Susan Smith, the woman who made headlines 30 years ago for drowning her two young sons, is approaching her first shot at parole this fall. Smith, now 51, is scheduled for her first parole hearing on Nov. 4, three decades after she confessed to the heinous crime.
Reports of Smith’s romantic relationships from behind bars have raised concerns about her mindset and behavior. Licensed clinical and police psychologist Dr. Katherine Kuhlman believes Smith’s actions are symptomatic of Dependent Personality Disorder, which may have played a role in her 1994 crime.
Over the past three years, Smith has engaged with nearly a dozen suitors through monitored jailhouse messages and telephone calls. Many of these men have offered her financial security and engaged in romantic conversations with her. However, one man who corresponded with Smith for 18 months before cutting ties with her felt “duped” and described her as always wanting something from him.
Despite Smith’s hopeful attitude in recorded phone calls, criminal defense attorney Philip Holloway believes her chances of early release are slim. Smith’s lengthy record of prison misconduct, including drug use and self-harm, suggests an inability to conform to rules and regulations.
Surviving relatives of Smith’s slain children, including their father David Smith, intend to oppose her parole. David Smith, who has since remarried and fathered two additional children, believes Susan belongs in jail and will do whatever it takes to keep her there.
As the parole hearing approaches, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services has notified victims’ families about the upcoming proceedings. Smith has confirmed her intention to attend the hearing, where her fate will be decided.
