Susan Smith, a notorious killer mom who was convicted in 1995 for the murder of her two children, has been charged with a new disciplinary violation after speaking with a documentary filmmaker before her first parole hearing. The 53-year-old was charged with communicating with a victim/witness of a crime on Aug. 26 and was convicted on Oct. 3. Smith provided the filmmaker with contact information for friends, family, and victims, including her former husband, and received money for “Calls and Canteen.” Inmates in the South Carolina Department of Corrections are prohibited from doing interviews by telephone or in person, but they may write letters. Smith is eligible for parole on Nov. 4, 30 years after confessing to drowning her two sons in a South Carolina lake.
During conversations with the filmmaker, Smith discussed the possibility of conducting an interview and filming for a documentary, as well as ways to get paid for it. The discussions also included details about Smith’s crime and the events leading up to and after it, such as what was in the trunk of the car when it went into the water and her plans to jump from a bridge while holding the boys. As a result of these interactions, Smith lost her telephone, tablet, and canteen privileges for 90 days, beginning on Oct. 4. This is her first disciplinary action in almost 10 years. Inmates in the SCDC are issued tablets for correctional use, which can be used to make monitored telephone calls and send monitored electronic messages. The department will determine when or if Smith will earn the opportunity to be issued a tablet again.
Smith’s phone conversations with the filmmaker are not the first that have attracted attention. Over the past three years, she has communicated with nearly a dozen suitors through monitored jailhouse messages and telephone calls. Criminal defense attorney Philip Holloway believes that Smith’s chances of an early release are unlikely, given the horrific nature of her crime. He expects that she will be denied parole and not released into society. It is unclear how Smith’s latest disciplinary conviction will impact her upcoming parole hearing. The charge is not criminal but rather an internal disciplinary matter. Whether this will have any bearing on the parole board’s decision remains to be seen.
The case of Susan Smith, who infamously drowned her two young sons in 1994, continues to captivate the public’s attention as she nears the possibility of parole. Despite expressing a desire to be a “good stepmom” if released, Smith’s heinous crime has left a lasting impact on her eligibility for early release. The charged disciplinary violation for communicating with a victim/witness of a crime adds another layer of complexity to her parole prospects, as the parole board considers her suitability for reintegrating into society after such a horrific act. As the parole hearing approaches, the details of Smith’s conversations with the filmmaker and her past interactions from prison may play a role in the board’s decision-making process.
The restrictions on inmate interviews and communications highlight the challenges faced by individuals like Susan Smith in asserting their rights while incarcerated. While inmates have limited avenues for expression, such as letter writing, the use of technology like tablets for monitored communication presents both opportunities and risks for those seeking to share their stories or maintain connections with others. For Smith, the loss of privileges following her latest disciplinary charge may impact her ability to communicate with the outside world and advocate for herself during the parole process. As she navigates these limitations, Smith’s case serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of criminal behavior, even decades after the initial crime was committed.
Despite the passage of time, the tragic events surrounding Susan Smith’s crime continue to generate interest and speculation among the public. The details of her case, including her interactions with the filmmaker and suitors from prison, offer an insight into the ongoing repercussions of her actions and the challenges she faces as she approaches the possibility of parole. As the parole hearing date draws near, the decision-making process will weigh the factors of Smith’s criminal history, behavior in prison, and potential for rehabilitation, determining whether she poses a risk to society if released. The impact of her latest disciplinary charge and the public scrutiny surrounding her case add further complexity to the question of whether Susan Smith will be granted parole or remain incarcerated for the foreseeable future.
