Susan Smith, the mother who infamously drowned her two young sons 30 years ago, was denied parole after pleading for release via video link from prison. The plea required convincing a majority that she was ready to rejoin society. Smith acknowledged her actions as “horrible” and expressed regret, emphasizing her Christian faith and belief in forgiveness from God. However, her ex-husband David Smith, the boys’ father, opposed her release, stating that what she did was intentional and she failed to protect her children. He requested that parole be denied, which the panel unanimously agreed with.
The incident occurred when Smith falsely claimed that her sons were abducted, sparking a media frenzy and a manhunt. Despite initially denying involvement, she later confessed to killing her sons. She was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, with a possibility of parole after 30 years. Throughout her incarceration, Smith maintained she was a good mother but had a history of disciplinary issues, including drug use and possession of contraband.
Smith’s attorney argued that she had undergone significant personal growth and addressed her mental health struggles. Despite the attorney’s plea for parole, the panel concluded that Smith’s crime was too severe for release. David Smith expressed relief that she would remain behind bars for now and confirmed his intent to oppose future parole bids.Overall, Susan Smith’s attempt at freedom was met with strong opposition, culminating in the denial of her parole request.
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