MIDDLETOWN, CT— Despite strong opposition, a Connecticut man accused of cannibalism has been granted conditional release from the state’s only maximum-security psychiatric hospital.

Tyree Smith, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2013, was ordered to 60 years of confinement at Whiting Forensic Hospital.

Smith killed Angel Gonzalez in Bridgeport in 2011. The victim was killed with a hatchet.

Smith’s cousin testified that Smith told her he ate part of the victim’s brain and an eyeball while drinking sake.

The state’s Psychiatric Security Review Board held a hearing on Friday.

A psychiatrist told the board Smith’s mental illness, alcohol and drug disorders were in full remission and he was stable.

Gonzalez’s sister-in-law told the board she was concerned Smith was hiding his mental illness.

The board granted Smith conditional release from the psychiatric hospital because he showed long-term stability, reported the Connecticut Post.

Officials said for the past 9 months, Smith has been living at a community facility with 24/7 supervision. The PSRB’s decision on Friday formally discharged Smith from Whiting Forensic.

The conditional release means Smith will be transferred to a community setting, and will remain under supervision with strict conditions while he continues treatment.

More on Smith’s conditional release and opposition from lawmakers.