COLUMBIA — Susan Smith, who was convicted of murdering her two young sons nearly thirty years ago, has been denied parole by the state parole board in South Carolina. The tragic case dates back to October 25, 1994, when Smith left her children — 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex — buckled in their car seats and rolled her vehicle into John D. Long Lake in Union County.
During her emotional appeal, Smith expressed deep remorse for her actions, stating, “I just want to say how very sorry I am.” Through tears, she acknowledged the horrific nature of her crime, wishing she could change the past. Her case captured national attention, particularly when she initially claimed a Black man had carjacked her and abducted her children. After nine days of media coverage and public appeals for the boys’ return, Smith eventually admitted to the crime.
The parole board’s decision was unanimous, though one member recused herself. Smith’s attorney, Tommy Thomas, highlighted her history of mental illness, citing events from her childhood, including her father’s suicide, as factors in her mental state. He also mentioned her efforts to pursue a counseling degree and provided a letter from Smith that discussed her frame of mind during the incident, where she suggested she thought she was acting in her sons’ best interests.
Despite her pleas, opposition to her parole was strong. Fifteen individuals testified against her release, including her ex-husband, David Smith, and state House Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope, who was the chief prosecutor during the trial. They argued that Smith made a conscious choice to end her children’s lives, adding that her deceptive actions regarding the involvement of a fictitious suspect further complicated the matter.
The parole board chairwoman, Kim Frederick, pressed Smith on whether she wanted to address law enforcement officers who had searched for her children during her deception. Smith did offer apologies but insisted that fear drove her initial lies.
After the board’s decision, David Smith expressed relief, stating that justice for his sons remains intact for now and affirming his intention to oppose future parole attempts. The board also considered Smith’s prior prison discipline record, which includes a recent incident involving unauthorized communication with a documentary filmmaker, in reaching their decision.
While Susan Smith may have expressed remorse, the road to forgiveness and healing for her family, especially for the loved ones of her children, is long and fraught with pain. Smith will be eligible for another parole hearing in 2026, as the community continues to remember Michael and Alex, whose lives were cut tragically short.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of such grievous actions on families and communities, and highlights the ongoing discussions about mental health, accountability, and justice. It underscores the necessity for continued support for those who have been affected by similar tragedies and the importance of acknowledging the deep scars left in their wake.