Susan Smith is nearing her first opportunity for parole this fall, 30 years after the tragic drowning of her two young sons. Experts suggest that her relationships from jail indicate she perceives others as “disposable.”
At 51, Smith’s first parole hearing is set for Nov. 4, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of her confession about drowning 3-year-old Michael Daniel and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler in a South Carolina lake.
Prosecutors have indicated that Smith was influenced to commit the act following a letter from her ex-boyfriend, citing her children as obstacles.
“Susan, I could really fall for you. But like I have told you before, there are some things about you that aren’t suited for me, and yes, I am referring to your children,” he reportedly wrote, as noted by Deseret News.
MURDEROUS MOM SUSAN SMITH TOLD SUITOR IN JAILHOUSE CALL SHE IS ‘READY TO GO’ AHEAD OF PAROLE HEARING: REPORT
Susan Smith, 51, is incarcerated in a South Carolina prison for the murder of her two young sons. (South Carolina Dept. of Corrections)
According to licensed psychologist Dr. Katherine Kuhlman, Smith’s actions reflect symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD), which likely played a role in her crime in 1994 and persists in her numerous romantic interactions while incarcerated.
DPD is described as a “need for others to manage the most significant aspects of their life,” as per the American Psychiatric Association. Those with DPD often struggle to voice disagreement due to fears of losing support or approval.
In the past three years, Smith has attracted nearly a dozen suitors through monitored communications, some promising her financial stability if released. Conversations reportedly took intimate turns, as reported by the New York Post.
One of these men stated he initially fell for her but later felt deceived.
SUSAN SMITH, NEARING PAROLE AFTER MURDERS OF YOUNG SONS, SAYS SHE’D BE ‘GOOD STEPMOM’: REPORT
Michael Daniel Smith, 3, and his 14-month-old brother, Alexander Tyler Smith, are shown in a family photo. Their mother, Susan Smith, was convicted in their deaths.
“She always wanted something from me,” remarked a South Carolina man who corresponded with Smith for 18 months before severing ties. “To her, we aren’t individuals; we’re just targets,” he added. “She’s constantly evaluating what she can gain.”
“To her, it appears that humans are expendable,” Kuhlman explained. “Her children were expendable, and so are her relationships. Once they cease to be beneficial, she discards them. The real concern is whether her behavior is a conscious manipulation or a result of her underlying disorder.”
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Toys left at a memorial for Michael and Alexander Smith, who were drowned in 1994. (Photo by William F. Campbell/Getty Images)
Kuhlman explained that treatment options for personality disorders are limited, especially while in prison.
“There’s no medication that addresses it,” she noted. “It’s a mindset that often originates in early childhood. While individuals can learn to cope, intensive treatment is necessary for personality disorders.”
“In prison, the focus isn’t on intensive therapy; it’s more about ensuring that those with depression don’t harm themselves and maintaining overall order,” Kuhlman stated.
“She could claim progress to the parole board, but it’s questionable whether that would be true,” Kuhlman added.
SUSAN SMITH, MOM WHO KILLED TWO SONS IN 1994, SENDS ROMANTIC LETTERS TO BOYFRIEND FROM PRISON: REPORT
Legal photograph of Susan Smith, convicted on July 22, 1995, of murdering her two sons, 3-year-old Michael Daniel Smith and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler Smith. (Photo by Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma via Getty Images)
In a recorded phone call earlier this year, Smith expressed optimism regarding her upcoming parole hearing.
“It’s my time to leave,” she reportedly said to a suitor. “I’ve completed my sentence. I’m ready for a new beginning.”
However, criminal defense attorney Philip Holloway remarked to Fox News Digital that her chances of being granted parole are slim.
“I anticipate that parole will be denied due to the severity of her crime,” Holloway stated. “It’s improbable she would successfully re-enter society.”
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Holloway noted that Smith has a history of misconduct during her prison term. Records from the South Carolina Department of Corrections indicate that she lost various privileges due to drug use, with incidents reported in 2010 and 2012, in addition to self-harm issues in 2010.
“Her past suggests an ongoing inability to adhere to rules and regulations,” Holloway elaborated. “We all live by societal norms and laws – if she struggles within the prison’s framework, I see no reason to believe she would fare better in society.”
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David Smith holds up a photo of his deceased sons Michael and Alex, smiling after Susan Smith received a life sentence on two counts of murder in Union, South Carolina. (Reuters)
Smith’s romantic communications while incarcerated should not influence the parole board’s evaluation. Rather, the testimonials from the families of her late children could weigh heavily in their decision.
David Smith, father of the victims, has since remarried and welcomed two more children. Reports indicate that he and his family will oppose Smith’s parole.
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“David reflects on his boys daily and does not want Susan released,” a family member shared with The Messenger. “She belongs behind bars… this is where she is meant to be – in prison, and we will fight to ensure that remains the case.”
Smith has confirmed her attendance at the upcoming hearing, according to the Post. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services has informed the victims’ families about the scheduled hearing.
