On November 19, 2024, Fox Nation aired a compelling three-part documentary, "Susan Smith, The Killer Mom: 30 Years Later," hosted by Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former prosecutor and Fox News host known for her incisive commentary. The special explores Smith’s life behind bars, her controversial behavior, and the anticipation surrounding her first parole hearing on November 20, 2024. This blog provides a detailed examination of the documentary, the background of Susan Smith’s case, the parole hearing outcome, and the ongoing debates surrounding her story.

The Crime That Shocked a Nation

Susan Leigh Smith (née Vaughan) was born on September 26, 1971, in Union, South Carolina. Her early life was marred by tragedy: her father died by suicide when she was six, and she later alleged sexual abuse by her stepfather, Beverly Russell, a prominent local businessman. These experiences were later cited by her defense as contributing to her mental health struggles.

On the evening of October 25, 1994, Smith reported to police that a Black man had carjacked her vehicle with her sons inside. Her tearful pleas on national television garnered widespread sympathy and triggered a massive search. However, nine days later, under pressure from investigators, Smith confessed to letting her car roll into John D. Long Lake, where it took six minutes to submerge, drowning Michael and Alexander. Her motive, prosecutors argued, was to pursue a relationship with Tom Findlay, a man who had indicated he did not want to be involved with a woman with children.

The trial, held in July 1995, was a media spectacle. Prosecutors portrayed Smith as a calculating killer driven by romantic desires, while her defense team, led by David Bruck and Judy Clarke, emphasized her mental health issues, including depression and a history of trauma. Expert witnesses testified that Smith’s judgment was impaired, and she had intended to die with her children but exited the car at the last moment. Despite these arguments, the jury convicted Smith of two counts of murder on July 22, 1995. She was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years, avoiding the death penalty. Smith is currently incarcerated at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina.

The Fox Nation Special: A Glimpse into Susan Smith’s Prison Life

Aired on November 19, 2024, "Susan Smith, The Killer Mom: 30 Years Later" is a three-part documentary hosted by Judge Jeanine Pirro, a figure known for her tough-on-crime stance. The special, available on Fox Nation, delves into Susan Smith’s three decades behind bars, focusing on her controversial behavior and the lead-up to her parole hearing. Pirro’s commentary frames the narrative, describing Smith as a “master manipulator” who has not exhibited sufficient remorse.

Key Themes and Content

• Prison Controversies: The documentary highlights Smith’s tumultuous time in prison, including alleged sexual relationships with guards and violations of prison policies. These incidents have painted her as a problematic inmate, complicating her parole prospects.

• Audio Tapes and Phone Calls: The special features recorded phone conversations between Smith and various suitors, revealing her attempts to maintain personal relationships. These recordings, described as “sex, lies, and audio tapes,” suggest to some that Smith lacks genuine remorse, though others see them as evidence of her coping mechanisms in a confined environment.

• Parole Hearing Anticipation: With Smith’s first parole hearing scheduled for November 20, 2024, the documentary builds suspense around whether she might be released. It includes perspectives from those opposing her parole, such as prosecutors and corrections officers, who argue her crime’s severity warrants continued incarceration.

• Interviews and Insights: The special features testimony from key figures, including a former prosecutor, a former director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and one of Smith’s former lovers. These voices provide a multifaceted view of Smith’s character and prison conduct.

Judge Jeanine Pirro’s Role

Pirro’s hosting is a central draw of the special. Her background as a prosecutor and her reputation for blunt commentary lend authority to the documentary. On Fox News’ “America Reports”, Pirro described Smith as “vicious” and questioned her remorse, aligning with the perspective of those opposing parole. Her analysis frames the special as both an exposé of Smith’s prison life and a critique of her eligibility for release.

The Parole Hearing: A Unanimous Denial

On November 20, 2024, Susan Smith appeared via Zoom before the South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons for her first parole hearing. The hearing, covered extensively by media outlets like ABC News, was a pivotal moment, as Smith had served the minimum 30 years required for parole eligibility.

During the hearing, Smith expressed remorse, stating, “I know that what I did was horrible. And I would give anything if I could go back and change it. I love Michael and Alex with all my heart.” She appeared emotional, crying as she addressed the board. However, the board unanimously denied her parole, citing the gravity of her crime and concerns about her sincerity.

The decision was influenced by strong opposition from key figures:

• David Smith: Susan’s ex-husband and the father of Michael and Alexander, David Smith, attended the hearing and spoke against her release. He emphasized the enduring pain of losing his sons and vowed to attend future hearings to ensure “their death doesn’t go in vain” (ABC News).

• Prosecutors and Officials: Former prosecutors and corrections officers, featured in the Fox Nation special, argued that Smith’s prison behavior and lack of genuine remorse justified continued incarceration. The original prosecutor, Tommy Pope, noted that Smith was not wet or injured when she sought help, undermining her claim of intending suicide (ABC News).

• Public Input: The parole board received 127 letters through the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, many opposing Smith’s release (Fox Carolina).

Smith’s next parole hearing is scheduled for November 2026, as she is eligible every two years after the 30-year mark.

Public and Family Reactions

The parole hearing and its outcome reignited public interest in Susan Smith’s case. David Smith, now remarried and living with his new family, has been a vocal advocate for keeping Susan incarcerated. In an interview with Fox Carolina, he expressed relief at the parole denial, emphasizing justice for his sons. His presence at the hearing and his ongoing commitment to opposing parole underscore the personal toll of the tragedy.

Public opinion remains deeply divided. Some argue that Smith, now 53, has served significant time and may deserve a chance at redemption, particularly given her reported mental health struggles and traumatic background. Others, including many in the media and the victims’ family, believe the severity of her crime—killing her own children—warrants lifelong imprisonment. The Fox Nation special amplified these debates, with Pirro’s commentary leaning heavily toward the latter perspective.

The case also sparked broader discussions about parole policies, mental health in the criminal justice system, and the impact of high-profile crimes on communities. Smith’s false carjacking claim, which initially fueled racial tensions, remains a point of contention, with some viewing it as evidence of her manipulative nature.

Additional Context: Smith’s Prison Conduct

Beyond the special’s focus, recent reports provide further context on Smith’s prison life. In August 2024, Smith was disciplined for communicating with a documentary filmmaker, violating South Carolina Department of Corrections policies. She was convicted of an internal charge on October 3, 2024, losing telephone, tablet, and canteen privileges for 90 days (WYFF4). This incident, not covered in the Fox Nation special due to its timing, further complicated her parole bid, as it suggested ongoing rule-breaking.

The Case’s Lasting Impact

Susan Smith’s case has left an indelible mark on Union, South Carolina, and the broader discourse on crime and punishment. The tragedy led to changes in local law enforcement practices and heightened awareness of mental health issues in criminal cases. The Fox Nation special, by revisiting the case 30 years later, underscores its enduring relevance, particularly as Smith’s parole hearings continue to draw attention.

The documentary also highlights the role of media in shaping public perceptions of high-profile cases. Pirro’s framing, combined with exclusive access to audio tapes and interviews, offers a sensational yet informative look at Smith’s story, appealing to true crime audiences while prompting reflection on justice and remorse.

Conclusion

"Susan Smith, The Killer Mom: 30 Years Later," hosted by Judge Jeanine Pirro, is a gripping exploration of one of America’s most notorious criminal cases. Released on November 19, 2024, the Fox Nation special provides a window into Susan Smith’s prison life, her controversial behavior, and the stakes of her first parole hearing. The unanimous denial of parole on November 20, 2024, reflects the enduring pain caused by her actions and the skepticism surrounding her remorse. As Smith faces future parole hearings, her case continues to provoke debate about punishment, redemption, and the complexities of human behavior. For those seeking to understand this tragic story, the special offers a compelling, if polarizing, perspective on a case that remains as haunting today as it was 30 years ago.

Table: Timeline of Key Events in Susan Smith’s Case