UPDATE 12PM: WENY News reached out to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, who confirms Smith will not be released today. According to DOCCS, Smith does not yet have an approved residence. 

ALBANY, NY (WENY) -- Transcripts from an October Division of Parole hearing provide some insight as to Eric Smith's plans for release.

Eric Smith appeared before a board of parole on October 5, 2021. His parole was subsequently granted, with an "open date" set of November 17th. That's the earliest possible date he could be released, depending on approval of a home plan and other factors. Smith will be released after serving a nine years to life sentence for the 1993 murder of Derrick Robie of Savona, when Smith was 13 years old. 

WENY News received a copy of the hearing transcripts after filing a Freedom of Information request. In it, the Board of Parole asks Smith to explain why he committed the murder of Derrick Robie, and what contributed to his actions of such a violent act against a four-year-old child. Smith detailed years of emotional abuse by his father, as well as bullying from classmates as contributing to feelings of anger, which led to the attack on Robie. Smith said Robie was not a target, but rather seen as an opportunity to release the anger that had built up inside. 

The Board of Parole also reviewed Smith's record in prison, his completion of work, various certifications and education programs, and his goals for the future. Smith disclosed he is currently engaged to a woman, who he met through correspondence when she began writing to him in prison. 

In regards to his plans following his release if granted parole, Smith told the board he would go to live with his mother, unless he can find his own housing - either an apartment or buying a home. He said his fiance would likely join him there. Smith said he would get a job working in the electrical or carpentry field, based on certifications is received in prison, but eventually wants to get into evangelical ministry. Smith's mother still lives in Savona. 

In an interview with WENY that aired in 2010, Smith said it would be unlikely he would return to Savona if released, due to his notoriety. He expressed the belief that if he returned to the area, someone would try to kill him. 

WENY News is monitoring Smith's potential release and will provide updates once that happens.

You can read the transcript of Smith's parole hearing below. Some readers may find details discussed in the hearing extremely disturbing. Some information in the transcript has been redacted by the New York State Department of Corrections.