The South Carolina parole board has denied Susan Smith’s request for parole. Smith, infamously known for the 1994 murders of her two young sons, made headlines three decades ago when she left 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex strapped in their car seats and rolled her vehicle into John D. Long Lake in Union County.
During her recent hearing, Smith expressed deep remorse for her actions, saying, “I just want to say how very sorry I am,” while visibly emotional. In her plea, she emphasized a history of mental illness, including suicide attempts and undiagnosed postpartum depression, which she believed contributed to her tragic decision. Her attorney, Tommy Thomas, cited Smith’s desire to pursue a counseling degree and a supportive living arrangement with her brother as indicators of her readiness for parole.
However, the hearing was met with significant opposition. Family members and law enforcement, including Smith’s ex-husband, David, strongly contested her claims, arguing that her actions were intentional and not impulsive mistakes. They highlighted the profound betrayal of a mother taking the lives of her children, with David stating, “She made a free choice that night to end their life. It was no tragic mistake.”
The parole board’s decision was unanimous, reflecting concerns about the violent nature of the crime and Smith’s disciplinary issues while incarcerated, including violations related to speaking about her case with a documentary filmmaker. Smith will be eligible for parole again in 2026, but many, including David Smith, are committed to continuously opposing her release.
Despite the dark history of this case, the commitment of the families and the community to honor the memories of Michael and Alex is a hopeful testament to their enduring love and resilience. Each parole hearing serves as a reminder of the need for justice and healing in the face of unimaginable loss.