COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina parole board announced on Wednesday that Susan Smith will remain incarcerated, marking three decades since she murdered her two sons. Smith drove her car into a lake with her children secured in their car seats, a crime that shocked the nation and resulted in her life sentence.
At 53, Smith appeared via video link for her first parole hearing, as she is now eligible for a hearing every two years under state law. In a visibly emotional statement, she expressed remorse, stating, “I know what I did was horrible,” and that she would “give anything” to change her actions. Smith also referenced her faith, asking the board for mercy and to forgive her.
During the hearing, the board questioned her about the extensive police resources utilized in the search for her sons. Smith admitted she was “scared” and did not know how to explain the situation to law enforcement.
Opposition to her release was staunch, with approximately 15 individuals—including her ex-husband, law enforcement, and family members—presenting heartfelt testimonies against her parole. David Smith, the boys’ father, emphasized that Susan had “free choice” and described the deaths not as a tragic mistake, but as deliberate actions. He committed to attending future hearings to honor the memory of his children.
The decision to grant parole requires a two-thirds vote from the board, and historically, it is rarely granted during an inmate’s first hearing, especially under notorious circumstances like Smith’s.
Her attorney argued that Smith’s mental health issues contributed to her actions during a difficult period in her life. He claimed she has plans for treatment should she be released and would reside with her brother.
Smith’s case initially drew international attention in 1994 when she falsely claimed her children were abducted during a carjacking, a narrative that played into harmful racial stereotypes. Investigators soon uncovered the truth, leading to her confession. Her crime not only devastated her family but also had broader implications, leading to wrongful detentions of Black men during the manhunt sparked by her false claims.
Despite her appeal for release, the parole board’s decision underscores the weight of her actions and the profound impact they had on her family and community.
In a hopeful vein, Susan Smith’s story brings attention to the broader issues of mental health awareness and the importance of support systems for individuals in crisis, highlighting the potential for rehabilitation and understanding in our legal system. While the board’s decision reflects justice for the victims, it also reminds us of the need for compassion and mental health care in society.