Susan Smith remains in prison, more than three decades after she confessed to killing her two young sons.
In October 1994, Smith reported that a Black man had stolen her car with her children inside. However, nine days later, she admitted that she had let her car roll into a lake with her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, inside.
It was suggested that Smith killed her children to save her relationship with a man who didn’t want kids. Smith has said she is not a monster and wasn’t in her right mind that night.
After nearly 30 years in prison, Smith was up for parole in November 2024, but it was denied.
Smith has been serving a life sentence since July 1995.
After Smith confessed, the bodies of her sons were found on November 4, 1994.
During her trial, the prosecution aimed for the death penalty, arguing that Smith killed her sons for a relationship. The defense claimed Smith had mental health issues and intended to kill herself and her children but saved herself at the last moment.
The jury found Smith guilty of first-degree murder but didn’t give her the death penalty, instead sentencing her to life in prison.
While in prison, Smith had issues, including having sex with prison guards.
In 2000, it was discovered that a prison guard had sex with Smith multiple times. Another prison captain was also arrested for having sex with her. As a result, Smith was moved to another prison.
Smith also faced discipline for drug use and self-harm.
She was also caught having drugs multiple times and lost certain privileges.
In 2022, it came to light that Smith had been exchanging letters with a man she met through a documentary. They talked about starting a new life together if she got out of prison. However, the relationship ended by October 2022.
Smith was eligible for parole in November 2024.
She reportedly tried to follow prison rules to improve her chances of getting out. However, her past disciplinary issues played a role in the parole board’s decision. Ultimately, she was denied parole.
Smith’s ex-husband, David, has said he will do everything he can to keep her in prison.
Before the murders, Smith had filed for divorce from David. He has since remarried and had more children. At Smith’s parole hearing, David asked the board to keep her in prison, stating that 30 years was not enough.
