Susan Smith’s ex-husband says she casually apologized after killing their two sons

In October 1994, the nation was shaken by the tragic and horrifying case of Susan Smith, a 22-year-old mother from South Carolina who drowned her two young sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, in a lake. The case resurfaced in public consciousness last year when Smith, now 52, was denied parole after serving more than 30 years in prison. The denial came after a hearing conducted by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, reigniting debates about justice, forgiveness, and the complexities of human behavior. Susan Smith’s ex-husband, David Smith, recently shared a haunting insight into her mindset following the murders, revealing a chillingly casual exchange that has left many grappling with the emotional and moral implications of her actions.

According to David Smith, who spoke to NBC’s Dateline in an episode set to air, Susan displayed a disturbing lack of emotion when she confessed to him after the killings. He recounted that she simply said, “I’m sorry,” in a tone as casual as two people sitting together. David, clearly still grappling with the magnitude of her actions, expressed his outrage by saying he would have been on his knees, begging for forgiveness, if he had committed such a horrendous act. When he asked her why she had taken the lives of their two children, Susan reportedly responded, “I don’t know why, but I’m sorry.” This exchange underscores the incomprehensible nature of her crimes and the anguish it has caused her family and the public.

The details of the crime itself are no less shocking. On that fateful evening in October 1994, Susan Smith strapped her sons into the back seat of her car and allowed the vehicle to roll into John D. Long Lake in Union County. She then reported the car as stolen, initially misleading authorities and the public into believing her children had been abducted. However, as the investigation unfolded, the truth came to light, and Susan confessed to the murders. The case horrified the nation, not only because of the brutality of the act but also because it was committed by a mother, a figure typically associated with unconditional love and protection. The lack of a clear motive and the sheer coldness of her actions have resonated deeply with the public, leaving many to question how such a tragedy could occur.

New details have also emerged about the circumstances surrounding the murders, including Susan’s extramarital affair with a wealthy local businessman’s son. According to former Union County prosecutor Tommy Pope, now a South Carolina state representative, Susan was romantically involved with a man who made it clear he was not interested in raising children. A letter from this lover, written just a week before the murders, became a key piece of evidence in the trial. In it, he expressed his romantic interest in Susan but explicitly stated that he was not suited to be a stepfather to her children. This letter has been interpreted by some as a potential trigger for her actions, though it is impossible to fully understand the mindset of someone capable of such a heinous act. The letter’s content has been widely debated, with some arguing it provided a twisted justification for her decision to eliminate her children in an attempt to start a new life with her lover.

Susan Smith’s recent parole hearing brought the case back into the spotlight, with many calling for her to remain behind bars. During the hearing, Susan appeared emotional, expressing remorse for her actions. “I know that what I did was horrible,” she said. “I’m sorry that I put them through that. I wish I could take that back, I really do. I was just scared.” She acknowledged the inadequacy of her apology, saying, “I know that’s not enough … just words, but they come from my heart.” While some have expressed skepticism about the sincerity of her words, others have argued that her remorse, however late, should be considered in the context of her imprisonment and potential rehabilitation.

The ongoing debate over Susan Smith’s parole has sparked a broader conversation about justice, rehabilitation, and the capacity for human change. Opponents of her release argue that her crimes were so unforgivable that she should never be granted freedom, regardless of her expressed remorse. Supporters, however, point to her decades-long incarceration, her apparent rehabilitation, and the possibility of her contributing positively to society upon release. The case has also drawn attention to the psychological and emotional complexities of individuals who commit such crimes, raising questions about the interplay of mental health, personal circumstances, and societal expectations in shaping their actions. As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of this case, one thing remains certain: the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the questions left unanswered will forever leave a mark on those who followed this tragic story.