Susan Smith, convicted in 1995 for the 1994 drowning deaths of her two young sons, Michael, 3, and Alexander, 14 months, has been denied parole after 30 years in prison. The South Carolina Board of Paroles unanimously decided to keep Smith incarcerated, citing her failure to fully accept responsibility for her actions and her disciplinary record while imprisoned.
Parole Hearing Details
During the parole hearing, Smith expressed remorse, stating, “I know that what I did was horrible.” However, she continued to deflect full responsibility, attributing her actions to others and claiming she had lost touch with reality at the time of the crime. The board found her lack of full accountability concerning, leading to the unanimous decision to deny parole.
Ex-Husband’s Testimony
David Smith, Susan’s ex-husband and father of the victims, provided emotional testimony opposing her release. He emphasized the deliberate nature of her actions and the enduring pain caused by the loss of their children. David expressed doubts about Susan’s rehabilitation and stressed the importance of her continued incarceration to honor the memory of their sons.
Prison Conduct and Future Parole Eligibility
Smith’s prison record includes multiple disciplinary issues, such as inappropriate relationships with officers, self-harm, and drug possession. These incidents were considered by the parole board in their decision. Smith will be eligible to reapply for parole in November 2026.
Background of the Case
In 1994, Susan Smith reported that her sons had been abducted during a carjacking by a Black man, leading to a nationwide search. Nine days later, she confessed to rolling her car into John D. Long Lake in Union County, South Carolina, with her sons strapped inside, resulting in their deaths. The case garnered international attention due to the false allegations and the tragic nature of the crime.
Public Reaction
The parole board’s decision has been met with widespread approval from the public and the victims’ family members, who believe that justice has been upheld. Advocates for the victims emphasize the importance of remembering the lives lost and ensuring that such tragedies are not forgotten.
