A Murderous Mother: The Case Of Susan Smith

For nine days, Susan Smith spoke to reporters, pleading for the safe return of her two sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander. On October 25th, 1994, she alleged that an African American man carjacked her at gunpoint and kidnapped her children. However, on November 3rd, 1994, Susan’s car was retrieved from a lake, along with the bodies of her young sons. That day, Susan revealed her story was a lie, and that she was the killer for whom the community searched.

State Representative Tommy Pope was the 16th Circuit Solicitor in South Carolina and prosecuted the Susan Smith case. He discusses his work on the high-profile trial and reflects on her conviction 30 years later.

Tommy Pope currently serves as the Speaker Pro Tempore in the South Carolina House of Representatives and serves as a South Carolina House Member from the 47th District. In 2008, he was awarded South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto.