UPDATE: '48 Hours' episode on child killer Eric Smith rescheduled for 10 p.m. March 26

The brutal murder of 4-year-old Derrick Robie, of Savona, gripped the Southern Tier and the nation in 1993, and made headlines again when Robie's killer, Eric Smith, was finally granted parole last October after 10 failed attempts.

Now the emotional case will once again receive national exposure, as an upcoming edition of the CBS news magazine "48 Hours" will examine the Robie case, and the decision by the New York State Board of Parole to release Smith 28 years after the murder.

The installment, titled “Eric Smith: Gambling on a Killer,” will feature an interview by contributor Jim Axelrod with Derrick's parents, Dale and Doreen Robie, in their first in-depth TV interview since Smith was released from prison in February.

Dale Robie said he and Doreen decided to open up about the case so they could talk about Derrick, as well as some positive things that came out of the tragedy — such as a new ballfield at the park in Savona.

"And (to) let other people know that when tragedy strikes, you can make it through with the help of others and to try and focus on what is still good in your life," he said. "You accept what has happened, whether you agree or not and focus on the continuing good things that are happening."

Smith was only 13 when he lured Derrick into a wooded area near the boy's home in August 1993. Smith strangled Derrick, smashed his head with a rock, and sexually abused him.

Smith was taken into custody about a week later. He was tried as an adult and convicted of second-degree murder following a trial in Steuben County Court.

Smith, who is now 41, was sentenced to nine years to life in prison and first became eligible for parole in 2002.

He was housed in a juvenile facility until 2001, when he was transferred to state prison.

What you should know: 29 years ago, 4-year-old Derrick Robie was murdered by Eric Smith

The episode looks at what will happen now with Smith, as well as how the tragedy impacted Derrick's family and the community.

“We never forget our boy … because he was, you know, a wonderful child,” Doreen Robie told Axelrod, according to early information released by CBS. “And we miss him terribly. … I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

The "48 Hours" episode also includes an interview with former Steuben County District Attorney John Tunney, who prosecuted Smith, and who said he was surprised by the decision to grant his release.

“It’s a huge gamble. This parole decision is a high-risk enterprise, to be sure," Tunney said.

The new episode of "48 Hours" will air at 10 p.m. EDT March 26 on CBS affiliates.

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Eric Smith murder case in NY focus of CBS '48 Hours' episode