Where Is Susan Smith Now? Inside Her Life in Prison 31 Years After Drowning Her Two Sons
Susan Smith, convicted of murdering her two sons in October 1994, continues to serve a life sentence in prison, having been denied parole in November 2024. Initially claiming a carjacking, she confessed days later to drowning her children, allegedly to save a relationship with a man who did not want children. Throughout her incarceration, Smith has faced multiple disciplinary issues, including sexual misconduct with prison staff and drug-related infractions, complicating her quest for parole. Her next eligibility for parole will occur in November 2026, while her ex-husband remains committed to opposing her release, emphasizing the lasting trauma of her actions on their family.
Dive Deeper:
Susan Smith confessed to the murders of her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, after initially fabricating a story about a carjacking. She drove her car into a lake, leading to their deaths, and was sentenced to life in prison in 1995.
Her trial, which began in July 1995, resulted in a guilty verdict for two counts of first-degree murder after less than three hours of jury deliberation. Despite the prosecution seeking the death penalty, the jury opted for life imprisonment, citing Smith's disturbed state.
Smith's time in prison has been marked by several incidents, including two separate sexual relationships with prison guards that led to her transfer to another facility, where she faced increased scrutiny and restrictions on her interactions with male staff.
Between 2010 and 2017, Smith was disciplined for drug use and self-mutilation, with reports indicating her drug use escalated after being transferred due to the loss of male attention, which she had previously used as a coping mechanism.
In 2022, Smith began a romantic correspondence with a man outside of prison, discussing plans for a future together and even potential marriage, but the relationship had ended by October 2022, and she refocused on her behavior in hopes of earning parole.
Despite her attempts to demonstrate good behavior in anticipation of her November 2024 parole hearing, her extensive disciplinary record, including infractions for drug use and sexual conduct, ultimately led to her denial of parole.
Smith's ex-husband, David, has publicly stated his intent to fight against her release, emphasizing the lasting impact of her actions on their family and expressing concern that Smith has shown no genuine remorse for the murders.