In 1994, Susan Smith, a 23-year-old mother, made a tearful plea to the news cameras. She claimed her 3-year-old son Michael and 14-month-old son Alex were carjacked by a Black man in Union, South Carolina. But it was later discovered that her children were already dead, strapped in their car seats at the bottom of John D. Long Lake. This story made international headlines and her 1995 murder trial was closely followed around the world.

Prosecution and Defense Arguments

The prosecution pointed to reports suggesting Smith was having an affair with her boss' rich son who had ended the relationship because he didn't want children. Her attorneys argued she was suicidal and depressed and intended to stay with her children in the car. These opposing viewpoints added to the complexity of the case. 1: The prosecution's case was based on the evidence and circumstances surrounding Smith's actions. The affair and the breakup seemed to play a significant role in the events that led to the tragic loss of her children. It raised questions about her state of mind and the decisions she made. 2: On the other hand, the defense presented a different perspective. They emphasized Smith's mental state and her intentions at the time. This led to a heated debate during the trial and left the jury with a difficult decision to make.

Smith's Time in Prison

Smith has served 30 years of her life sentence and is now eligible for parole. Her time in prison hasn't been without incident. She has faced a number of internal disciplinary charges. Just months before her scheduled parole hearing, she was charged with "communicating with a victim and/or witness" through phone calls with a documentary filmmaker. 1: The internal disciplinary charges show that even behind bars, Smith has had to face consequences for her actions. It highlights the strict regulations and expectations within the prison system. 2: The incident with the documentary filmmaker added another layer of controversy to her case. The discussions about the crime and her plans during and after it were detailed in the incident report, further fueling the public's interest and debate.

Parole Board Decision and Public Opinion

The parole board makes decisions at its discretion. Parole may be granted immediately or at a later time. As of November, the Office of Victim Services had received over 360 letters opposing Smith's parole. 1: The public's strong opposition to Smith's parole shows the deep impact her crime has had. People are still grieving for the lost children and want to ensure justice is served. 2: The parole board's decision will be a difficult one, weighing the factors of Smith's time served, her behavior in prison, and the wishes of the victims' families. It will be a test of the justice system and the concept of rehabilitation.

Former Prosecutor's View

Tommy Pope, the former 16th Judicial Circuit solicitor, believes the most stringent punishment was appropriate. Some jurors thought a lifetime in jail would be a greater punishment for Smith. 1: Pope's stance reflects the public's sentiment that Smith should pay a heavy price for her actions. The idea of her spending a lifetime in jail was a common one among those affected by the case. 2: However, it is clear that Smith has focused on herself rather than the victims for 30 years. This has led to further criticism and divided opinions about her parole eligibility.

Ex-Husband's Perspective

David Smith, the children's father, has forgiven his ex-wife but still wants justice. He plans to remind the parole board of what she did and who the victims were. 1: David Smith's stance represents the pain and loss felt by the family. His desire for justice is understandable, given the tragic circumstances. 2: His presence at the parole hearing will add another dimension to the proceedings and show the ongoing impact of the crime on the family.