50 Facts About Susan Smith

Early Life and Background

Susan Smith's early years were marked by tragedy and turmoil, setting the stage for her later actions.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on September 26, 1971, Susan Leigh Smith entered a world that would soon become tumultuous.
2. Father's Suicide: At just six years old, Susan experienced the trauma of her father's suicide.
3. Mother's Remarriage: Her mother remarried Beverly C. Russell Jr., who would later be revealed to have molested Susan during her teenage years.
4. Mental Health Issues: Susan's struggles with mental health began early, attempting suicide at 13 and again in 1989 after a failed relationship.

Marriage and Family

Susan's personal life was fraught with instability and conflict, contributing to her eventual actions.

5. Marriage to David Smith: In 1991, Susan married David Smith, but their relationship was rocky from the start.
6. Birth of Sons: The couple had two sons, Michael (three years old) and Alexander (14 months old).
7. Marital Problems: Both Susan and David accused each other of infidelity, leading to multiple separations.
8. Affair with Tom Findlay: Susan began an affair with Tom Findlay, a wealthy local man who would later play a significant role in her motivations.

The Crime

The events leading up to and including the murders of Susan's sons shocked the nation.

9. Murder Motivation: Susan believed that by killing her children, she could start a new life with Tom Findlay, who did not want children.
10. The Crime: On October 25, 1994, Susan reported her vehicle had been carjacked by a black man who drove away with her sons inside.
11. Public Pleas: For nine days, Susan made dramatic pleas on national television for the safe return of her sons.
12. Confession: On November 3, 1994, Susan confessed to letting her car roll into John D. Long Lake, drowning her sons inside.

Investigation and Trial

The investigation and trial revealed the depth of Susan's deception and the tragic reality of her actions.

13. Investigation: Investigators quickly noted discrepancies in Susan's story, leading to her confession.
14. Reconstruction of the Incident: It took six minutes for the car to sink, with footage showing water entering rapidly.
15. Trial: Susan's trial began in July 1995, with her defense arguing severe depression impaired her judgment.
16. Prosecution's Argument: The prosecution believed Susan murdered her sons to start a new life with Tom Findlay.
17. Jury's Decision: The jury convicted Susan of murdering her two sons in less than two and a half hours.
18. Sentence: Susan was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Life in Prison

Susan's life behind bars has been marked by further controversy and disciplinary issues.

19. Prison Location: Susan serves her sentence at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina.
20. Disciplinary Infractions: She has faced multiple infractions, including self-mutilation, drug use, and possession of narcotics.
21. Sexual Misconduct: In 2000, Susan was disciplined for having sex with prison guard Houston Cagle, who spent three months in jail.
22. Further Misconduct: In 2001, prison captain Alfred Rowe also pleaded guilty to having sex with Susan and received five years probation.
23. Medical Issues: From 2017 to 2019, Susan had severe medical issues requiring outpatient treatment multiple times.
24. Prison Work: In 2017, Susan worked as a landscape laborer and was later promoted to wardkeeper assistant.

Recent Developments

Susan's recent actions and upcoming parole hearing continue to draw public attention.

25. Letters to a Long-Distance Boyfriend: In March 2022, Susan wrote letters to a long-distance boyfriend, expressing a desire to marry if freed.
26. Parole Hearing: Susan is eligible for parole on November 4, 2024, with a hearing scheduled for November 20.
27. Disciplinary Charge: Susan was recently charged for communicating with a journalist and discussing plans for an interview.
28. Loss of Privileges: As a result, she lost access to her phone, tablet, and canteen for 90 days starting October 4.
29. Prosecutor's Argument Against Parole: Prosecutor Tommy Pope will argue that jurors believed a life sentence meant life without parole.
30. Smith's Preparation for Parole Hearing: Susan has been preparing her speech for the parole board for three decades.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

Susan's case has captivated the public and media, with opinions sharply divided.

31. Public Condemnation: Susan's actions have been widely condemned, with many seeing her as a monster.
32. Ex-Husband's Pain: David Smith, her ex-husband, continues to feel the heartache of losing his children.
33. Defense's Theory: The defense argued Susan was deeply troubled and experienced severe depression.
34. Prosecution's Theory: The prosecution believed she murdered her sons to start a new life with Tom Findlay.
35. Media Attention: The case garnered significant media attention, with Susan's story appearing on the cover of PEOPLE magazine.
36. Trial Duration: The trial lasted less than a week, with the jury taking less than two and a half hours to find Susan guilty.
37. Jury's Sentencing Decision: Despite the crime's heinous nature, the jury declined to impose the death penalty.
38. Parole Eligibility: Susan is eligible for parole on November 4, 2024, despite recent disciplinary actions.
39. Recent Disciplinary Charge: Susan was charged for communicating with a journalist, leading to a 90-day loss of privileges.
40. Prosecutor's Argument Against Parole: Prosecutor Tommy Pope will argue that jurors believed a life sentence meant life without parole.
41. Smith's Preparation for Parole Hearing: Susan has been preparing her speech for the parole board for three decades.
42. Public Perception of Susan: Public perception remains negative, with many seeing her actions as those of a monster.
43. Defense's Theory of Mental Illness: The defense argued Susan was deeply troubled and experienced severe depression.
44. Prosecution's Theory of Motivation: The prosecution believed she murdered her sons to start a new life with Tom Findlay.
45. Jury's Decision on Guilt: The jury took less than two and a half hours to find Susan guilty on two counts of first-degree murder.
46. Life Sentence Without Parole: Susan's life sentence means she is eligible for parole after 30 years.
47. Prison Conditions and Transfers: Susan has been transferred to different facilities due to disciplinary infractions and medical issues.
48. Sexual Infractions in Prison: Susan has been involved in several sexual infractions while in prison.
49. Medical Treatment for Severe Issues: Susan has received outpatient treatment for severe medical issues multiple times since 2017.
50. Prison Work Promotions and Responsibilities: Susan was promoted to a wardkeeper assistant in March 2018, responsible for the daily operation of her housing unit.

The Complex Life of Susan Smith

Susan Smith's story is a tragic mix of mental health struggles, a troubled marriage, and a horrific crime. Her early life was marked by trauma, including her father's suicide and abuse by her stepfather. Marrying David Smith brought two sons, Michael and Alexander, but also a tumultuous relationship. Susan's affair with Tom Findlay and his rejection due to her children led her to commit an unthinkable act. She drowned her sons to start anew, sparking national outrage. Convicted of first-degree murder, she received a life sentence with parole eligibility after 30 years. Her time in prison has been fraught with disciplinary issues and medical problems. As her parole hearing approaches, public opinion remains divided. Some see her as a deeply troubled individual, while others view her as a monster. Her story continues to captivate and horrify, leaving a lasting impact.