Killer Mom Susan Smith Should Remain Incarcerated, Says Prosecutor Who Originally Put Her Away
South Carolina – The infamous case of Susan Smith, the killer mother who drowned her two young sons in 1994, remains a topic of strong concern as the former prosecutor who put her behind bars insists that she must remain incarcerated. Tommy Pope, who led the original prosecution, spoke candidly about the case and Smith’s upcoming parole eligibility, emphasizing the gravity of her crime and the need to continue her imprisonment.
Revisiting a Tragic Crime That Shocked a Nation
In October 1994, Susan Smith, then 22 years old, committed one of the most heartbreaking crimes in recent South Carolina history by drowning her two young sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander Smith.
She strapped the boys into their car seats, placed them in the back seat, and let the vehicle roll into John D. Long Lake in Union, South Carolina, watching as the car submerged over six agonizing minutes.
During the investigation, Smith falsely claimed that a Black man had carjacked her, stealing the car along with her children.
This lie led to a massive manhunt, during which Smith and her husband publicly pleaded for their sons’ return. The fabricated story deeply offended the public and revealed attempts to mislead law enforcement. Pope, reflecting on this, said,
“Carjackers don’t take kids. When it first started, she’s blaming a Black guy and I’m thinking, ‘she’s got them stashed somewhere. This is something to do with them being estranged, she and David.’ When it came out that she had done it, it was shocking.”
Prosecutor Tommy Pope’s Firm Stance on Susan Smith’s Continued Imprisonment
Tommy Pope, who now serves as a Republican in the South Carolina Legislature, made his position clear during an interview at CrimeCon in Denver on September 6. Despite Smith not posing an ongoing danger to society as per Pope’s assessment, he emphasized that she needs to remain punished in prison for the severity of her actions.
Smith is currently serving a life sentence for her crimes and was recently denied parole in 2024. She will be eligible to apply again in 2026. Pope acknowledged that while she might not repeat the crime, the punishment should stand, stating:
“Susan, to me, needs to remain incarcerated as punishment for what she’s done. It’s not like she’s going to have two more kids and do the same thing, arguably.”
He also expressed sympathy for David Smith, her former husband, suggesting that if Susan were to live quietly out of the public eye after release, it might ironically be better for David’s peace of mind.
Controversies Surrounding Susan Smith While Incarcerated
Susan Smith’s time in prison has been marked by several controversies. She has been caught communicating with a crime victim or witness and was involved in discussions with a documentary filmmaker.
Additionally, reports surfaced of prison guards having inappropriate sexual relations with her, raising further questions about her behavior and influence behind bars.
Pope remarked on Smith’s manipulative nature, describing her tendency to shift blame and present herself as either a victim or someone deserving sympathy:
“It’s always somebody else’s fault. She’s either a victim or a princess.”
The Legacy and Public Memory of the Susan Smith Case
The Susan Smith case remains one of the most haunting criminal cases in South Carolina’s history. It serves as a somber reminder of the depths of human tragedy and deception. Prosecutors at the time even argued she deserved the death penalty, reflecting society’s outrage and the legal system’s stern response.
- Crime occurred on October 25, 1994, in Union, South Carolina.
- Victims were Smith’s two sons: Michael (3 years old) and Alexander (14 months old).
- Susan Smith has been denied parole at least twice, most recently in 2024.
- She will be eligible again for parole in 2026.
- Tommy Pope was the lead prosecutor and now serves as a state legislator.
The case continues to be studied and discussed in criminal justice and psychology circles alike. For more detailed information on the case and current perspectives, visit Fox News Digital.
What Does the Future Hold for Susan Smith?
With parole set for reconsideration in 2026, many will watch closely as the debate over Susan Smith’s freedom resurfaces. The prosecutor who put her away advocates for continued incarceration, emphasizing justice for her victims and the healing of the families affected.
This ongoing dialogue reflects broader questions about criminal punishment, rehabilitation, and the impact of heinous crimes on community memory.
What do you think about Susan Smith’s potential release? Do you agree with the prosecutor’s stance on keeping her incarcerated? Share your thoughts in the comments below!