Killer mom Susan Smith denied parole after emotional plea
Susan Smith, who infamously drowned her two young sons 30 years ago, was denied parole in a unanimous vote following a tearful plea for release on Wednesday.
During the hearing, Smith expressed remorse for her actions and stated that she wished she could undo the tragedy.
However, she also shifted blame, citing a recent conviction for attempting to profit from her story while in prison on a documentary filmmaker she had been in contact with.
Smith claimed she “trusted the wrong person,” failing to mention that she had requested money from the filmmaker for her story.
She also denied responsibility for previous misconduct convictions during her incarceration.
Appearing via Zoom, Smith admitted to losing touch with reality when she committed the heinous act of strapping her sons, Alex and Michael, in their car seats and letting them drown in a South Carolina lake.
“I am a Christian and I know that God has forgiven me,” Smith told the board, pleading for mercy.
As Smith wiped away tears, she acknowledged the pain she caused, expressing deep regret for her actions.
Smith’s attorney argued that her motive was not as portrayed by the prosecution, claiming it was a result of mental illness rather than another man’s involvement.
Her pastor and his wife were the only ones present to support her during the hearing.
Prosecutor Tommy Pope argued that Smith’s actions were calculated and caused immense pain to those who knew her children.
He insisted that she should not be released until everyone who remembers Michael and Alex is deceased, a scenario unlikely to occur in her lifetime.
David Smith, Susan’s ex-husband, also addressed the board, stating that 30 years in prison was not a sufficient punishment for the loss of their children.
Susan Smith has served 30 years of her life sentence for the tragic incident in 1994, and this was her first parole hearing.
She will have the opportunity to reapply for parole in November 2026.
