Susan Smith, known for a tragic case from 1994, is scheduled for a parole hearing on Wednesday.
In 1994, Smith drove her car into a South Carolina lake, resulting in the deaths of her two young sons, Michael and Alex. This incident captured national and international attention, becoming one of the most talked-about stories of the 1990s.
At her trial, Smith was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, following the sentencing rules in place at the time.
Who Is Susan Smith?
Susan Leigh Smith (née Vaughan), born on September 26, 1971, is an American woman known for a high-profile case involving her two young sons, Michael (3 years old) and Alexander (14 months old), in 1994. The incident occurred in a South Carolina lake, drawing international attention after Smith initially claimed her vehicle was hijacked with her children inside.
Smith was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. She is currently at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina, with her first parole hearing scheduled for November 20, 2024.
What Is Susan Smith’s Family Background?
Susan’s upbringing included significant hardships:
- Her father died when she was six years old.
- She faced mental health struggles, attempting suicide at 13.
- Her mother remarried Beverly Russell, who reportedly mistreated Susan during her teenage years.
Susan later married David Smith, and the couple had two sons. Their marriage experienced challenges, including multiple separations and infidelity.
What Happened in the 1994 Incident?
On October 25, 1994, Susan told police her car had been hijacked, with her two sons inside. For nine days, she appeared on television pleading for their return. However, Susan later admitted to letting her car roll into John D. Long Lake, where her sons drowned.
Why Did She Do It?
Reports suggest a personal relationship influenced her actions. Susan was reportedly pursuing a man who expressed that he did not want children, which may have played a role in her state of mind.
What Was the Investigation Process?
Authorities quickly noticed inconsistencies in Susan’s story:
- Traffic data contradicted her account of where the alleged carjacking occurred.
- The car, with her sons inside, was eventually found submerged in the lake.
Her confession came shortly after the discovery.
Who Is Susan Smith’s Husband?
David Smith, Susan’s ex-husband, is the father of Michael and Alexander. Their relationship was strained, marked by separations. David remains outspoken about the events and actively participates in the parole process.
What Is Susan Smith’s Net Worth?
Susan Smith is reported to have a net worth of $26.2 million, tied to shares in Neiman Marcus Group Inc. However, details about these claims and their authenticity are unclear.
Susan Smith’s case remains a focal point for discussions on legal processes, mental health, and societal reactions to such events.