Susan Smith, the infamous South Carolina mother who drowned her two young sons in 1994, is nearing a parole hearing. Former prosecutors and crime experts weigh in on her eligibility for release, citing her lack of remorse and ongoing self-serving behavior.
Susan Smith, the South Carolina woman who gained notoriety for murdering her two young sons in 1994, is set to face a parole hearing within the month. The case, which shocked the nation and raised questions about maternal love and mental illness, has sparked renewed debate as Smith's eligibility for release looms.
Smith, then 22 years old, strapped her sons, Michael and Alexander Smith, into the backseat of her car in October 1994 and let it roll into John D. Lake in Union County. The boys, aged 3 and 14 months, drowned within six minutes.
Susan Smith, Convicted Son-Murderer, Faces Parole Hearing: Prosecutors, Experts Express Skepticism
Former Union County prosecutor Tommy Pope, now a state representative, recalls Smith's initial claims of being carjacked with her sons inside the vehicle. "She was lying through her teeth," he says. "I didn't believe her for a second."
Investigators soon uncovered evidence that Smith had an extramarital affair and was facing pressure to end it. A letter from the man she was involved with, Tom Findlay, became a key piece of evidence in the prosecution's case. In the letter, Findlay stated his disinterest in raising children, leading prosecutors to argue that Smith killed her sons to be with him.
Susan Smith, Convicted Son-Murderer, Faces Parole Hearing: Prosecutors, Experts Express Skepticism
Susan Smith was convicted of murder in 1995 and sentenced to life in prison. However, she is now eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
Pope, who sought the death penalty for Smith, remains adamant that she should not be released. "She's shown no remorse, has engaged in inappropriate behavior in prison, and is still focused on her own well-being," he says. "She deserves to die in prison."
Susan Smith, Convicted Son-Murderer, Faces Parole Hearing: Prosecutors, Experts Express Skepticism
Andrea Peyser, a New York Post columnist who covered the case extensively, agrees with Pope's assessment. "Susan Smith is a heinous criminal who has shown no signs of rehabilitation," she says. "She deserves to spend the rest of her life behind bars."
Peyser notes that Smith's initial false claims and lack of accountability have left a lasting impact on the victims' family and the community of Union, South Carolina. "She lied to everyone, including the police, the media, and the public," she says. "She has never taken responsibility for her actions."
Susan Smith, Convicted Son-Murderer, Faces Parole Hearing: Prosecutors, Experts Express Skepticism
Despite the overwhelming opposition from prosecutors and crime experts, Susan Smith maintains that she is a changed person and deserves a second chance. She has claimed to be remorseful for her actions and has expressed a desire to lead a productive life outside prison.
However, Pope and Peyser remain unconvinced. They believe that Smith's true nature remains unchanged and that her release would pose a danger to society.
Susan Smith, Convicted Son-Murderer, Faces Parole Hearing: Prosecutors, Experts Express Skepticism
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services will ultimately decide whether to grant Susan Smith parole. The hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2023, and the outcome will be closely watched by victims' advocates, law enforcement, and the public alike.
