Susan Smith, the notorious child-killer, erupts in fury as parole board denies her freedom, highlighting her continued lack of responsibility for her heinous actions.
At a Glance
- Susan Smith, convicted of drowning her two young sons in 1994, was denied parole by a South Carolina board
- Smith, now 53, expressed remorse but failed to take full responsibility for her actions
- The case gained international attention due to Smith’s false claim that a Black man had kidnapped her children
- Smith’s ex-husband and other family members strongly opposed her parole
- She can reapply for parole every two years, but faces significant opposition from victims’ families and prosecutors
A Mother’s Unthinkable Crime Revisited
In a case that continues to shock the conscience of the nation, Susan Smith, the South Carolina mother who drowned her two young sons in 1994, has once again faced justice. Smith, now 53, appeared before a parole board, seeking release from her life sentence. The board’s unanimous decision to deny her parole serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of her crimes and the challenges she faces in proving genuine remorse and rehabilitation.
Smith’s case gained notoriety not only for the horrific nature of her crime but also for her initial false claim that a Black man had carjacked her vehicle with her children inside. This lie sparked a racially charged manhunt and highlighted deep-seated stereotypes within law enforcement and society at large. The truth, when it emerged nine days later, was far more chilling: Smith had rolled her car into a lake with her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex, strapped inside.
A Plea for Forgiveness Meets Skepticism
During her parole hearing, Smith attempted to convey remorse and a changed perspective. She claimed to have found God and sought forgiveness for her actions. However, her words rang hollow to many, including the parole board members who questioned her sincerity and level of accountability.
“I know what I did was horrible, and I would give anything if I could go back and change it,” Smith said.
Despite her tearful pleas, Smith’s history of misconduct in prison, including sexual relationships with guards and drug possession, cast doubt on her claims of rehabilitation. Her failure to fully accept responsibility for her actions, instead attempting to shift blame to mental illness and other factors, further undermined her case for release.
Opposition from Family and Prosecutors
Smith’s ex-husband, David Smith, delivered a powerful statement against her release, emphasizing the permanent impact of her actions on his life and the lives of their families. His words resonated deeply with the board and the public, serving as a poignant reminder of the lasting trauma inflicted by Smith’s crimes.
“She changed my life for the rest of my life that night, I’m asking that you please, deny her parole today, and hopefully in the future, but specifically today,” David Smith said.
Prosecutor Tommy Pope, who originally sought the death penalty for Smith, maintained his stance that she should remain incarcerated for life. His argument that Smith’s release should not be considered until “every living person who remembers Michael and Alex is dead” underscores the enduring pain and anger her actions have caused.
The Road Ahead
With parole denied, Smith now faces at least two more years before she can reapply. Her reported angry reaction to the decision suggests a continued lack of understanding of the gravity of her actions and the long road to true redemption that lies ahead. As she pursues a degree in Christian counseling and claims to mentor other inmates, questions remain about her genuine capacity for change and her ability to ever fully atone for her crimes.
“She was pissed” one onlooker at the Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina remarked.
Well, what was she expecting?
