Susan Smith is a South Carolina mother who drowned her two young sons, Michael and Alexander, in a lake in the 1990s. Smith, then 22, strapped her sons into the back seat of her car in October 1994 and watched as the car rolled into John D. Lake in Union County, causing the boys to drown. Smith initially claimed that a carjacker had taken the kids and asked for help, sparking a search. Former Union County prosecutor Tommy Pope, now a South Carolina state representative, did not believe her story, as it seemed unlikely for a carjacker to take children.
Smith lied to investigators and the press after killing her sons, falsely claiming a Black man had carjacked her with the boys inside the vehicle. She appeared on various media outlets, pleading for the safe return of her children. Pope recalled seeing video footage where Smith’s husband appeared devastated, while she seemed to relish the attention. It was later revealed that Smith was having an extramarital affair at the time, which may have been a motive for the murders. Tom Findlay, the man she was involved with, had written her a letter expressing his disinterest in raising children.
During her 30 years in prison, Smith, now 52, reportedly engaged in a sexual relationship with prison guards, according to a prison source. Pope, who sought the death penalty for Smith during her trial in 1995, believes she should not be eligible for parole. He cited her behavior in prison as evidence of her lack of remorse and focus on self-interest. Similarly, columnist Andrea Peyser, who covered the case in 1994, believes Smith should not be granted parole due to her lack of remorse or acceptance for her actions.
Despite being eligible for parole, Smith has faced opposition from those who believe she should remain in prison. A Facebook page dedicated to her sons, Michael and Alexander, has been urging followers to submit letters opposing Smith’s release to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. Peyser recalled the chaos in Union at the time of the murders, describing the situation as “slightly insane.” The town had initially embraced Smith while blaming her blameless husband for the tragedy, adding to the tragic nature of the case.
In conclusion, the case of Susan Smith, who drowned her two young sons in a lake in the 1990s, continues to evoke strong emotions as she nears a parole hearing. Despite her eligibility, there is significant opposition to her release due to her lack of remorse and questionable behavior while in prison. The tragic murders of Michael and Alexander continue to resonate with the community, with efforts to prevent Smith’s release intensifying. The legacy of this case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of maternal filicide on families and communities.
