Columbia, South Carolina โ Parole Hearing Scheduled for Susan Smith
Almost 30 years after the tragic drowning of her two young sons, Susan Smith is set to have a parole hearing on November 20. Smith, who is currently 53 years old, was convicted in 1995 for the deaths of her children, Michael and Alex, ages 3 and 14 months, respectively. She is serving a life sentence after avoiding the death penalty during a highly publicized trial.
Under South Carolina law, Smith is eligible to seek parole after serving 30 years in prison. The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services announced the date for her hearing earlier this week. The hearing is expected to occur online with Smith participating from prison.
Prosecution Opposes Parole Situation
The lead prosecutor during Smith’s trial, Tommy Pope, is strongly against the idea of Smith being released early. Pope, who is now the Republican Speaker Pro Tem of the South Carolina House, stated, โI believe in truth in sentencing for everyone and I think the sentence should be exactly what it was, what the jury rendered, which was that she would spend the rest of her natural life in prison.โ
Pope plans to testify at the hearing alongside the boys’ father, David Smith, to express their concerns about Smith’s potential release. According to Pope, Smith has not shown remorse for her actions over the past three decades. โSusan Smith has not been thinking of Michael and Alex,โ he insisted. โShe has been focused on what’s best for Susan.โ
Infamous Crime and Public Reaction
Smith gained national attention in 1994 when she reported that an African-American man had stolen her car, with her two children inside, late at night near Union, South Carolina. For nine days, she pleaded for the safe return of her children. Eventually, it became clear that both her car and her children were found submerged in a nearby lake. Smith later confessed to the crime, revealing that she had allowed her car to roll into the water.
Pope described how the case affected the public, stating, โShe had led people on for so many days, that their hearts were poured out to help find Michael and Alex.โ Due to the severity and nature of the crime, he initially sought the death penalty.
The Smith case occurred around the same time as another high-profile trial, that of O.J. Simpson, grabbing considerable media attention. Pope noted that while cameras were not permitted in the courtroom for Smith’s trial, the case became a significant national topic. “The O.J. case was really the first media-intensive introduction to the courtroom,” he remarked.
Smith’s Prison Conduct
Since being incarcerated, Smith has faced numerous disciplinary actions for various violations. According to reports, she was recently penalized for communicating with a documentary filmmaker, which is prohibited under prison policy. Smith lost several privileges, including use of her phone and tablet, for 90 days as a result.
In previous years, Smith was involved in serious incidents, including engaging in sexual acts with two corrections officers, leading to the officers’ termination and her transfer to a different facility. Additionally, she has faced multiple disciplinary actions for self-inflicted injuries and drug use.
Parole Board Decision
For Susan Smith to be granted parole, she needs approval from two-thirds of the seven-member parole board. According to a spokesperson from the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, the board typically casts its vote at the conclusion of a hearing on the same day.
As the hearing date approaches, the actions of Smith and the reactions of the victimsโ family and the public will likely become a focal point of discussion ahead of this significant decision.
