Susan Smith, the South Carolina woman responsible for the tragic drowning of her two young sons three decades ago, was denied parole by the board during her hearing on Wednesday. This marked the first time she had appeared before the parole board since her conviction.
Overcome with emotion, Smith expressed her remorse during the virtual hearing, stating, “I know that what I did was horrible. And I would give anything if I could go back and change it.” She shared that her love for her sons, Michael and Alexander, remains strong.
In a harrowing incident that occurred on October 25, 1994, Smith, then 23, strapped her children—3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander—into their car seats and allowed the vehicle to roll into a lake near their home. Initially, she fabricated a story about a carjacking, which led to extensive efforts by law enforcement to locate her sons. It was not until November 3, 1994, that she admitted to the heart-wrenching crime.
During the parole hearing, board members noted how her actions had misled law enforcement and diverted essential resources from the search for her children. When asked what she would say to the responders, Smith expressed her regret, saying, “I’m sorry that I put them through that.” She acknowledged the gravity of her deeds, stating, “I wish I could take that back, I really do.”
David Smith, her ex-husband, passionately opposed her release, asserting that she had not shown genuine remorse. He reflected on the enduring grief and trauma her actions inflicted on him and their family, highlighting that “this wasn’t a tragic mistake” but a deliberate act. His current wife echoed his sentiments, arguing that Susan Smith should serve her life sentence in full to provide their family with some measure of peace.
Prosecutor Tommy Pope also urged the board to reject Smith’s bid for parole, emphasizing the ongoing impact of her actions and her focus on herself rather than her victims. He remarked that the punishment for her crime had yet to be fulfilled.
Smith, who received a life sentence without the possibility of parole in her 1995 trial, has been eligible for a hearing every two years since she reached the 30-year mark. She has faced disciplinary action while incarcerated, including issues related to her behavior with corrections staff.
Her attorney argued that the case highlights the importance of mental health treatment, stating that Smith suffered from undiagnosed depression after the birth of her second son. He mentioned that she has no prior criminal history and proposed a plan for her to live with her brother if released.
Going forward, David Smith made it clear that he would continue to fight against any future attempts for Smith’s parole, vowing to honor the memory of his sons.
While the pain and trauma surrounding this case remain profound, it serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and intervention, especially for those facing significant emotional challenges. The continued opposition from the victims’ family underscores the impact of crime on loved ones, highlighting the need for societal support systems for families affected by such tragedies.