The possibility of parole has been raised for Susan Smith, who was given a life sentence for the 1994 drowning deaths of her two kids. Smith, who was found guilty of drowning her car in a South Carolina lake while her kids were inside, will appear before a parole board via video link to argue for her release following a 30-year sentence, according to QCNews.
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services revealed that they had received hundreds of communications in response to her possible parole, with just a small percentage expressing support, indicating that the case that garnered national and worldwide attention is still a source of strong emotions. Smith’s hearing is scheduled for today, almost thirty years after a jury found her guilty, and she is eligible for parole under the sentence standards from the time of her conviction, according to WBTV.
Smith’s life has been characterized by controversy and unsuccessful appeals in the years after her incarceration, including events involving guards and keeping in touch with people outside of prison. According to WCCB Charlotte, her conviction resulted from the night she claimed a carjacking had occurred and her boys had been kidnapped. However, after the false story was exposed, she confessed to the crime.
Given her first-time appearance before the parole board and the publicity surrounding her case, Smith’s release is not guaranteed because parole is only granted in South Carolina for violent felonies approximately 8% of the time. The bleak outlook is further exacerbated by opposition from individuals like former prosecutor Tommy Pope, who is currently the Republican Speaker Pro Tem of the South Carolina House. Pope told WCCB Charlotte, “She’s been practicing her parole board speech for 30 years.” Her ex-husband, David Smith, is expected to join Pope in challenging her release.
David Smith said in the Court TV interview that he still finds it difficult to remember his sons and that even if he has forgiven Susan, she still needs to serve her sentence for her crimes. “You have no idea of how much damage you have done to so many people,” he told WCCB Charlotte before the meeting. As Susan Smith’s parole hearing draws near, the consequences of her crime and her post-conviction background continue to loom large.
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