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Parents of murdered boy celebrate son's memory with his favorite treat

March 25, 2022 / 03:09

This episode of 48 Hours covers the release of Eric Smith, who was convicted in 1994 for the murder of 4-year-old Derek Roby. Senior National Correspondent Jim Aarod interviews Derek's parents, Dale and Dorene Roby, about their feelings following Smith's release after nearly three decades in prison.

The episode discusses the circumstances of the murder, where 13-year-old Eric Smith killed Derek Roby in a fit of rage. After serving 28 years, Smith was paroled to Queens, New York, prompting a new chapter for the Roby family.

Dale and Dorene Roby express their mixed emotions about Smith's release, noting that it allows them to focus on their healing process. They share how they remember their son by celebrating his life, such as enjoying ice cream on the anniversary of his death.

Jim Aarod reflects on the Robys' remarkable strength and the ongoing pain they endure from their son's murder. Dorene Roby emphasizes her desire to move on and not think about Eric Smith anymore, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.

The episode concludes with a preview of Jim Aarod's report, titled "Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer," airing on CBS and available on Paramount Plus.

TLDR

Derek Roby's parents discuss their healing after Eric Smith's release from prison for their son's murder.

Episode

3:09
00:00:01
tomorrow night 48 Hours tells a story of a decades old murder case and shows how
00:00:05
the victim's family is doing after the killer was released from prison a teenage boy named Eric Smith was
00:00:11
convicted in 1994 of murdering 4-year-old Derek Roby in Western New York Smith was freed last month after
00:00:18
nearly three decades senior National correspondent Jim aarod spoke with roby's parents in their first extensive
00:00:24
interview since Smith's release [Music] in 1993 13-year-old Eric Smith killed 4-year-old Dereck Roby in a fit of rage
00:00:37
he was convicted and locked up for 28 years then last month he was set free Smith has been paroled to Queens New
00:00:46
York I understand why after so many years they decided to give him a chance and that's fine you know for him
00:00:57
and his family for dereck's parents Dale and Dorene Roby it begins a new chapter
00:01:03
after fighting for so long to keep Smith in prison you know he's been released but in a way so have we no more parole I
00:01:14
can get on with our lives now the true healing can begin to do that the Robes of chosen to
00:01:24
focus on family and friends and the joyful memories of their beloved Son August 2nd the day we lost him we always
00:01:32
try to go do something fun white ice cream with sprinkles that's what Derek called
00:01:44
vanilla so we try to do a wherever we are we have to go have M we have to go find ice
00:01:55
cream even though it's sad it's happy you know and Jim aarod is here with us Jim
00:02:04
you know pain do it feels fresh that's the thing when I watch that interview it feels fresh what else did they tell you
00:02:11
look nearly three decades these are remarkable people um it is heartbreaking to sit with them the thing that was most
00:02:21
impressive to me when when you talk to them you know you realize they have a life sentence of their own that they're
00:02:26
serving because they will take the pain and the trauma of their son's Mur to their grave right what they talk about
00:02:33
and you heard it briefly there that this parole of Eric Smith actually liberates
00:02:38
them and what what Dorene Roby told me when I said so what are you thinking she goes I'll tell you what I'm not thinking
00:02:44
I'm not thinking about Eric Smith anymore and that is its own value I don't need to think about him I can just
00:02:51
do whatever I need to to move on with my life Jim uh as always fascinating reporting thank you very much you can
00:02:58
see more of Jim's report Eric Smith gambling on a killer on 48 hours tomorrow night at 109 Central right here
00:03:05
on CBS and on our streaming service Paramount Plus

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 85
    Most heartbreaking
  • 80
    Most emotional
  • 80
    Best performance
  • 75
    Most shocking

Episode Highlights

  • The Release of Eric Smith
    After nearly three decades, Eric Smith is released from prison, prompting mixed emotions for the victim's family.
    “In a way, so have we. No more parole, I can get on.”
    @ 01m 06s
    March 25, 2022
  • A New Chapter for the Robys
    Dale and Dorene Roby focus on joyful memories of their son Derek after Smith's release.
    “Even though it's sad, it's happy.”
    @ 02m 00s
    March 25, 2022

Episode Quotes

  • In a way, so have we. No more parole, I can get on.
    Parents of murdered boy celebrate son's memory with his favorite treat
  • Even though it's sad, it's happy.
    Parents of murdered boy celebrate son's memory with his favorite treat
  • I'll tell you what I'm not thinking. I'm not thinking about Eric Smith anymore.
    Parents of murdered boy celebrate son's memory with his favorite treat

Key Moments

  • Eric Smith Released00:15
  • Roby Family's Healing01:27
  • Moving On02:51

Words per Minute Over Time

Vibes Breakdown