History of Susan Smith in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 22, 2024

Susan Smith, an American woman, was convicted in 1994 for the murders of her two young sons, three-year-old Michael and fourteen-month-old Alexander. Smith initially claimed that a Black man had carjacked her and kidnapped her children. However, after a nine-day search that captivated national attention, she confessed to deliberately drowning her sons by letting her car roll into John Lake in Union, South Carolina. Her motive, as revealed during the trial, stemmed from a desire to pursue a romantic relationship with a man who did not want children. Smith's case became notorious for its tragic nature, the media frenzy it generated, and the racial implications of her initial false accusations. She was sentenced to life in prison and is eligible for parole in 2024.

September 26, 1971: Birth of Susan Smith

Susan Leigh Vaughan (later Susan Smith) was born on September 26, 1971.

1989: High School Graduation and Suicide Attempt

Susan Smith graduated high school in 1989 and subsequently made a second suicide attempt after a relationship with a married man ended.

October 25, 1994: False Carjacking Report

On October 25, 1994, Susan Smith falsely reported to police that her vehicle had been carjacked with her sons inside.

November 3, 1994: Confession to Murders

On November 3, 1994, Susan Smith confessed to drowning her sons in John D. Long Lake.

1994: Murder of Sons

In 1994, Susan Smith drowned her two sons, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, in a South Carolina lake.

1995: Trial and Sentencing

In 1995, Susan Smith was convicted of murdering her two sons and sentenced to life in prison.

1995: Songs Inspired by the Case

In 1995, several songs were released that were inspired by the Susan Smith case, including Blind Melon's "Car Seat (God's Presents)" and others.

2000: Incident with Correctional Officers

In 2000, two correctional officers were charged with having sex with Susan Smith, leading to her transfer to another prison.

2002: Appearance in Bowling for Columbine

Archival footage of Susan Smith appeared briefly in the 2002 film Bowling for Columbine.

2004: Reference in NCIS Episode

In 2004, the Susan Smith case was referenced in an episode of the television show NCIS.

2005: Mugshot in Criminal Minds Intro

Susan Smith's mugshot appeared in the intro of the television show Criminal Minds, which started airing in 2005.

2006: Film Resemblance

The plot of the 2006 film Freedomland bears a close resemblance to the Susan Smith case.

2020: End of Criminal Minds Run

Criminal Minds, which featured Smith's mugshot in its intro, ended its run in 2020.

November 2024: Parole Eligibility

Susan Smith will be eligible for parole in November 2024.

November 20, 2024: Parole Eligibility Date

Susan Smith's first parole eligibility date is November 20, 2024.

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