The boat ramp is gone. They planned historic-home tours, an art exhibit, a barbecue cookoff, a log-rolling contest and live bands. She lied to police, conned her ex-husband and hood-winked the nation. The steady drip of revelation, each more damning than the last, seemed almost certain to lead to her execution. Idania Pena sent a letter from Miami: "In loving memory of two beautiful creatures that perished in the hands of the person they most trusted: their own mother. That poor. Even in the face of all the facts, David seemed to have some compassion for Susan. But after that, Susan was severely punished for exposing what was described by her mother as family conflicts. Appearances seemed to matter more than her daughters well-being. She is currently based at the Leath Correctional Institution near Greenwood, South Carolina. "Everything I had planned on, my life with my kids, was gone. After Smith confessed, hundreds came to stand on the ramp, pray over that ground, throw flowers on the quiet surface of the lake and, later, touch the smooth granite monuments erected by the waterside. On the other hand, he sounds quite narcissistic and preachy in his Dear John letter, and he isnt even attractive. Susan Smith has been returned to her tiny cell at the Women's Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C. She has no personal possessions, no contact with other inmates and she wears only paper gowns--a precaution against suicide, because real clothes can be turned into nooses. It was as if Bev had acquired the right to do whatever he wanted. After the sentence, Bruck refused to gloat. Early this year, the state moved the monuments 50 yards from the water, to the wooded edge of the access road. That man, Tom Findlay, took the stand and read a letter he had written to Smith breaking off their relationship. Susan, I value our friendship very much. Susan Leigh Smith (ne Vaughan; born September 26, 1971) is an American woman who was convicted of murdering her two sons, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, in 1994 by drowning them in a South Carolina lake. After initially standing by Susans side until he learned the truth and then grieving over the small caskets of his boys at their funeral while Susanwas in jail, it now appears David has been able to move on. The psychiatric view was that Smith is a uniquely fragile person who had concealed her emotional conflicts for years. THE BOYFRIEND'S STORY. By September she was dating Tom Findlay again and planning their future together. Is Every Duggar Ridiculously Messy? At the time, Tom didnt know, but she had sex with David; her stepfather, Bev Russell; and also her boss, who was Toms father. HLNTV The two had always proved to be good parents. But like I have told you before, there are some things about you that aren't suited for me, and yes, I am speaking about your children. He really got a bad rap out of all of this even though, IMHO, he had no contribution to the situation. Tom Findlay, 28, is a graphic designer who works in his father's firm. The report says Linda later asked Beverly about Susan's story "and he didn't deny that it had happened. Findlay said he had begun seeing Smith again last September after she assured him that she was in the process of divorcing her husband, a 24-year-old produce worker at the local Winn-Dixie. . Tom Findlay's letter, as gentle as it tried to be, had brought Susan Smith in direct and brutal contact with her own lies, deceit, narcissism, and lust. She flirted with another man, and Tom, to judge by the Dear Jane letter he sent her two days later, was at least somewhat offended. It was only last week that the true, terrible scope of Smith's dismal world came clear. At the time David was engaged to another woman and broke it off to be with Susan. David has stated that he will attend all parole hearings to try to keep Susan Smith in prison for the rest of her life. With the promotion came a new life for Susan. Smith ended her young boys lives by letting her 1990 Mazda roll into a South Carolina lake with both 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander strapped into their car seats. Later that evening, she called her friend who she knew was having dinner with Tom and friends. At this time Susan was having sex with at least three men. She seemed to be unhappy with her pregnancy, complaining almost all the time about her condition. Despite the family turmoil, the child was long-awaited and loved. 'Octomom' Nadya Suleman Is a Proud Mom of 14: See Her Kids Today! Although prosecutors sought the death penalty, Susan was sentenced to life in prison. In July 1995, Smith was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years, which is around the corner in November 2024. Smith's natural father committed suicide when she was 6. Actually, I am very thankful. When she went on to say she had been riding around in the car singing with her sons, Caldwell said he interrupted and reminded her she earlier had described the boys as fussy that day. ``It is 11:50 p.m. and I am getting very sleepy. ``Thank you for being there for me through all the rough times. The first step is to understand the causes of climate change and how we can reduce our impact on the environment. He said she slammed her hand down on the table, uttered a profanity and said, " I can't believe you think that!' According to sources close to the case, Susan has said she became jealous when Tom began necking with another woman. Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for Timothy McVeigh if he is convicted of the bombing in Oklahoma City? also pleaded guilty to having sex with Smith and was sentenced to five years probation. In May 1991, the stress of losing a child was too much for Davids parents. You will without a doubt make some lucky man a great wife. The letter gave reasons justifying the end of the relationship. She is currently based at the Leath Correctional Institution near Greenwood, South Carolina. Their last meetings came on Oct. 25 at the Conso plant. A married man older than her who was an employee at the same store; another younger co-worker; and Bev, her stepfather. And sometimes when her 5-year-old grandson says his prayers, he still says God bless Michael and Alex. ", But the letters, both friendly in tone, did not reveal what witnesses described as Smith's growing anxiety or her ploys for attention from Findlay, who said she gratefully described his "Dear Susan" missive as "the sweetest letter she'd ever gotten.". But I am very thankful that there are people like you who are not so selfish as I am, and dont mind bearing the responsibility of children. Susan Smith called the police saying that she had her car stolen by a black man who kidnapped her two young children. Buildings don't tell the whole story, that Susan Smith did not simply wake up one day and decide to kill her children, that it was a lot more complicated than that. She goes to Tom and reveals that she has been having sex with her stepfather since she was 16. In March 1992, the couple separates, and they try to save their marriage between comings and goings during the next seven months. Susan Smith murdered her young sons in 1994. Thank you for this well written article. ``Friends Forever, (two heart-shaped designs). She served a pizza dinner to Michael, 3, and Alex, 14 months, and tenderly strapped them into their car seats. I mean, one minute you were a kid, and the next minute you were having kids. Fox Carolina ``Even though you think we have much in common, we are vastly different. In 1994, Smith strapped her two sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex, into their car seats and pushed the vehicle into a lake. The divers found the car upside down, with the children hanging on to their seats. However, when he began to learn more details of the story, he came to his senses. He is known to some local young women as "The Catch.". Patrick is in there. Tom Findlay, get over yourself..youre really not all that attractive anyway. By the late summer of 1994, Susan told the defense's psychiatrists, she was sexually involved with four different men--Bey Russell, David Smith, Tom Findlay and Tom's father, Cary. I was a good mother, and I loved my boys. By October 1994, Susan had already signed divorce papers with David. But they also said she suffered from a mental illness that could have affected her behavior, and one of the shrinks, Dr. Donald Morgan, startled the court by warning that Smith was clearly suicidal and might sabotage her own defense. In a last effort to control Toms feelings, she asked her friend to watch the children while she went to Toms office to tell him that everything she had said was nothing but a big lie. You will, without a doubt, make some lucky man a great wife. However, although she was sentenced to life in prison, she is up for parole in 2024. THE NEWSWEEK POLL (c) 1995 BY NEWSWEEK, INC. One of the most intriguing parts of this story was Lindas conduct in the face of abuse. The solution for the moment seemed to be to buy a house, where everything would be different. A guardrail now barricades the parking lot. "If they'd asked me, I'd have said drain the lake, shut the place down," says Cathy Allen, a Union teacher. It is the story of a woman who, to judge by the evidence ofher life, succumbed to her own molestation as a teenager and grew up to become a promiscuous, sexually exploitive adult. As he told it, he and Susan became lovers in early 1994. However, nine days later, she admitted that she had pushed the car into Lake John D. Long, drowning her sons, Michael, 3, and Alexander, 14 months, who were strapped into the car seats. In. During one of their separations, Susan began having a relationship with Tom Findlay, who was known as one of the most eligible bachelors in Union. Her sexual activity in prison was discovered after she contracted a sexually transmitted disease. premieres Friday, June 4, at 10 p.m. on Lifetime. Nothing--not Smith's sad history or blighted hopes, nor any kind of victim chic-can explain that act away. Susan felt indebted to her mother and allowed her to dictate the rules. On October 25, 1994, the Union native, who was 23 years old at the time, called the police and claimed an armed black man stole her car and drove off with her two sons inside. The mom of two made headlines at the time of the news due to her shocking motive and she has since been behaving herself behind bars, which means she could soon be a free woman. "Really, I think this is an example of how little this situation is on the minds of people who live here. Citizens support the death penalty in general, but frequently refuse to apply it when, as in the Smith case, they are confronted with a face, a name and human frailties that, however lurid, bear at least some resemblance to their own. You are a very special person and that is part of why making love to you is so wonderful. He broke it off sometime in March, Findlay said, after David Smith caught them talking on the phone and angrily warned him to stay away from Susan. My heart breaks for what I've done to you, for your pain and for your loss. Nearly 30 years after her conviction, Smith's cellmate is speaking out and . I will always treasure our friendship and all of the many wonderful memories we have made. TRUE CRIME - CURRENT TRIALS, OLD or COLD CASES, Harvest Delicious Red Tomatoes with Red Rocket in Hot Climates South of Memphis, Tomatoes are a popular and versatile crop that can be grown in many climates, but it is important to choose the right variety for your climate. Smith claims that she wanted to be serious with Findlay, but he said he didn't want children. The jury found otherwise -- a tacit recognition that the core issue was whether Smith was mentally ill. South Carolina's definition of insanity is one of the most restrictive in the nation: it did not permit Smith to plead not guilty by reason of insanity or, more plausibly, temporary, insanity. She soon became pregnant and they decided to get married. The following year, prison captain. (The divorce was granted after her arrest. In fact, I think you should do just that. She reddened slightly and stared back at him. In late October and early November 1994, the town of Union, S.C., ceased to be just another speck on the map. You are a true friend. The justice system imposes the death penalty far more often than it actually delivers it (page 24). These feelings may change one day, but I doubt it. This is "a difficult letter to write because I know how much you think of me . Tom, meanwhile, was trying to figure out how he would end his relationship with Susan. October 10, 1991 was a happy day. Caso Criminal 2023 - All rights reserved. Find the editorial stock photo of Findlay Tom Findlay Center Former Boyfriend, and more photos in the Shutterstock collection of editorial photography. But unfortunately, it wont be me. In the past nine years, Smith has been disciplined at least five times, including self-mutilation and the use and possession of narcotics or marijuana. All Rights Reserved. People.com He told her he felt like some kind of pervert when it happened." "He that is without sin among you," Bruck said, "let him first cast a stone at her. I remembered how I hurt Laura, and I wont let that happen again; and therefore, I cant let myself get close to you. She claimed that she did not see any other cars on the road, but the light turned red. Since she said there were no other cars on the road, there was no reason for her to see the red light. The Barnes family of Maple Shade, N.J., sent an arrangement of carnations and daisies. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. From extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and wildfires to the melting of polar ice caps and rising sea levels, it's clear that our planet is in trouble. Many sent her flowers after the trial. Copyright 2023 | We Support Phalanx Family Services & St Agatha Catholic Church, Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Powered by Frackle Media, Taylor Swift Reveals Lyrics and Their Meanings to Jimmy Kimmel [Video], Horror Movie Villains That Became Halloween Traditions, An Important Message, and a Warning to My Christian Friends, http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0, http://www.abcnews4.com/story/26887424/a-look-back-the-susan-smith-case, http://www.thomasandrewart.com/KathyKemparticle.html, It Is Unfair to Blame the Right Wing for All the Violence in America, Abortions Will Not Cease Women Will Continue to Fight for Equality, Why Republicans Cant Be Trusted to Do the Right Thing: Undeniable Fascism. ``But dont be discouraged. I can't get my head around it either! Brown or any other married man for that matter, you will lose your self-respect. In the years since the murders, Davidhas switchedto a career as a commercial truck driver, moved 25 miles away from Union to the town of Moore, S.C., married Tiffany in 2003 and became the father to a girl and a boy, Savannah and Nicolas. Nov 01, 2008 #1 28 year old Tom Findlay had no idea when he began a relationship with Susan Smith, who worked within his father's company, that his name would be irrevocably linked with a tragedy that horrified the state, the nation, and many around the world. The bottom line is: Im glad we are friends and if that is all we can be, then we will just have to do a hell of a job of being that. I could never express in words how much you mean to me. I want you to know that I have never felt with anyone, the way I feel when I'm with you. Thank you for the info. Michael was born in 1991, Alex followed in 1993 and Susan gave every appearance of being a doting mother. Whether you are using plastic or fabric containers, Earthboxes, or even old buttercream buckets, there are a few important things to consider before planting. Linda Russell told a social worker that Susan told her "Bev was sitting in the chair watching TV and Susan got in his lap and went to sleep." Brown (reportedly friend Benjy Brown), of course you have to make your own decisions in life, but remember you have to live with the consequences also. She was later promoted to the executive secretary position, as she was dating Tom Findlay, the son of her boss. As deeply depressed as she was that Tom had ended their relationship, she was still sexually involved with David - and with her step-father, Bev Russell. I could never express in words how much you mean to me. The jury took less than 3 hours to return a guilty verdict on two charges of murder. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Susan Smiths childhood was disturbing. Despite the comings and goings of their marriage, they were always present in the upbringing and education of their children. Current Mayor Harold Thompson said while it is something the people of Union try to forget, its a part of history now., ABC News Watched part of youtube video on this horrific death of this young girl. Brackett, who is still something of a spokesman for Union's black community. During this period, Susan had a relationship with a former co-worker, which only made the situation worse. Union lost its anonymity the moment a local secretary named Susan Smith claimed a black man had hijacked her Mazda and driven off with her two little boys. Take an eye for an eye, prosecutor Tommy Pope urged the jury. 90 Day Fiance's Hamza's Green Card Status 'Battle' Amid Memphis Divorce, '90 Day Fiance' Star Memphis Smith Alleges Hamza Moknii Was 'Abusive', 90 Day's Hamza Requested Paternity Test for Daughter Amid Memphis Split. ``I do hope that we will be able to date some and be together again someday, but if we never made love again, my feelings for you would not change because having you as my friend is worth more than sex could ever be worth. The water, to the executive secretary position, as she was 6 in words how much you mean me. Letter gave reasons justifying the end of the relationship and Bev, her.. Her he felt like some kind of victim tom findlay susan smith explain that act away attend all parole hearings try! Certain to lead to her execution, which only made the situation.... When she was 6 been having sex with Smith and was sentenced to years! 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