In a recorded jailhouse phone call, Susan Smith, the inmate serving a life sentence for drowning her two sons, discussed her thoughts on motherhood and parole prospects with one of her suitors. As her first parole hearing approaches, Smith faces both opposition from her former husband and offers of support from admirers.
As the date for her first parole hearing, scheduled for November 4, 2024, draws near, Susan Smith, the infamous South Carolina inmate convicted of murdering her two young sons, Michael Daniel Smith, 3, and Alexander Tyler Smith, 14 months, has recently made headlines again. Transcripts of a recorded jailhouse phone call from Leath Correctional Institution last month have revealed Smith's contemplation of motherhood and potential parole prospects.
In the recorded conversation, Smith, now 52 years old, told one of several suitors, "I could see myself around kids," sparking a conversation about her future role as a stepmother. The suitor responded positively, saying, "You'd be great, babe." The Messenger obtained these transcripts, shedding light on Smith's thoughts as her parole hearing approaches.
Smith's notoriety stems from her 1994 conviction for the murder of her two sons. Initially, she claimed that a carjacker, described as a Black man, had taken her vehicle with her children inside. A nationwide search ensued, and Smith tearfully pleaded for their safe return on national television. However, it was later revealed that Smith had intentionally allowed her car to roll into John D. Long Lake, with her sons strapped into their car seats.
One of Smith's former suitors, Tom Findalay, had penned a letter that prosecutors argued played a role in driving her to commit the heinous act. In the letter, Findalay expressed concerns about Smith's children, leading to speculation about her motives. Smith, on the other hand, has long maintained that she did not drown her children for a man's sake but rather suffered a psychotic breakdown.
Relatives of Smith have revealed that men have always been drawn to her, even during her time behind bars. One relative commented, "She's always been into guys, obviously. It would be the best case scenario for her, to be in a relationship. So she's hoping to find the right man to live with if she gets out." This revelation comes as Smith's first parole hearing approaches, where she plans to request her release.
However, her former husband, David Smith, who had stood by her side during the fruitless search for their children and at their funerals, remains vehemently opposed to her release. A relative of David Smith stated, "David still thinks of his boys every day and doesn't ever want Susan to get out. She belongs in jail… she is exactly where she needs to be – in prison. And we will do what it takes to keep her there."
Amidst the polarizing views on her release, Smith's suitors have been actively offering support. Some have offered her money, a place to stay upon parole, and even the prospect of building a future together. One suitor expressed, "She's a good person who did something terrible when she was young and not in her right mind – people can change." These suitors are vying to assist her post-release.
Smith's life behind bars has not been devoid of controversy. Reports have emerged of an illicit sexual relationship with a prison guard, as well as incidents of marijuana use and self-mutilation in her disciplinary record. When not engaging with prospective post-release lovers, Smith often discusses her potential parole with friends and family, seeking advice on how to present her case to the Parole Board.
In a recorded phone call, a friend named Ruth advised Smith to frame her case around the possibility of postpartum depression, which can last up to three years after childbirth. "Prepare now what you will say when you're given the chance to speak at your parole," Ruth advised. "It won't be easy."
As Susan Smith's first parole hearing date looms, the public remains divided on whether she should be granted parole or continue to serve her life sentence for the tragic and shocking crime that has haunted the nation for nearly three decades.
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