Additional Coverage:
- Susan Smith prosecutor says she was meant to serve life in prison as killer mom gets parole hearing (foxnews.com)
Susan Smith Denied Parole After Emotional Plea
Thirty years after drowning her two young sons, Susan Smith was denied parole on Wednesday.
Reasons for Denial
- Nature and severity of the crime
- Institutional offenses in prison, including drug use and sexual misconduct
Emotional Testimony
Smith appeared emotional during her parole hearing, crying and expressing remorse. She claimed that postpartum depression and fear drove her to kill her children.
Ex-Husband’s Plea
David Smith, the boys’ father, spoke against Smith’s parole, stating that she had not shown genuine remorse and that she had not paid her full debt to society.
Prosecutor’s Argument
Tommy Pope, the prosecutor who convicted Smith, argued that she had focused on herself rather than the victims during her time in prison.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Smith has received multiple disciplinary sanctions in prison, including for having sex with a guard and drug use.
Contact with Victim/Witness
Smith was recently convicted of communicating with a documentary filmmaker, which is a violation of prison policy.
Eligibility for Future Parole
Smith will be eligible for parole again in two years. However, experts believe her chances of release are slim due to the severity of her crime and her lack of remorse.