“Return to the Lake”: Dateline Reports on Susan Smith February 14 2025
This Friday, February 14, 2025, Dateline NBC will air “Return to the Lake”, an investigative episode revisiting the tragic case of Susan Smith, the South Carolina woman who drowned her two young sons in 1994. Now, three decades later, Smith’s first parole hearing has reignited public interest in one of the most notorious criminal cases in modern U.S. history.
The episode will feature exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and never-before-seen details, shedding light on Smith’s life behind bars, her recent plea for parole, and the lasting impact of the crime on the victims’ family and the community.
Contents
The Crime That Shocked the Nation
On October 25, 1994, Susan Smith reported a horrifying crime to police: a carjacking at gunpoint by an unidentified Black man who had taken off with her two young sons, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, still strapped in their car seats. Her tearful pleas for their safe return captivated the nation, sparking a massive search operation across South Carolina.
For nine days, authorities and volunteers combed through surrounding areas while Smith made public appeals, appearing devastated. However, inconsistencies in her account raised suspicion, and on November 3, 1994, she confessed. Smith admitted that there was no carjacker. Instead, she had driven to John D. Long Lake, let her car roll into the water, and left her children to drown.
Motive and Investigation
Investigators quickly discovered that Smith’s motive stemmed from a failed relationship. Just days before the crime, Tom Findlay, a man she was romantically involved with, had sent her a letter ending their relationship. Findlay, the son of a wealthy textile executive, made it clear that he was not interested in having children. Authorities believe that Smith, desperate to maintain the relationship, saw her sons as obstacles and eliminated them to try and rekindle it.
Smith’s story unraveled under scrutiny. A polygraph test revealed deception, and forensic analysis showed that her version of events was impossible. A crucial mistake in her account involved a traffic signal—she claimed to have been stopped at a red light when the carjacking happened, but the light in question would not have turned red unless another car had been present at the intersection, which there was not. When confronted with the inconsistencies, Smith broke down and confessed.
Trial and Sentencing
Susan Smith’s trial took place in 1995, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty. The defense, led by attorneys David Bruck and Judy Clarke, argued that Smith suffered from severe depression, stemming from a history of trauma, including childhood sexual abuse by her stepfather. They presented evidence that she had previously attempted suicide and that she was in a state of emotional distress when she killed her sons.
The jury deliberated for only two and a half hours before convicting Smith of two counts of murder. During the penalty phase, prosecutors urged for capital punishment, emphasizing the calculated nature of the crime. However, the jury ultimately sentenced her to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. She was spared the death penalty due to the defense’s argument that her mental state impaired her judgment.
Life Behind Bars and Parole Hearing
Smith has served her sentence at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina. Over the years, her time in prison has been marked by controversy. In 2000, two correctional officers were convicted for having sexual relationships with her, leading to disciplinary action and her transfer to a different facility. Reports have also surfaced about behavioral infractions during her incarceration.
On November 20, 2024, Smith became eligible for parole. In her first parole hearing in early 2025, she expressed remorse, stating, “I know that what I did was horrible, and I would give anything if I could go back and change it.” She also claimed that she had turned to religion and sought forgiveness. However, her ex-husband, David Smith, strongly opposed her release. Holding a photo of their sons, he testified before the parole board, asserting, “This wasn’t a tragic mistake. She purposely meant to end their life. Thirty years is just not enough.”
The parole board received 360 letters regarding Smith’s application, with only six supporting her release. After hearing the testimonies, the seven-member board unanimously denied her parole, ensuring that she will remain in prison. She will not be eligible for parole again for another two years.
The Lasting Impact of the Case
The murder of Michael and Alexander Smith left a deep scar on their family and community. David Smith, who has since remarried and had more children, has spent years advocating for justice and ensuring that Susan Smith remains behind bars. Their half-sister, Savannah Smith, also spoke at the hearing, stating, “Growing up, I didn’t understand what happened. But when I finally did, it felt like I had witnessed it. She stole my brothers from me.”
Beyond the immediate family, the case had a broader cultural impact. Smith’s false claim about a Black man abducting her children played into harmful racial stereotypes and led to widespread outrage. Many believe this aspect of the case underscores systemic issues in the criminal justice system, where such false accusations have historically had severe consequences for innocent Black men.
Dateline’s Return to the Case
Dateline NBC’s “Return to the Lake” will provide a comprehensive re-examination of this tragic case. With new interviews and expert insights, the episode will explore the emotional and psychological toll on everyone involved. The program will also discuss Smith’s time in prison, the legal proceedings of her parole hearing, and what the future holds for her.
As one of the most infamous cases of maternal murder in U.S. history, Susan Smith’s story remains a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked mental health issues, toxic relationships, and the ultimate betrayal—a mother taking the lives of her own children.
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