Susan Smith, who killed her two young children 30 years ago, was denied parole by the South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons during an emotional hearing on November 20, 2024. Smith, now 53, has served three decades of a life sentence for the tragic drowning of her 3-year-old son, Michael, and 14-month-old Alex in 1994. Smith had pleaded for her release, tearfully expressing remorse for her actions and citing her Christian faith as a source of forgiveness. However, the parole board ultimately sided with the victims’ family members, including her ex-husband, who argued that Smith had shown no genuine remorse for her crime.
The Unforgivable Crime by Susan Smith and Its Aftermath
Smith’s crime shocked the nation in 1994 when she falsely claimed that a Black man had carjacked her and abducted her children. In truth, she had driven her car into a lake, drowning her children. The case garnered intense media attention and ended with Smith’s conviction for murder. Throughout her 30 years in prison, Smith has faced various disciplinary charges, including improper communications with a filmmaker. Her request for parole was met with opposition from many, including over 360 letters from the public, most condemning her release.
Ultimately, the parole board felt that Smith’s actions were unforgivable and that she had not served enough time for her devastating crime.
