A woman who was found guilty of killing her two sons in Union County three decades ago is seeking a chance for parole. Susan Smith is scheduled to appear before the South Carolina Parole Board on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
Smith was sentenced to life in prison in 1994 after she admitted to driving her car into a lake with her children, Michael, who was 3, and Alex, who was just 14 months old, secured in their car seats.
The South Carolina Parole Board consists of seven members, one from each congressional district, although one position has been empty for the past two years. For Smith to be granted parole, she must receive a two-thirds majority vote, which means she needs four votes in favor.
In the weeks leading up to the hearing, board members reviewed Smith’s case file, which included her behavior while incarcerated and her most recent misconduct for contacting a filmmaker. Additionally, the board has received over 400 letters regarding her case.
The board will also hear from the solicitor involved in the case, Tommy Pope, and the victim’s father, David Smith, both of whom oppose Smith’s release. While Smith will provide her testimony, she will do so via video call rather than appearing in person.
Live updates about the hearing will be provided throughout the day.
