the age of 18, you’re not an adult, but another kid. He should’ve a longer sentence, but he didn’t.
but he murdered a child...every youngster that kills should be locked up for life!
@@SalimMahmood-killuminati yeah, I said he should’ve gotten a longer sentence.
I think it's beautiful that Eric's great grandpa helped with the ball field in Derrick's memory.
yes!!
I feel sorry for Eric's family, it's not their fault. They never wanted something like that to happen.
@@dinarusso3320 They saw the warning signs - hurting animals for example - and did nothing. So yes, it is on them.
The great grandpa did cannot helped what devil act of his grandson to the boy. They did nothing to helped their grandson to be hospitalized. And when the verdict came eruc family said he was mentally sick they knew but they did nothing
@krisquigley4497 what about Derrick parents. They're to blame to. Who let's there 5 year old walk home alone. Bad parenting on their part. If they would have supervised their kid. He'd still be here today. Bad parents on both sides.
This is so sad. My heart goes out to the parents.
Everyone is is talking about Derick's parents, but what about Eric's family? This has been a nightmare for them too!
what kind of mother lets a 4 yr go by himself
A monstrous one
He should not be released ,ever, the crime was horrific, he knew what he was doing. My heart goes out to the little boys family. R.I.P Derek.
Sadly he was released last year.
What are you talking about
a 13 year old shouldn't even be held criminally responsible
Locking up a 13 year old is a violation of children's rights if you did not know
Raise the age of criminal responsibility to 15
@@Unbreakable245Of course they should be held liable! LIFE SENTENCE
@@Unbreakable245 would you still feel this way if he brutally murdered your child ?
Life for a 13yo is overboard. Sorry, not sorry. Their brains are literally not even fully formed. He did 30 solid years locked up, far more than most who get a “life sentence”. He’s done his time.
The fact he asked for help explaining he had so much rage inside him he wanted to hurt someone and try why didn’t get him help immediately is ridiculous. The parents should be tried for not helping him.
Derricks blood is on their hands.
I think now-a-days parents are more likely to get their children help, which is great. It was different back then, though of course not impossible. Just much less likely. So sad, but glad we have improved in that regard as a society.
I'm sorry, the law system just doesn't work that way.
@@AutomHatter Nah....nowadays its "Billy is a good kid, he'd never do that.'' Or Billy kills puppies, so parents order xanax and ignore it boys will be boys until he randomly shoot ups some event...then he's a ''good Christian boy'' with no violent past...
People aren't perfect, we all make mistakes every day. It's impossible to forsee everything & expecting perfection is childish.
When i started listening to this and heard Savona, i realized i grew up 25 mins away in Cameron, and i, too, was 5 in 93. Something triggered, and i messaged my mom and asked if she heard of this story? And she said yep, you in fact played with Eric when we went to a Redskins superbowl party at his parent's house. And it dawned on me that at some point, my mom told me about this story. Wow. She apologized for letting me play with a murderer.
Wow scary
Eric was 13 in 1993.
@theicequeen4076 I was relating being 5 the same as Derrick. Not Eric. I know he was 13 in 93.
What a tragedy. Praying for Dereck’s family, loved ones, and friends.🙏🏻🙏🏻
This mother's poise is extremely impressive; heart breaks for the parents.
Both parents are admirable. I can’t imagine how they did it. We all can find inspiration from them.
Who let's a 4 year old walk off by themselves
Exactly!!!
100% agree
@@144Souldier that's all he was?
Now that I've watched the whole show and as I sit here sobbing, I am grateful for two things: that Derek's parents stayed together, and 2) they feel free in a way that he is out and that they no longer have to suffer the parole board every two years. I want to hug them both and everyone in that town who cherished and protected his memory. Do I believe that Eric deserves a second chance at life? No, I do not, but I will pray for him that he never hurts another living being and that he lays low, out of the public eye where no one but his own family has to be faced with what he has done every day when they see him. Blessings to Derek's amazing family and to the town of Sovano that forever keeps his memory alive. Whatever is good for them in the moment is okay with me.😥
Very we said!!
Beautifully said for sure!
Oh, how beautiful. You covered everything in my with perfection. I agree with it all. ❤
So true. Amazing people, Derek's and Dalton's parents. That they managed to stay together, to be devoted and conected like this, after all they went through... The amount of love and understanding... Jaw drop amazing. I am in awe.
@@petrarovscek7621 Yes! Love can conquer all! ❤
I was five in 1992 as well. Derrick was a little angel 😇 man. He would have grown up to be a good scholar. You can tell. Either that or a good athlete. Rip derrick.
You can tell just by looking at Eric as a kid that he has something wrong with him…..no doubt in my mind. I just can’t imagine ever letting someone free that did this to a child, no matter what, he should be behind bars, his entire life.
You're just primed to think something looks wrong when you look at him because you already know he's a murderer. You can't actually tell something was wrong with him just by looking at him
I'm from the area....He stayed in prison longer than Adult convicted killers EX... Arthur Shawcross who was also from the area.....who murdered and tortured 2 kids mutilated their gentiles and was released after 12yrs....then became a serial killer.... come on
@@gregorsamsa1364nope….you can tell he doesn’t look right…..I get what you’re saying but not in this case…..he literally looks like something is off
I don't agree, a child should not spend the rest of his life behind bars.
@@billierenfro705 the only response I have to that is to refer you back to my previous comment. And you have no way of "just looking at him" anyway because you already know he's a murderer
As mother of a 4 year old little boy… I cannot fathom this kind of loss. Huge prayers to this family.
I'd hope you can't fathom letting your toddler go off by himself.
I feel you. I gotta 4 year old boy and this pain is unimaginable. Can’t even think about how you could feel because it’s gonna 100x worse and last forever.
I don't have kids and think it would be pretty bad too
I have a 4 year old little boy as well. My heart is just overcome with sadness for this family. I cannot imagine the loss they still feel to this day.
if i was the father id welcome him coming back to the area easy to find him
That sweet baby had such a bright and beautiful smile. Seeing him so happy with the kittens, fishing and holding his baby brother has me quite tearful. RIP, sweet angel..💜
You into younger men?
Don’t let a 5 year old walk ANY WHERE ALONE.
This was 1992. Kids played on their own all the time and 99.9% of the time returned home safely. Psychopaths like this spoiled it for everyone, kids are now way overprotected and not allowed free play anymore.
Never let a young child walk anywhere unsupervised
Derrick J. Robie father brakes my heart when I hear him talk. He sounds like a good man. The perfect father for sure. Oh god I haven't been leaving comments lately but I just had to this time. I'll keep the Robie family in my ❤.
There should be no parole for heinous crimes.
Committed by a child, what 's next, the execution of children?... Yeah??
He was a child! Smh. You people are so unforgiving
@@paradisesunprincess it's not about forgiveness. It's about the general public's safety.
If it was her kid That was murdered Would she be saying that? But he's not her child that was murdered. So it's easy for her to say! I agree with you
@@paradisesunprincessor maybe you’re mentally ill to believe such an unfathomable crime deserves a chance at freedom, eh?
The fact that this man is out there in the world and not still behind bars is frightening...
I guarantee he is in this comments section at some point reading all the comments about himself.
@@ky1ebetts and enjoying it
They should have just simply gave that demon the death penalty or life without parole!!
Godbless your soul everyone. Everyone loses in this situation. The childs life. And the other kids image for life.
what's frightening is that you think caging a very troubled 13yr old boy for the rest of his life is a good thing. someone needs to put you on a leash and muzzle you
There is a common factor behind all this crimes committed by kids: bullying. We aren't honestly doing enough to stop the root cause!
I have two sons. At 13 they were who they are now. Decent gentle young men kind to animals and other people. I think eric was a damaged individual who will cause damage to others. I hope for the best but that unspeakable crime will haunt everyone who knew derrick and loved him always.
This story has haunted my mother her entire life. It affected her the same way Sandy Hook affected me. My little brother was the exact same age as Derrick when this happened and they looked so much alike. She still talks about it to this day. She wouldn’t let us go ANYWHERE alone after this. We couldn’t play in our neighborhood without direct supervision any longer. Looking at my brother and the amazing life he has, married for a decade, with a newborn baby boy. It’s just so sad, beyond sad, thinking about the life that was so senselessly taken. Derrick would have done great things.
Did she let you go places alone _before_ that?
I mean, are you aware that Derrek wasn't the first kid who wandered off and something bad happened, right? Kids have been abducted before your grandmother was born. Why did it take _this_ case for you mother to have the genius idea not to let her kids walk around by themselves?
Give your mother your keyboard. I want to talk to her.
@@sirdopaminesjournal3292 His mom shouldve never let him walk alone. I would never let my 5 yr old leave the house alone, that's way too young. Her bad parenting cost him his life SMH 🤦🏾♂️
Have you ever seen ' We need to talk about Sandy Hook" ... a very comforting film.
Could have done wonderful things.. not would of...no disrespect.
@@sirdopaminesjournal3292 it's sad that in the US it has come to this. In my country kids play outside alone all the time if they are over the age of 3-4. I hope it can stay that way.
My son was 1 at the time, and it was this story right here that made me never allow my children to walk anywhere alone until they were teens. Parent, wingman or you don’t go. Better to be inconvenienced and alive than dead.
Right that's to young my son 3 he not even getting on bus I take him and pick him up I'm not playn
Congrats you are the only few people here who knows the difference between a teen and a child... the murderer was a teen who had the capacity of doing evil and know it was wrong and his victim was an innocent defenseless little child who should never be alone outside...
My grand walks in front of me or beside me. I need to see her at all times. Where she goes I go..or no one goes.
I’m not here to blame anyone, and I know people in small rural towns with low crime rates, feel safe to let their children walk alone, but I cannot imagine ever letting my boy , when he was four, walk outside alone…… or even play on the front drive alone. This poor Mother must be wracked with guilt and regret every day of her life. My heart goes out to the family 💔
This is about as likely to happen as a plane falling from the sky and squashing you both. Risk assessment is imperative for your children to develop. I'm not saying send your toddler to the grocery store for milk, but helicopter parents are not doing much better. This story strikes fear in every parents heart but let's not blame the mother because that's what you just did. Five is hardly a ridiculous age to send down the street by themselves.
As someone who was bullied relentlessly as a child I understand how soul-crushing it can be. I don't condone what Eric did but unlike everyone else in the comments I can understand why he did what he did. What happened is a tragedy but I hope he can prove everyone wrong and become a productive member of society.
I can’t personally identify with this extent of bullying, but I want to acknowledge your thoughts and thank you for sharing because what the killer experienced has absolutely everything to do with the choice he made that day. Our response or non response as individuals in our communities can have an impact, don’t you think?
@@cassjane3 Yes. It was awful. I never murdered anyone of course but I considered taking my own life on many occasions. And this was as a 10-14 year old, not exactly the population you expect to be suicidal. Our society needs to do a better job of protecting vulnerable children. It is not just a part of growing up, or kids being kids. It took me decades of work and therapy to overcome what happened to me and even now I think it still affects how I relate to people.
These parents are truly amazing! I can’t say enough about what incredible examples they are. I hope for all the joy they can experience in life.
Yeah let’s all let our 5 year old toddler walk the street alone sounds like a great idea I wonder what could go wrong? Terrible parents is the words for what they are
That video of Derek excited to show his Dad the fish that he caught got me so bad.
RIP sweet angel.
No child deserves what happened to you.
I always amused when someone points out that a murdered child “didn’t deserve it.”
@@Bronte866all of your responses in this comment section are unhinged. Are you okay?
The things he did to that poor kid, unbelievable.
Trust me, rehabilitated or not, these types of acts and urges don’t just dissipate. He’s still a sociopath
It wouldn’t surprise me if he harms another kid now that he’s out. Keep your doors locked and your children safe from this guy. He’s dangerous!!!
And you know this how?
Eric M. Smith is a psychopath who told the parole board what he knew would get him released. Psychopaths don't "learn compassion", they learn to mask themselves better. He will always be a danger to society, and more specifically, to young children. I cannot believe they let him out -- enabling him to commit more crimes. Beyond disgusting!
ITS THE MOTHER FAULT LETTING HIM WALKED DOWN THE STREET ALONG!
She needs be in prison also !
Yes they do, I used to want to be nasty as a child and as an adult I feel the opposite
@@letsgobrandon6281 he doesnt he is just following the crowd
I wonder if Dalton, the younger son, ever felt like he was living in the shadow of Derrick, his older brother. I hope his parents never neglected him because of the tragedy that befell the family.
I don't know about Eric Smith, if he is rehabilitated or maybe to strange for the common people but if he can change then give him a second chance he was a child when he did what he did, he is an adult and know now right from wrong. But the family of the victims I hope you know I am proud of your strength to keep on living life
The feeling his mother felt when her son died that rainy day, I’ve heard of this phenomenon before. The young man, Tyre Nichols’ mother described this exact feeling, the moment he died as well. As a mother, I pray that I never have to feel this. My heart goes out to this family and to all those who have lost their children.
I felt this when my therapy dog passed away she was my best friend and my soulmate it’s a horrible feeling I wasn’t in the room but i felt like I couldn’t breath for about two seconds and my chest got really tight and it was like something was in me and then it was a release
@@hippygirlfriend4937yeah I feel that samething everytime I jump out of a chicks window and there husband comes home....
She probably felt especially guilty because she let her 4 yr old go off into the woods by himself. Who does that? Id call it neglect. Her excuse is bs.
@@smhaceofspades2813 lol.
@@cesspool1676, this happened in 1993, in what looks like a small town. It was a different world back then. I was 23, but only a few years prior, growing up as a teen in a small community, it was nothing for me and my friends to walk to each other’s houses alone, about a half a mile apart. Would a parent have allowed their 5 year old to walk somewhere alone? If it was in an area where little crime occurred, and it was close to home, a block away is what the video said he walked, then I could see that happening back then. Parents aren’t perfect. I remember when I had my first child, I went to pay my rent, and my landlord said, “Parenting, they give that job to a bunch of amateurs”, and I laughed and said, “That’s so true”. I never let my children out of my sight, but I had my children in a different era than 1993 too. However, it’s not the parent’s fault what happened to their child, it’s the murderer’s fault, and you don’t blame the parents for what the murderer did. You are a real piece of work for trying to put the blame on the parents, which leads me to believe you are someone who has never been blessed with the joy of having a child, so you speak out of ignorance. These parents have struggled with feelings of guilt, I’m sure, because, as a parent, you’re constantly making split second decisions, and praying your decisions are right. I can only imagine how my parents felt when they let me go outside of their direct supervision, because, as a mother, I know that’s a struggle. Those parents don’t need an obtuse person like you transferring the blame from the actual guilty party, and onto them.
It really pisses me off that you can say a thousand things on behalf of the ''accused'' in court, but the victims just nothing. It's sickening.
What do you mean?
How are you going to interrogate a dead body though?
@Marina Black The parents are also victims, they were and still are directly affected by what the killer did
Because a smart cute kid might get more justice than a lazy overweight kid if you have too much emotions affecting the jury.
I'm really for right to speech for healing but there is simply a danger of straying from looking at the case objectively sadly. Humans are flawed
@@Lasagnaisprettycool what tha? Victim impact and statements for mitigating are allowed AFTER the jury has made its decision. Not Before, Not During, AFTER......
Wow...I'm from Bath, NY and my father and grandparents lived in Savona, I know that tiny town like the back of my hand....this case always broke my heart.
The fact that this monster gets to think of his future is just wrong. It was wrong to parole him!!!
A someone who was bullied relentlessly in school, the adults never seem to care about the incredible pain and impact it has on the child. "Words can't hurt you" is bs. Bullies are allowed to torment and psychologically torture other kids with no consequences, meanwhile, the bullied child goes unnoticed until they break. Some get depressed. Some commit suicide. Some turn to drugs and alcohol. Some turn on others. This kid snapped.
It doesnt justify what he did. It was 100% wrong and he is responsible, but people need to really become aware of how much of an impact bullying has on children and the psychological damage and inner anger and rage that can result, especially if the parents never get the child help.
I know what you mean, I was bullied and snapped. I would go around hurting anyone I saw bullying someone else. I never took it too far but inside I felt like I wanted to. But I do have BPD so that's probably why
His Dad was his biggest bully... Wouldn't even be surprised if he was the "real killer".... I'm from the area and remember the story well....his Dad or step dad was pure evil to him
The thing is, a 13 y/o doesn't always possess the ability to emotionally regulate themselves.... they're literally being flooded with new "drugs" in the form of growth hormones. That, and the brain is not fully developed until about age 25. No matter, he should not be permitted to be around children, or work with children. If society makes an error in judgement, it has to be in favor of the innocent. Probably should have been kept in a step down prison, one that permits greater opportunity to exhibit self control and the ability to s elf structure. After 28 years of being told what to do, when to do it, how to do it... it's going to be a struggle when the flood gates of "autonomy" are flung wide open.
Eric Smith killed Derrick Robb because Eric was the complete opposite of Derrick. Eric killed what he was not.
@@jjohnson3530 His sister said she was molested. That's a hard thing to admit. Why didn't they look at that? This poor boy. Both boys.
Got over my rage without killing or harming another living creature. And I had some pretty hard times when I was young. Yet I never hurt anybody because I have a conscience and I know the difference between right and wrong.
May your past stay in the past and your present and future are full of happiness 🙏
No two people are the same
@@linnerellie209 true but some will walk the right path and some the wrong path
That’s you though. We already know hurt people sometimes hurt people. I’m happy you found peace.
Everyone is not the same. I'm certain there are acts you've committed, things you've said, that others would never do.
Gruesome Death awaits us all, but this was absolutely uncalled for & especially sick. Audience wishes grieving survivors all the best. Cheers!
So sad , that evil guy should never be out of prison, just disgusting
If Eric’s sister testified that she was molested by her stepfather, wtf is Eric’s mother still will him during the trial. That speaks volumes to what was going on in that home and you wonder why your son became a killer. Derek is the victim here!. Rest Easy 💔
Literally!
Exactly, don’t blame the kid until you have all the facts.
@@kiwimema4300 either he was molested but honestly I'm starting to think maybe by the mother...cause who would stay with a man that touched their child unless they doing it too...i just don't know
For him to know about sodomy, I’m sure he was abused himself
@@couldbegood definitely he was exposed to the act. What about the biological dad? Not sure if mention of him was made at all
This story is still so heartbreaking, even decades later. To watch video of that darling little boy, that never got to grow up, is so sad. Kudos to the Robies, for managing to continue their lives, while keeping Derrick's memory alive. The horrible part of this video is watching Eric Smith say he wants to get married & have a family. And to counsel children. He should not be anywhere near children, ever.
💯 agree
He may save a child's life by helping them deal with the emotions he couldnt.
He must be watched closely, forever. Period.
@@benjohnston2558 How is a serial killer (caught early) going to counsel anyone? You want that murderer anywhere near your kids?
Sicko.
@@benjohnston2558 How? he didn't seem to deal with it. He looks deranged.
Incredibly sad on all sides. I have empathy for both sides. I can't say I would want the responsibility of releasing him from prison, but he was tried like an adult at 13, and served 28 years in prison. Understandable that it would never be enough to satisfy the death of their son, but on the other hand what if the roles were reversed? The boy served his time..and served it in some of the worst correctional facilities in the country. It's a stretch to say he "deserves" anything, but a bit of empathy for a boy who clearly was a child who was what he was because of the hatred of other kids is a reality. In the end, he still choose to do wrong, and he paid for it dearly.
I don't think a 13 year old should be tried as an adult, they are not capable of thinking through consequences like an adult can.