The city of Bridgeport is abuzz as a disturbing case of apparent murder and alleged cannibalism unfolds. Amid all the gossip that is likely under way, one can only hope that there is a cadre of voices speaking out to remind the community of the essential need to allow the court to do its job and the importance of remembering that anyone facing criminal charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The matter generating the interest is the case of Tyree Lincoln Smith, 35. He is alleged to have murdered a homeless man last December and cannibalized the man's body. He made his first court appearance in Bridgeport this week and the judge ordered him held in lieu of $1 million bond. He is currently reported to be on suicide watch at the Bridgeport Correctional Center and is due to undergo psychiatric evaluation. The next possible date for court action is Feb. 14.

Based on the details available through public records and news reports it is apparent that there is reason to be concerned about Smith's mental condition. According to police, Smith killed Angel Gonzalez in a vacant apartment building. They say prior that he allegedly had told a female cousin he was staying with that he felt a lust for blood that he needed to sate. Police claim he left with a small ax in hand and returned the next day. The ax and he were said to be splattered with blood and police say he told his cousin he'd gotten what he needed.

At this point, the facts get somewhat cloudy. Members of Smith's family say they called police about the matter right away, but for some reason the victim's body went undiscovered until Jan. 23. When it was found, police say an eye and some of the man's brain were missing. Investigators say Smith's cousin says he confessed to her that he was responsible for all of it and that he'd eaten the victim's remains at another cousin's grave.

Source: CTPost.com, "Man accused of cannibalism held on $1 million bond," Daniel Tepfer, Feb. 1, 2012