On October 25, 1994, a South Carolina mother’s frantic cries launched a nationwide hunt for two missing boys — but what began as a desperate plea soon became a shockingly unraveling lie. In this episode of In Time Crime, I Robin Bagayoko will guide listeners through Susan Smith’s troubled past, a failing marriage, and the fateful night that turned a family’s life to ruin.

With measured compassion for the victims and a hard look at the deception that gripped a community, this episode reconstructs the investigation, the confession that changed everything, and the aching aftermath that still raises questions about grief, guilt, and accountability.

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Music by- Jeremy Blake

Sources:

• The State — Susan Smith: How the Crime Unfolded A detailed timeline of the case, including Susan's relationship with Tom Findlay, the nine-day investigation, her confession, and the trial. Read Article
• The Washington Post — Woman Held in Sons' Deaths Details Abuse (1995) Covers Susan's troubled childhood, allegations of sexual abuse by her stepfather, and family court records. Read Article
• ABC News — Revisiting Susan Smith's 1994 Case Explores the disappearance, inconsistencies investigators discovered, and the confession. Read Article
• The Washington Post — South Carolina Mother Arrested in Sons' Deaths (November 1994) Original reporting about the discovery of the boys and Susan's arrest. Read Article
• Los Angeles Times — Susan Smith Asked for Gun, Confessed, Sheriff Testifies (July 1995) Covers Sheriff Howard Wells' courtroom testimony about how Susan eventually confessed. Read Article
• Los Angeles Times — State Rests in Smith Trial; Defense Opens (July 1995) Details testimony about Susan's emotional state, childhood experiences, relationships, and defense arguments. Read Article
• Associated Press — Smith Spared Death Penalty (July 29, 1995) Explains the jury's decision to sentence Susan to life imprisonment rather than death. Read Article
• The Washington Post — 1994 Murders of Two Boys Still Trouble South Carolina Town (2004) Examines the lasting impact of the murders on the community and the victims' families. Read Article
• Associated Press / PBS News — Susan Smith Denied Parole (November 2024) Covers Susan's first parole hearing, David Smith's opposition to her release, and the board's unanimous decision. Read Article
• The State — Susan Smith Applies for Parole Again (April 2026) Reports on her second parole application and the hearing scheduled for November 19, 2026. Read Article