Clinton County, N.Y. (
WHAM/WSYR) - For the sixth time, convicted child killer Eric Smith has been denied parole.
Smith was 13 years old in 1993 when he killed four-and-a-half-year old Derrick Robie in Savona in Steuben County.
In its decision the Parole Board found that Smith's release would pose a risk to "the public safety and welfare of the community."
Dori and Dale Robie are relieved their son's killer will not get out of prison. They fought harder than ever this year to oppose Smith's release, fearing that he might get out.
"We don't want to see this happen again we really believe he would harm someone if he got out," Deirrick’s mom, Dori Robie said.
The Robies gave the board a video they made of Derrick. They believe that also influenced the decision. The board also noted the many letters it received from people in the community opposing Smith's release.
Dori Robie says her son's murder affected the entire community. "Those kids that were in this area lost a piece of their childhood and innocence when this happened," she said.
After hearing the news, Robie told our sister station WHAM, 13 News Rochester, "I'm just very relieved and grateful to the Parole Board and to the people who wrote letters. We have so much support in the community...it is touching."
Smith will be up for parole again in April of 2014.
The Robies say they will continue to fight to keep him in prison.
