Thirty years ago, Susan Smith shocked the world by drowning her two young sons and blaming a carjacking. Now, she's up for parole. The story of what happened that night is a complex one, involving a mix of personal struggles and societal expectations. Smith's parole hearing is set for Wednesday, and she will be testifying virtually to a seven-person panel. The board needs a simple majority to approve her release.

Back in 1994, Smith claimed she was carjacked by a Black man, leading to a massive nine-day manhunt. She even pleaded for their safe return on national TV, appearing distraught and desperate. However, the truth came out when she confessed to killing her sons by driving her car into a lake. Her trial the following year revealed a tangled web of motives, including a failed relationship and a history of sexual assault.

Smith was sentenced to life in prison, but her time behind bars hasn't been without incident. She's faced multiple disciplinary actions, from contraband possession to drug use. Recently, she was penalized for speaking with a documentary filmmaker, suggesting she might be profiting from her crime. Despite these setbacks, Smith maintains she was not in her right mind when she committed the act.

Now, Smith is eligible for parole, and the board will hear her case. The chances of her release are slim, with only about 8% of violent offenders typically granted parole. Public opinion is largely against her, with just six out of 471 letters supporting her release. Her ex-husband and the lead prosecutor plan to oppose her parole.

If released, Smith would have to meet certain conditions, like finding a job and a place to live. If denied, she can try again in two years. The question remains: Can society accept her back, and is she truly ready to reintegrate after three decades behind bars?

SUSAN SMITH

Susan Smith's Parole Hearing: A 30-Year Journey

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