David Smith, the ex-husband of Susan Smith, has spoken out ahead of her upcoming parole hearing in November 2024, nearly three decades after the tragic deaths of their two young sons, Michael and Alex. In an exclusive interview with Court TV on September 13, 2024, David expressed the immense pain that continues to haunt him and revealed his staunch opposition to Susan’s potential release from prison.
Susan Smith, who has been serving a life sentence since her conviction in 1995, was found guilty of drowning her two children by letting her car roll into John D. Long Lake in Union, South Carolina, with her sons, aged 3 and 14 months, still strapped inside. Initially, Susan claimed that a Black man had carjacked her vehicle, abducting her children, and for nine days, she made public appeals on national television, pleading for their safe return. However, her story quickly unraveled, and she ultimately confessed to the killings, a crime that shocked the nation.
As her parole date approaches, David Smith, now 54, remains resolute in his belief that Susan should never be freed. He also stated that he would do everything in his power to ensure that Susan remains incarcerated, expressing that the wounds from her actions are still fresh, nearly 30 years later.
“I would just tell her that you have no idea of how much damage you have done to so many people,”
David said during his interview with Court TV anchor Julie Grant.
David Smith, who has remarried and started a new family, has spoken publicly before about the lasting impact of losing his sons. In a 2010 interview with PEOPLE magazine, David reflected on the enduring heartache he experiences, describing it as “a nagging and gnawing heartache” that has remained with him every day since the tragic incident. Despite moving forward with his life, the grief and trauma from the loss of his children continue to overshadow his emotional well-being.
Susan Smith, now 53, has had a tumultuous time behind bars at the Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina. According to records obtained by PEOPLE magazine, she has faced disciplinary infractions for drug use, self-mutilation, and the possession of narcotics or marijuana. These incidents have resulted in the loss of various prison privileges over the years, painting a complex picture of her time in custody.
However, Susan has continued to defend herself against the negative public perception surrounding her case. In 2015, she wrote a letter to The State, a South Carolina-based newspaper, in which she refuted claims that she was the monster society had labeled her. Despite her self-defense, the public outrage surrounding her crime has not waned, and many, including David, remain determined to see her remain behind bars.
“I am not the monster society thinks I am,” … “I am far from it.”
Susan Smith stated in the letter, addressing reporter Harrison Cahill.
Authorities and experts have speculated that Susan’s motive for the murders stemmed from her involvement with a man who did not want children, leading her to make the unthinkable decision to end her sons’ lives. While this theory has never been fully confirmed, it has remained a critical part of the narrative surrounding the case, adding to the complexity of her psychological profile.
Susan Smith’s eligibility for parole on November 4, 2024, is a significant moment for all those involved in the case, especially the surviving family members. Parole decisions are typically influenced by factors such as behavior in prison, rehabilitation efforts, and the nature of the crime itself. However, David Smith’s voice, as a grieving father, will undoubtedly play a key role in public opinion and potentially in the parole board’s deliberations.
This case, which captured the attention of millions in the mid-1990s, continues to evoke strong emotions, particularly surrounding issues of justice and rehabilitation. The possibility of parole for Susan Smith reignites a debate about whether convicted criminals who commit such heinous acts can ever truly be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
David’s commitment to ensuring Susan remains in prison underscores the deep emotional scars left by the loss of his children. As the parole date approaches, it is expected that both sides will continue to present their perspectives. While Susan maintains that she is misunderstood, David and many others feel that her crime is unforgivable and that her punishment should reflect the magnitude of her actions.
Susan Smith’s parole hearing will take place on November 4, 2024. The outcome will determine whether she will continue to serve her life sentence or be granted a second chance at freedom. Given the gravity of her crimes and the public outcry surrounding her potential release, this hearing is likely to be closely watched by both the media and the public.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains clear that the tragic events of October 1994 have left an indelible mark on all involved, particularly David Smith, whose life was irrevocably changed by the loss of his sons.
