COLUMBIA, S.C. — Susan Smith will remain in prison after a South Carolina parole board voted unanimously to deny her release during her first parole hearing on Wednesday, 30 years after she infamously killed her two young sons by plunging her car into a lake.
The 53-year-old, serving a life sentence for the 1994 murders, appeared via video link and expressed deep remorse for her actions. As she spoke, she became emotional and said, “I know what I did was horrible… I would give anything so I could change it.”
During the hearing, she addressed the board’s questions about the extensive resources used in the search for her children, stating that she was “just scared” and didn’t know how to explain her actions. She turned to her faith for solace, asserting that God has forgiven her and requesting the board to show her the same mercy.
Opposition to her parole was swift, with about 15 individuals, including her ex-husband David Smith and various family members, delivering heartfelt statements against her release. David Smith, visibly emotional, emphasized that Susan had “free choice” and that the deaths of their sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex, were not a mere “tragic mistake.” He vowed to attend future hearings to ensure his sons are remembered.
The parole board’s decision-making process requires a two-thirds approval, and historically, parole in South Carolina is granted in only about 8% of cases, especially under circumstances such as Smith’s, where victim families and prosecutors oppose it.
Smith’s attorney, Tommy Thomas, argued that her case highlights the dangers of untreated mental health issues, noting her lack of prior criminal history. He mentioned that if released, she has plans to work with a mental health professional and live with her brother.
The tragic case drew international attention when Smith initially claimed she was carjacked while her children were in the vehicle. However, the investigation revealed the horrifying truth, leading to her confession after law enforcement questioned the inconsistencies in her story. The tragic nature of the events caused a ripple effect, leading to societal conversations about domestic violence, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
As Smith continues to serve her sentence, her story remains a potent reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health struggles and their far-reaching consequences. While the parole board has denied her request this time, many hope that greater awareness about mental health issues can emerge from her case, potentially guiding reform in both understanding and treatment in the future.
This denial is a significant moment, reaffirming the importance of accountability while also sparking discussions on rehabilitation and mental health support, especially for those grappling with untreated psychological issues.