She keeps business cards of reporters she may never see again. All the time, people bring them gifts. "Really, I think this is an example of how little this situation is on the minds of people who live here. For court records, I would make a request to Union County if you cant find them online. Tom Findlay, who was 27 at the time of the boys' deaths and who had an affair with her while she was separated from her husband, said in . On one hand, I feel sorry for the guy because he got wrapped in this mess when he clearly stated he wanted nothing to do with the girl. In a day filled with dramatic testimony, Smith sat blank-faced as witnesses took the stand and painted a conflicting portrait of the 23-year-old defendant as a vixenish adulteress, a lovesick secretary, an abused child, a frightened wife, a skillful liar and a doting mother. . I do. She goes to Tom and reveals that she has been having sex with her stepfather since she was 16. On October 25, 1994, a then 23-year-old married mother of two sons, Susan Smith of Union, South Carolina, rolled her car into John D. Long Lake with her boys strapped inside, drowning them. They were from Union County, so the community not only grieved again, but wondered what it had done to deserve so much pain. The psychiatric view was that Smith is a uniquely fragile person who had concealed her emotional conflicts for years. It was October 25, 1994, Susan was at work. At the trial, he took partial responsibility for what Susan did to her children, saying it was his fault for utterly failing Susan. When a place has been forced to defend itself before the eyes of the world, there is no road map for recovery. . In 2019, 25 years after the incident, PEOPLE obtained records. If you want to catch a nice guy like me one day, you have to act like a nice girl. "He's got my babies," Smith said. Susanslover Tom Findlaydoes not appear to have an online presence now. The jury took less than 3 hours to return a guilty verdict on two charges of murder. In 1994, Susan sued for divorce, alleging infidelity, and David later counter-sued, also alleging infidelity. They still credit him for containing a potentially volatile racial divide by refusing to detain the many black men who might have fit Smith's description of her hijacker. According to sources close to the case, Susan has said she became jealous when Tom began necking with another woman. Findlay senior owns a company called Conso Inc., which makes interior-decorating products; he is among the wealthiest Union County residents. The letter about the reasons for the breakup, written by Tom, was also inside the car. Even before Susans confession, investigators already suspected her. The divorce apparently led her millworker father, Harry Vaughan, to commit suicide one month later, an event that may have helped create the emotional vacuum that has haunted her ever since. As you can imagine, the sexual abuse continued and this time with more frequency. Over the next several days, Findlay testified, they had a series of highly emotional conversations. ``Susan, I could really fall for you. He relocated to another city and runs an art business using his first and middle name. Susan asked Sheriff Wells to pray with her, and then she began to cry and say how ashamed she felt for what she had done. Nothing--not Smith's sad history or blighted hopes, nor any kind of victim chic-can explain that act away. You are a very special person and that is part of why making love to you is so wonderful. 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. ", Findlay went on to write: "Susan, I could really fall for you. Even in the face of all the facts, David seemed to have some compassion for Susan. It was as if Bev had acquired the right to do whatever he wanted. The fruit typically ranges from 8 to 10 ounces and is smooth with no blemishes or cracks. . Im just going to live one day at a time. "Every time we think it's all behind us, it comes up again," says June Miller, Union County's longtime clerk of court. He is known to some local young women as "The Catch.". Im sure that your kids are good kids, but it really wouldnt matter how good they may be the fact is, I just dont want children. "I didn't know what to do," he said. And Susan Smith thought she had him hooked. In June 1993 he started dating a co-worker. Whether you are using plastic or fabric containers, Earthboxes, or even old buttercream buckets, there are a few important things to consider before planting. This year, I am considering a few varieties for graft, Take Action Now: How You Can Fight Climate Change and Protect Our Environment, The Effects of Climate Change on Our Environment David passed, but Susans results were inconclusive. Source: http://www.thomasandrewart.com/KathyKemparticle.html. Every day, driving home from work, she crosses the fateful intersection where Smith had claimed she lost her children; every time, Allen remembers. 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. Susan Smith's attorney, David Bruck, summed up the case as bad for all, calling it "an awful human tragedy." Join the world's news leader for an in-depth multimedia look at the top news stories of 1995. . Since she said there were no other cars on the road, there was no reason for her to see the red light. But unfortunately, it won't be me. Employees of Winn-Dixie, the grocery store where David Smith worked, paid for it as a lasting tribute. 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. The idea that she would kill her . In fact, its probably someone that you may not know at this time or that you may know, but would never expect. Initially, Smith told authorities a black man had carjacked her and kidnapped the boys. Pastors who together counseled the inconsolable community became close friends. The following year, prison captain Alfred Rowe also pleaded guilty to having sex with Smith and was sentenced to five years probation. http://www.abcnews4.com/story/26887424/a-look-back-the-susan-smith-case. During the marriage, Smith had several affairs, and in August, 1993, after the birth of her second son, she hooked up with her wealthy boss, Tom Findlay. He told her he felt like some kind of pervert when it happened." Williams said Smith came to her in tears that afternoon and asked to go home early. So is Sheriff Howard Wells, whose office wall is crowded with photographs and certificates of gratitude, not only for his integrity, but for coming across on camera as a noble representative of Union and South Carolina. ", The urge to kill in the name of justice poses infernally tricky issues-and the outcome in the Smith case may be the clearest evidence yet of America's persistent ambivalence about capital punishment. Tom Findlay is the son of Cary Findlay, president of the company. ``Again, you will always have my friendship. I can't get my head around it either! Smith's natural father committed suicide when she was 6. Russell has not attended the trial but may be called as a witness. I know I did when we were messing around earlier this year. These feelings may change one day, but I doubt it. . 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. I want you to know that I have never felt with anyone, the way I feel when I'm with you. Americans seem guilty of vast hypocrisy. ", Findlay delivered his response to Smith at work the next day, writing: "You are intelligent, beautiful, sensitive, understanding and possess many other wonderful qualities that I and many other men appreciate. ``Anyhow, as I have already told you, you are a very special person. He said her family history was just "the abuse excuse.". Smith's mother and stepfather are still around. The sheriff wanted to find the bodies first, and then call David to tell him the truth. Later that evening, she called her friend who she knew was having dinner with Tom and friends. Susan Smith called the police saying that she had her car stolen by a black man who kidnapped her two young children. . She seemed to be unhappy with her pregnancy, complaining almost all the time about her condition. Despite Davids protests, Susan Smith was spared the death sentence and received a 30-year prison sentence. Michael and Alex Smith were buried together in the same casket in the Bogansville United Methodist Church cemetery on November 6, 1994, next to the grave of Davids brother and the childrens uncle, Danny Smith. Current Mayor Harold Thompson said while it is something the people of Union try to forget, its a part of history now., ABC News Final testimony for the prosecution includes a tearful David Smith saying, 'All my hopes and dreams, everything that I had planned for the rest of my life-it ended that day. Since that day twenty years ago, the town of Union, S.C. has also moved on. They contacted two of the nation's largest newspapers, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal, to suggest a news item. " Crime.About.com a formidably shrewd 46-year-old lawyer who is deeply opposed to the death penalty. Is Every Duggar Ridiculously Messy? She also had dramatic moments of deep sobbing, but remained dry-eyed and tearless. . ``I know how you feel about our relationship and I respect that. premieres Friday, June 4, at 10 p.m. on Lifetime. 1000s of new photos added daily. . Smith was separated from her now-ex-husband, and started dating Tom Findlay, whose father owned the mill she worked at. "Fussy or singing, fussy or happy, which one is it? Susan had been a sad and introspective child. In May 1991, the stress of losing a child was too much for Davids parents. When Susan Smith's ex-boyfriend Tom Findlay climbed onto the witness stand Wednesday afternoon, he glanced quickly at her and smiled kindly. Beverly Bev Russell, a successful local businessman. During his ex-wifes trial, he visited her once in jail to get answers as to why she did what she did but got nothing. I was not myself, she wrote in a letter to, in 2015. TUESDAY, Oct. 18, 1994 _ Susan Smith's boyfriend, Tom Findlay, breaks off their relationship saying he doesn't want the responsibility of children. The two had always proved to be good parents. You will without a doubt make some lucky man a great wife. Hours later, a co-worker called to ask if he had heard the news about Susan-- and Findlay's first thought was, "Oh my God, she's killed herself. A guardrail now barricades the parking lot. But on Oct. 16, Findlay testified, Smith acknowledged she was not even separated from her husband. I am compiling information about sexual misconduct in the US correctional system for a research paper and would like to include the facts of that case, if those facts are available for review. Something went wrong and their Suburban rolled into the lake. Anyhow, my advice to you is to wait and be very choosy about your next relationship. I was a good mother, and I loved my boys. On the weekend of Oct. 15, Tom invited Susan to his father's estate for a hot-tub party. He said she slammed her hand down on the table, uttered a profanity and said, " I can't believe you think that!' Susan Smith's crimes landed her a life sentence WYFF News 4/YouTube After Susan Smith and her ex-husband David separated for the final time around 1994, the young woman soon entered what in. ", Smith cried and hugged Bruck when the verdict was announced. Findlay, balding early, is nice-looking if not quite a hunk; he allegedly told investigators that he considered himself "a ladies' man" whose mission in life was "servicing these women." While being treated in the hospital, she admitted that she had already attempted suicide when she was thirteen. She was two months pregnant--the child was David's-when they were married on March 15, 1991. 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. In his Dear John letter, he was honest with the girl and told her they would never be together although I did think he sounds like a total D-bag (re: ..maybe somebay youll meet a nice guy like me. Whatever!). A woman named Shirley Crask left a pot of mums. "She said, 'I'm going to give you this; I may not see you again'," Findlay recalled. Findlay ended their relationship one week before Smith reported the children missing and he later gave investigators a copy of the letter in which he explained his feelings. Susan and Tom began dating in January 1994, however, Susan and David got back together in the spring. "There is no good outcome in this case," he said. (Cary Findlay has denied any involvement with Smith.) "There will always be something to remind each of us that such a thing happened here," she says. Susan may say that she wouldnt care (copy unintelligible) husband had an affair, but you and I know, that is not true. Then she drove out to John D. Long Lake and let her maroon Mazda Protege roll into the reddish-brown water. ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT Whether Smith is granted parole remains to be seen as she has not exactly been a model prisoner afterbeing found guilty of sexual misconduct in 2000with two prison guards. The case appeared tailor made for an ambitious young prosecutor like Tommy Pope, who rejected repeated suggestions that he let Smith plead guilty in return for life in prison. At the time, Tom didnt know, but she had sex with David; her stepfather, Bev Russell; and also her boss, who was Toms father. Caldwell said. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? Smith claims that she wanted to be serious with Findlay, but he said he didn't want children. It takes 60 days for Red Rocket tomatoes to reach maturit, Rootstock Selection for Short Season Tomatoes: What to Consider and Recommended Varieties, Rootstock selection is an important part of successful tomato production, especially in short seasons. Other key figures in the case have gone on to both fame and failure. People.com "I had a bad day," he said Smith replied. "Everything I had planned on, my life with my kids, was gone. TOM FINDLAY'S TESTIMONY: Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for Timothy McVeigh if he is convicted of the bombing in Oklahoma City? The highway sign simply reads John D. Long Lake. Susans thenhusband David Smith is nowremarried and a father again. Name: Susan Vaughan Smith D.O.B: September 26, 1971 Place of Birth: Union, South Carolina Parents: Linda & Harry Vaughan Conviction Date: July 22, 1995 Sentence: LIFE . Tom Findlay testified as a prosecution witness at the trial-for in the prosecution's view, he was the real reason Susan killed her boys. They argued there was no evidence, as the defense claimed, that Smith had driven to the lake to commit suicide. Beverly Russell, a leader of the Christian Coalition at one time, and Linda Russell split up before the trial. Smith claims a black carjacker stole her Mazda with the two children inside and helps police create a sketch of the suspect. My heart breaks for what I've done to you, for your pain and for your loss. Brackett is grateful for the fellowship that grew from the Smith case. They courted Walt Disney, which is building a catalog distribution warehouse in Union County; more than 300 people will get jobs. Tom Findlay, 28, is a graphic designer who works in his father's firm. 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. The married man broke off their extramarital relationship and her reaction to the breakup was to attempt suicide by taking painkillers. The prosecution's main weapon was tear-drenched testimony from a vengeful David Smith, who accepted a box of tissues from Judge William Howard. Tom, meanwhile, was trying to figure out how he would end his relationship with Susan. However, some feel it will never be forgotten. And a nation that has heard the squalid evidence about Smith's liaisons with four different men, including her own stepfather, voted 63 percent to 28 percent in a NEWSWEEK survey that she should have been put to death. In her confession, she stated that she wanted to die and was going to her mothers house, but she gave up. Sheriff Howard Wells took polygraph tests on David and Susan. Bruck had it exactly right. Susan was already familiar with such a situation and she was able to comfort David in the following months. Findlay received a salary of $214,615 last year, according to company filings with the. The steady drip of revelation, each more damning than the last, seemed almost certain to lead to her execution. I told her the intimate part of our relationship would have to end. Actually, it "literally says" after 4 years he allowed her to leave, go shopping AND get a job. Prosecutor Tommy Pope went into private practice in 2006 and is now a Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. What got into Susan Smith's mind that night, only the devil knows. They eventually settled down in a brick starter home in Union. "If they'd asked me, I'd have said drain the lake, shut the place down," says Cathy Allen, a Union teacher. She was also sexually abused by her stepfather. And sometimes when her 5-year-old grandson says his prayers, he still says God bless Michael and Alex. Im appreciative of your honesty with me. ", It was not her loss alone. Susans biological father committed suicide when she wassix. 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. He rejected book deals and interviews and anything related to Susan, moved back to Alabama, where he grew up, and by all accounts is a successful artist. UNION, S.C., July 19 -- Susan Smith's former boyfriend testified Wednesday that one week before she drowned her children he told her in a letter that her sons made their relationship. Susan Smith, killed her two children to marry a rich man, Sophie Lionnet case, murder followed by incineration, William Bonin, raped and murdered of a minimum of 21 young men, Mirna Salihin, poisoned by her best friend, Lisa Irwin, the baby who disappeared in her sleep, Maria Korp, murdered by her husbands mistress, Sylvia Likens: tortured to death by Gertrude Baniszewski, Newlyweds missing case, unsolved disappearance in Busan, JonBent Ramsey: The unsolved mystery of her death, Takahiro Shiraishi, used Twitter to lure women to his home, Lynette Dawson, a podcast can help solve the case, Megan Kanka, child murdered by her neighbor, Candace Newmaker, killed during therapy session, Junko Furuta case: raped, tortured, held captive and brutally murdered, Gaia Molinari case, the Italian tourist killed in Jericoacoara, Sarah Payne, murdered while on vacation at her grandparents home, Skylar Neese, teenager murdered by her best friends, Tanya Kach, kidnapped and locked in a room for 10 years. And special thanks to my fellow true crime buffs in the True Crime Discussions group on FB, especially PAT! See the 'Counting On' Kids' Houses, Look How Much the Little Couple's Kids Will and Zoey Have Grown Up, Every Look From the Kardashian-Jenner Family at the 2021 Met Gala, Gabby Petito's Texts Show 'More and More Tension' With Brian Laundrie, 'Welcome to Plathville' Kim Plath's DUI Case Closed: Fine, More Details, Sister Wives Kody, Robyn Were With a Mystery Blonde: Identity Revealed, Megan Fox and MGK's Relationship Is 'Toxic': 'There Is Concern for Her', Farrah Abraham Slams Mom-Shamers Over Daughter Sophias Piercings, Jon Gosselin Is 'Open' With Kids Collin, Hannah About Their Dating Lives. Smith's lawyers said in opening statements there was "no single reason" why Smith killed her children and insisted they would not attempt to portray her as a victim or use the "abuse excuse," a reference to Russell's admitted molestation of Smith when she was 16. 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