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Susan Smith Faces Parole Hearing 30 Years After Drowning Her Sons

Byline: James Seidel, CC News Network

Columbia, S.C.— On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., Susan Smith, convicted of drowning her two young sons nearly 30 years ago, will appear before the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services for her first parole hearing. The hearing, held virtually, will involve Smith connecting via video from the Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, S.C., where she has been incarcerated since her conviction in 1995.

Smith, now 53, is serving a life sentence for the deaths of her sons, Michael, 3, and Alex, 14 months, whom she strapped into their car seats before rolling her vehicle into John D. Long Lake in Union, S.C., on October 25, 1994. The case captured national attention when Smith initially claimed an unknown carjacker had kidnapped her children, only to later confess that she had staged the abduction to pursue a romantic relationship.

Life Behind Bars: Scandal and Controversy

Susan Smith’s life in prison has been marked by scandal, discipline issues, and attempts at rehabilitation. While serving her sentence at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina, Smith has been involved in several high-profile incidents. Notably, she had sexual affairs with two prison guards in the early 2000s, leading to both being fired for misconduct. These incidents led to further scrutiny of her character and her ability to be rehabilitated.

Despite these setbacks, Smith has also expressed deep remorse for her actions in multiple letters over the years. In a 2015 letter, she wrote: “I am not the monster society thinks I am,” offering an apology to the families affected by her actions. Still, disciplinary records from her time in prison show a range of infractions, including drug use and self-harm, further complicating her bid for parole.

Why the Parole Hearing Matters

Smith’s eligibility for parole comes as she marks 30 years behind bars, the minimum required under her life sentence. This milestone has reignited debate over justice, forgiveness, and the lingering trauma for the Union County community.

Her bid for parole will weigh her prison record—marked by disciplinary issues early in her sentence but reportedly improved in recent years—against the gravity of her crimes. Victim impact statements from surviving family members and public outrage over her actions are expected to play a significant role in the parole board’s decision.

A Crime That Shook a Nation

Smith’s initial tearful pleas for her children’s safe return gripped the country, as police and volunteers scoured South Carolina in search of the missing boys. Nine days later, under increasing scrutiny, Smith admitted to driving her car into the lake with her children inside. The confession shocked the nation, turning the case into a grim symbol of betrayal and maternal guilt.

Prosecutors argued that Smith’s motive stemmed from a romantic rejection by her boyfriend, who expressed reluctance to raise her children. Defense attorneys pointed to her history of mental illness and sexual abuse, pleading for leniency. In July 1995, a Union County jury rejected the death penalty and sentenced her to life imprisonment.

What the Parole Board Will Consider

The hearing will assess Smith’s rehabilitation and risk to society. The parole board’s decision will likely hinge on several factors:

Prison Conduct: Smith faced disciplinary actions early in her incarceration, including reports of sexual relationships with prison guards. In recent years, however, she has maintained a cleaner record and participated in self-improvement programs.
Public Sentiment: The brutality of her crime continues to evoke strong emotions. Many residents of Union County, including members of the victims’ family, have publicly opposed her release.
Legal Framework: South Carolina law mandates that life sentences with parole eligibility require review at least every two years after the first hearing.

Victims’ Families Speak Out

David Smith, the boys’ father and Susan Smith’s ex-husband, has expressed his opposition to her release. In a statement, David said, “Susan not only destroyed the lives of Michael and Alex, but she shattered countless others. She doesn’t deserve the freedom she stole from our boys.”

Union County residents echoed his sentiment, with many calling for reforms to ensure that those convicted of heinous crimes serve their full sentences. Online petitions opposing Smith’s parole have garnered thousands of signatures.

What Comes Next

The parole board’s decision will be announced shortly after the hearing. If denied, Smith’s next review would occur in 2026. If granted, her release would require compliance with parole conditions and ongoing supervision.

For now, the nation watches as one of the most infamous cases in South Carolina’s history takes another step in the judicial process. Regardless of the outcome, the parole hearing underscores the enduring impact of Susan Smith’s actions nearly three decades ago.

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