Susan Smith's Ex-Husband David Smith Made Tearful Plea for Her Not to Be Paroled After 30 Years: ‘That’s Only 15 Years Per Child'

Mar. 15, 2025

Susan Smith’s ex-husbandDavid Smithtearfully pleaded for her not to be released from prison on parole after she was convicted of killing their two sons in 1994.

During Susan’s parole board hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, David shared an emotional statement to the committee, detailingwhat he has gone through since the tragedy,and why he believes Susan shouldremain in jailfor the rest of her life.

He added that the crime was “not a tragic mistake,” but that Susan intentionally wanted to “end [Michael and Alex’s] lives.”

Susan Smith mugshot after her 1994 arrest.Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma/Getty

Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma/Getty

“It wasn’t something that she didn’t mean to do. She purposely meant to end their life. I never have felt any remorse from her for it. She never expressed any to me. I’ve never seen it on paper,” said David.

He was overcome with emotion as he opened up about his life after losing his sons, sharing that he considered ending his own life due to the overwhelming grief.

“She changed my life for the rest of my life that night. What she did, not only Michael and Alex, she came pretty close to causing me to end my life because of the grief that she brought upon me. But thankfully she didn’t.”

“When she got sentenced to life in prison, I thought that meant, as so many others including the jury, that she would be in there for the rest of her natural life,” David told news stationWYFFprior to Wednesday’s hearing.

“Now that’s different,” David said on Wednesday. “But at that time, that’s what counts. Ultimately to me, that’s only 15 years per child. Her own children. It’s just not enough.”

He cried as he pleaded with the board to not grant her parole today, or in the future, “but specifically today, do not let her out.”

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David Smith departs the Union County Courthouse in Union, SC., on Monday, July 17, 1995 during a lunch break. Smith’s ex-wife Susan Smith is on trial for the drowning death of their two boys last October. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) Susan Smith. Photo: SC Department of Corrections.Dave Martin/AP; SC Department of Corrections

Dave Martin/AP; SC Department of Corrections

On Oct. 25, 1994, Susan told police that a Black man had stolen her car with her and David’s two sons, Michael, 3, and Alex, 14 months, inside. She spent the following nine days making emotional pleas on national television for her children to be returned home safely.

Susan wasdenied paroleduring Wednesday’s hearing, however, she can go before the board for her release every two years.

“I miss them very much,” David said of his late children. “And I love them very much. And I will be here every two years going forward to ensure that their death doesn’t go in vain.”

During a press conference following the hearing, David said, “I haven’t seen any remorse from [Susan],” adding that the parole committee “made the right decision.”

source: people.com