The South Carolina State Parole Board has denied parole for Susan Smith, who was convicted of the tragic murders of her two young sons, Michael and Alex, nearly 30 years ago. On October 25, 1994, Smith left her children buckled in their car seats and drove her vehicle into John D. Long Lake in Union County.
During the hearing, Smith expressed her remorse, stating, “I just want to say how very sorry I am. I know that what I did was horrible.” She also referenced a challenging mental health history that began early in her life, which included struggles with undiagnosed postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest son.
Smith’s lawyer, Tommy Thomas, argued that her release would be beneficial, suggesting she would have a support system and has been working towards a counseling degree. However, many individuals, including family members of the victims and law enforcement officials, testified against her release, stating that Smith had made a conscious decision to end her children’s lives.
Among those opposing her release was her ex-husband, David Smith, who emphasized the deliberate nature of her actions. The prosecution maintained that Smith’s behavior caused deep and lasting trauma to the community and highlighted the disturbing nature of a mother harming her children.
The board’s decision to deny parole was unanimous, with the nature of the crime and Smith’s recent disciplinary issues, including speaking with a documentary filmmaker about her case, taken into consideration. Smith has a history of disciplinary problems in prison, although her most recent infraction came after nearly a decade of relative compliance. The board referenced these issues when explaining their decision.
Moving forward, Susan Smith will remain in prison and is eligible for another parole hearing in 2026. David Smith has pledged to continue opposing her parole every two years, as he believes it is essential to advocate for the memory of their children.
This case serves as a reminder of the complexity of mental health issues and their potential consequences. It highlights the importance of community support for individuals facing such challenges. While the outcome may feel heavy, it also brings hope that continued discussions about mental health awareness and familial support can help others avoid similar tragedies in the future.