Wicked Wednesday’s:

In November 1994, the horrifying story of Susan Smith shocked the world. The South Carolina mother confessed to killing her two young sons by strapping them into their car seats and letting the car roll into a lake.

Now, after nearly 30 years in prison, Smith is facing a parole hearing on November 20, 2024—and the public outcry remains as strong as ever.

A Flood of Letters

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services has received an influx of over 130 letters vehemently opposing Smith’s release. These letters, encouraged by her ex-husband David Smith and supported by a community still haunted by the brutal reality of her actions, paint a vivid picture of the intense feelings this case still provokes. Many authors of these letters have spoken plainly, using phrases like “She belongs in that lake with her boys” to express their outrage and rejection of her possible freedom.

Voices Against Forgiveness

One letter after another describes an unrelenting resistance to any measure of leniency for Susan Smith. Critics argue that her actions demonstrate a level of malice that cannot be erased or atoned for by time served. The letters illustrate a shared sentiment: Smith’s crime was not just a betrayal of her children but of the inherent trust society places in parents. For the public, her actions cut to the heart of parental responsibility, challenging the very concept of motherly love and protection.

David Smith’s Determined Stand

David Smith, the father of Michael and Alex Smith, remains one of the strongest voices against Susan’s release. Publicly outspoken, he has encouraged people nationwide to submit letters to the parole board. His message has been clear and firm: “She took the greatest gift that we have of life. She took that away from them.” For him, and for many who have written in opposition, the crime is an unforgivable act that robbed innocent lives of their potential, leaving only heartache in its wake.

Susan Smith’s Troubling Record

Smith’s nearly three decades in prison have been marked by several disciplinary incidents, including sexual misconduct and drug possession. Most recently, she was caught trying to communicate with a documentary producer about profiting from her story. The incident cost her 90 days of privileges, adding another reason for her critics to doubt her rehabilitation.

For many who oppose her parole, Smith’s behavior behind bars suggests a lack of genuine remorse. They argue that someone who is truly reformed would neither seek to profit from their notoriety nor engage in continued misconduct. This argument adds another layer to the letters submitted in opposition; they’re not just fighting for justice for the victims but also challenging what they see as Smith’s unchanging character.

The Power of Public Sentiment

This case raises crucial questions about the role of public sentiment in the parole process. Susan Smith’s crime, though nearly three decades old, continues to stir a passionate and negative response. The letters sent to the parole board represent a powerful reminder that, for many, justice does not fade with time.

The parole board will have to weigh these perspectives against the law and its guidelines for evaluating parole eligibility. While it’s impossible to predict the board’s decision, the sheer volume and intensity of the letters opposing Smith’s release demonstrate a collective demand for accountability and remembrance of those two young boys who lost their lives so tragically.

Conclusion

As Susan Smith’s parole hearing approaches, the voices of those who oppose her release echo a timeless reminder: Some wounds never fully heal, and for many, justice requires that Smith remain behind bars.