Where Is Susan Smith Now? Inside Her Life in Prison 31 Years After Drowning Her Two Sons

Susan Smith’s Whereabouts: Life in Prison for Drowning Her Sons

Susan Smith is serving a life sentence in prison after the October 1994 murder of her sons. She has been behind bars for 31 years, with no signs of release. Smith, a South Carolina mother, initially claimed that a Black man had carjacked her and taken off with her two toddlers in the car. However, just nine days later, the truth emerged. Smith confessed that there was no carjacking; instead, she had driven her car to a local boat ramp and let it roll into a lake with her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, strapped inside. Her motive was reportedly to salvage a relationship with a local businessman who did not want children.

Despite being sentenced to life in prison in 1995, Smith maintains that she is misunderstood. In a 2015 letter to a South Carolina newspaper, she claimed, “I am not the monster society thinks I am. I am far from it. Something went very wrong that night. I was not myself. I was a good mother and I loved my boys.” Despite her plea, Smith’s request for parole in November 2024 was denied. The trial revealed conflicting narratives, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty, citing Smith’s desire for a childless relationship, while the defense painted Smith as a woman with mental health issues.

Smith began her life sentence at the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C., where she faced disciplinary issues. Smith received infractions for self-mutilation, drug use, and sexual contact with prison guards. Two guards faced charges for having sex with her, leading to transfers and heightened security measures during her time in prison. Her disciplinary record, including repeated drug infractions, affected her parole eligibility. Despite efforts to improve her behaviour, Smith was denied parole in 2024, with the parole board citing her troubling history.

While in prison, Smith engaged in a long-distance romance with a man who reached out to her after watching a documentary about her case. Their letters hinted at plans for a future together, with talks of marriage if she were to be granted parole. However, by October 2022, the relationship had fizzled out, indicating a turbulent personal life for Smith behind bars. Her ex-husband, David, who fathered the slain children, has been vocal about his opposition to her release, vowing to ensure she remains incarcerated. He expressed disappointment in the parole denial, stating that 30 years behind bars were not enough for the lives she took.

David’s commitment to seeking justice for his sons was evident during a parole hearing, where he implored the board to keep Smith in prison. Despite her expressions of remorse and attempts to show good behaviour, the parole board remained unmoved. Moving forward, with each passing year, Smith will have the opportunity for parole every two years, with the next hearing scheduled for November 2026. The case of Susan Smith continues to spark debate and reflection on the complexities of justice, forgiveness, and the lasting impact of a heinous crime.