COLUMBIA – The South Carolina parole board has denied parole to Susan Smith, who was convicted 30 years ago of murdering her two young sons, Michael and Alex, when they were just 3 and 14 months old. On October 25, 1994, Smith left her sons strapped in their car seats and rolled her vehicle into John D. Long Lake in Union County.
During the hearing, Smith expressed deep remorse, stating, “I just want to say how very sorry I am… what I did was horrible.” Her attorney, Tommy Thomas, highlighted her history of mental health issues stemming from childhood traumas, including her father’s suicide, and claimed she suffered from undiagnosed postpartum depression after the birth of her youngest son. He asserted that she had support from family regarding housing if released and mentioned her ongoing education in counseling from an online Christian college.
Despite her pleas and apologies, the board’s decision was unanimous, with one member recusing themselves. Opposition statements came from 15 individuals, including her ex-husband, David Smith, and state House Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope, who was the chief prosecutor in the case. They argued that Smith’s actions were premeditated and called attention to the lasting trauma her actions caused to the families and community.
In her defense, Smith claimed she was not in her right mind at the time of the incident, expressing that she thought she was doing what was best for her children. However, those opposing her release disagreed, saying her decision was a deliberate act. They testified wearing photos of Michael and Alex, emphasizing the emotional toll of the tragedy.
The parole board cited the nature of her crime and her disciplinary record in prison as reasons for denying her parole. Recently, she faced disciplinary action for communicating with a documentary filmmaker about her case, which violated prison policies.
Smith is now set to be eligible for parole again in 2026. In light of the pain her actions have caused, both to her family and the wider community, her ex-husband expressed relief at the board’s decision, affirming that justice continues for their sons.
This decision underscores the ongoing need for support and resources for mental health issues, particularly those related to postpartum depression, which remains underrecognized and undertreated in society. As we reflect on this case, it serves as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds and community support in the face of crises. While the events surrounding Susan Smith remain deeply tragic, the collective voices advocating for justice also highlight the resilience of a community coming together to remember the victims.