Ep 24. Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer

Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer is the 24th episode of the 34th season of the popular true crime television series, 48 Hours. This episode tells the story of Eric Smith, a man who was convicted of killing four people in a senseless act of violence in 1997.

The episode begins by introducing Eric Smith, a young boy from upstate New York who struggled with bullying and social isolation throughout his childhood. Eric was often picked on for his red hair, freckles, and thick glasses, and he struggled to make friends or fit in with his peers.

As Eric grew older, his isolation and feelings of anger and resentment only intensified. He turned to violent video games and often fantasized about attacking his bullies, whom he felt had ruined his life.

In the summer of 1993, when Eric was just 13 years old, he took his fantasies a step further and brutally murdered four-year-old Derrick Robie in a park near his home. Eric lured Derrick into a secluded area, where he beat him with rocks and dropped a large stone on his head.

The murder created a media frenzy and shocked Eric's quiet, rural community. Eric was quickly identified as a suspect and initially denied any involvement in the crime. However, he eventually confessed to the murder and showed little remorse for his actions.

Despite his age, Eric was tried as an adult and sentenced to the maximum term of nine years to life in prison. He has since been denied parole multiple times and continues to serve his sentence in a maximum-security prison.

The episode explores the details of Eric's trial and the psychological factors that led him to commit such a heinous crime. It examines how his experiences with bullying, social isolation, and violent media may have contributed to his violent fantasies and ultimate decision to kill.

The episode also features interviews with Eric's family members, former classmates, and experts in the field of psychology and criminology. These individuals offer insights into Eric's troubled past and provide context for his actions.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left to grapple with the difficult questions surrounding Eric's case. Was his crime the product of a troubled childhood and mental illness, or was he simply a cold-blooded killer? Should juveniles be tried as adults in cases of violent crime, or is there a need for more lenient sentencing and rehabilitation programs?

Overall, Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer is a thought-provoking and emotional episode that offers a deep dive into one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory. It sheds light on the complex social and psychological factors that can drive individuals to commit acts of violence and provides an in-depth look at the American criminal justice system.