Susan Smith is an American woman convicted of murdering her two sons, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, in 1994 by drowning them in a South Carolina lake.
2. What was Susan Smith's Initial Story?
Initially, Susan Smith told investigators that a Black man had carjacked her while the two boys were still inside the car. This false claim sparked a nationwide search and intense investigation.
3. How Did Investigators Uncover the Truth?
Detectives quickly realized inconsistencies in Susan's story. For example, she claimed to have stopped at a red light at an empty intersection, which was impossible. Undercover officers working a drug investigation at the Carlisle intersection on the night of Oct. 25 did not see the alleged carjacker.
4. What Was Susan Smith's True Motivation?
Susan Smith's true motivation for the murders was reportedly to facilitate a relationship with a local wealthy man named Tom Findlay. He had previously ended their relationship and expressed that he did not want children.
5. What Was Susan Smith's Mental State at the Time of the Murders?
Susan Smith claimed she was not in her right mind at the time of the murders. Her defense team argued that she had mental health issues, including dependent personality disorder and major depression, which impaired her judgment.
6. What Happened During Her Trial and Sentencing?
During her trial, Susan Smith's defense team tried to convince the jury that she had driven to the edge of the lake in a suicide attempt but that her body willed itself out of the vehicle. However, the prosecution argued that she murdered her sons to start a new life with her former lover. The jury found her guilty after just two and a half hours of deliberation and sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 30 years.
7. Is Susan Smith Eligible for Parole?
Yes, Susan Smith is eligible for parole on November 4, 2024. However, her ex-husband David Smith and a former prison guard who had a sexual relationship with her oppose her release. The prison guard believes she has not learned enough to be a law-abiding citizen again.
