COLUMBIA — The South Carolina parole board has denied parole for Susan Smith, the mother who was convicted of murdering her two young sons nearly three decades ago. On October 25, 1994, Smith left her sons—3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex—strapped in their car seats and allowed her vehicle to roll into John D. Long Lake in Union County.
During a recent hearing, an emotional Smith expressed remorse for her actions. “I just want to say how very sorry I am,” she said, breaking down. “I know that what I did was horrible, and I would give anything if I could go back and change it.”
This highly publicized case drew national attention when Smith initially claimed that a Black man had carjacked her and kidnapped her children. For nine days, she pleaded for their safe return before ultimately confessing to the crime.
The parole decision was unanimous, although one board member, Geraldine Miro, recused herself. Smith appeared via video feed alongside her lawyer, Tommy Thomas, who highlighted her struggles with mental illness stemming from childhood trauma, including her father’s suicide, and suggested that Smith may have suffered from undiagnosed postpartum depression after her last son’s birth.
Thomas indicated that should Smith be released, she would have family support, as her brother was prepared to provide living arrangements. Smith is also pursuing a counseling degree from an online Christian institution.
In a letter she wrote, Smith stated, “I lost touch with reality,” emphasizing that she did not comprehend the permanence of her actions. She expressed a belief that her children would be cared for better by Jesus than by her.
However, many opposed her release. This group, which included her ex-husband David Smith and state House Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope, argued that Smith’s actions were premeditated rather than a tragic mistake. David Smith, advocating for his sons, asserted, “She made a free choice that night to end their life. It was no tragic mistake.”
Prosecutors also highlighted the manipulative nature of Smith’s actions, including how she played on racial stereotypes by falsely accusing a Black man of kidnapping. They expressed deep concerns over the violent nature of her crime and the impact on the community and her family.
The parole board took into consideration both the severity of the crime and Smith’s disciplinary record, which included a recent infraction for speaking with a documentary filmmaker about her case. This breach, among others, raised alarms about her ability to adhere to institutional rules.
Following the decision, David Smith expressed relief, stating, “At least I know, for now, she’ll still be behind bars.” He plans to continue to oppose her parole in future hearings.
Looking ahead, Susan Smith’s next opportunity for parole will be in 2026, leaving time for ongoing discussions surrounding accountability and the potential for reform.
This case illustrates the profound effects of trauma and mental illness on individual behavior, as well as the broader implications for society in cases of such profoundly disturbing acts. The community continues to seek justice for Michael and Alex while grappling with the lasting impact of their tragic loss.
It is essential to recognize the ongoing discussions about mental health awareness and support, particularly for those who have suffered trauma. There is hope that through education and advocacy, we can foster a better understanding of these critical issues in society.