Williams testified about a conversation with Susan Smith on Oct. 17, eight days before the murders: "I have a problem," Smith said. 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. "She proceeded to tell me she had had an affair with her stepfather and she told me she had a sexual relationship with my father . Watched part of youtube video on this horrific death of this young girl. Smith was separated from her now-ex-husband, and started dating. At the time David was engaged to another woman and broke it off to be with Susan. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Russell has not attended the trial but may be called as a witness. She was later promoted to the executive secretary position, as she was dating Tom Findlay, the son of her boss. Her father committed suicide when she was 7 years old. Susan may say that she wouldnt care (copy unintelligible) husband had an affair, but you and I know, that is not true. Union - isn't that where that woman drowned her babies? And your friendship is one that I will always look upon with sincere affection. Some are proud to belong to a community that refused to wither in the spotlight. Susan had a troubled childhood, which was plagued with suicide attempts and traumatizing events. After the first sentence, insert eyes rolling in parentheses. 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. Her confession of pushing the car into the lake began to come out. In Northern California, side grafting wasnt very successful either. ", Paul Patrick, a florist, says, "It was a real tragedy but I don't think anybody's still dwelling on it three years later. " Cladwell said Smith then began crying, said she wanted to go home, and stalked out, hollering in the hallway of the sheriff's office: "I just can't believe they think I did it.". Her descent began with the divorce of her parents in 1977, when Susan was 6 years old. Nothing--not Smith's sad history or blighted hopes, nor any kind of victim chic-can explain that act away. The RST series, Estamino, and Fortamino are all good choices for shorter growing seasons. Susans biological father committed suicide when she wassix. 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. 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. The children were hastily put in their car seats, nor were their shoes on. For nine days, she pleaded for the safe return of her babies while making appearances on television, only to have the true story later be revealed. Susanslover Tom Findlaydoes not appear to have an online presence now. ", No other details of the purported affair between Russell and Smith were disclosed, and defense attorney David Bruck underscored the revelation on cross-examination, asking, "She had had a relationship with her own stepfather, Bev Russell?". Russell signed a statement admitting his conduct and the family sought counseling-but Susan and her mother said they didn't want to prosecute. ', Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. On Oct. 18, Findlay wrote Smith, breaking off the relationship because he did "not want the responsibility of children." Over the next week,. 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. We met at Conso (the company Findlays father operates, where Ms. Smith also worked), and I fell for her like `a ton of bricks. Well, even though I fell enlove (sic) with Laura, I had my doubts about a long and lasting commitment, but I never said anything, and I eventually hurt her very, very deeply. . 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. . It was as if Bev had acquired the right to do whatever he wanted. We have been raised in two totally different environments, and therefore, think totally different. With the boys' at her side, Smith issues a national appeal for help. Susans ex, Tom Findlay, ironically went on to find happiness with a girlfriend and HER TWO KIDS! If you want to catch a nice guy like me one day, you have to act like a nice girl. This resulted in one of the most barbaric crimes that a human being can commit: killing her own children. 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. ``But our differences go far beyond the children issue. When it all came apart, she committed an act of savagery that defies understanding. Brackett is grateful for the fellowship that grew from the Smith case. . One of the most intriguing parts of this story was Lindas conduct in the face of abuse. We are the home of true crimeMade with in Brazil. In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. ", 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.". 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. But something was not right in their relationship, Susan was extremely materialistic and always borrowed money from her mother. She served a pizza dinner to Michael, 3, and Alex, 14 months, and tenderly strapped them into their car seats. 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. . Smith had stood by his estranged wife during her nine-day charade, and he said he first heard about her confession on television. Fox Carolina The solution for the moment seemed to be to buy a house, where everything would be different. premieres Friday, June 4, at 10 p.m. on Lifetime. At the age of 16 her stepfather started to molest her. Their last meetings came on Oct. 25 at the Conso plant. , filed for divorce in September 1994 and it was finalized in May 1995. Bev stayed away from the family for a few weeks, but after a few sessions of family counseling he returned to normal family life. When Susan Smith's ex-boyfriend Tom Findlay climbed onto the witness stand Wednesday afternoon, he glanced quickly at her and smiled kindly. ``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. These feelings may change one day, but I doubt it. Was she just a victim of the abuse she suffered, or a cold-hearted murderer of her two young children? And I dont want to be responsible for anyone elses (sic) children, either. Susan had asked if Tom had said anything about her, but he didnt say anything. After picking up her children from nursery, she stopped to chat with a friend in a parking lot and expressed her fears about Tom's reaction now that he knew she had slept with his father. 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. As a $17,000-a-year secretary to Cary Findlay, Smith worked for one of Union's wealthiest people. . Smith's relationship with Findlay, the son of a wealthy mill owner, has provided the prosecution with its motive for the murders of her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex. THE NEWSWEEK POLL (c) 1995 BY NEWSWEEK, INC. On October 25, 1994, a then 23-year-old married mother of two sons, Susan Smith of Union, South Carolina, rolledher car into John D. Long Lake with herboys strapped inside, drowningthem both. Smith and her husband, David Smith, filed for divorce in September 1994 and it was finalized in May 1995. Tom didnt even let Susan start talking. They were from Union County, so the community not only grieved again, but wondered what it had done to deserve so much pain. I mean, one minute you were a kid, and the next minute you were having kids. Williams asked again. Killing her sons was a horrifying act that bespeaks a personality crisis: at that moment, she must have been emotionally numb. Susan Smith and Tom Findlay; the boyfriend After breaking up with David, Susan started working as a bookkeeper at the largest employer in the area, Conso Products. Brown or any other married man for that matter, you will lose your self-respect. The familiar landmarks remain: the courthouse on Main Street, where Smith stood trial for her life; her small brick house on Toney Road (a nurse's aide now rents it from Smith's mother); Conso Products, the decorative-trim factory where Smith worked as a secretary. "She said, 'I'm going to give you this; I may not see you again'," Findlay recalled. Smith was separated from her now-ex-husband, and started dating Tom Findlay, whose father owned the mill she worked at. I could never express in words how much you mean to me. I remember this story well and its interesting to know how things have played out over the years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She is currently based at the Leath Correctional Institution near Greenwood, South Carolina. ``Again, you will always have my friendship. 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." She goes to Tom and reveals that she has been having sex with her stepfather since she was 16. 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. If Smith in fact was rational, why risk a police investigation? It was only last week that the true, terrible scope of Smith's dismal world came clear. 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!). These evil perverts should be castrated (preferably with a blunt knife). Because of her position, she became exposed to affluent people and how the wealthy lived. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Take an eye for an eye, prosecutor Tommy Pope urged the jury. And you know, nice girls dont sleep with married men. . Recently, someone gave them a toy truck, a tiny plastic horse, two pinwheels (one for each brother), a plaster angel kneeling in prayer, a $2 bouquet of supermarket flowers and miniature wind chimes, left to tinkle softly in the country graveyard. In Touch Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Both Smith and Findlay worked at Conso. Susan herself is now in prison after being found guilty of the murders of her children in July 1995. The fruit typically ranges from 8 to 10 ounces and is smooth with no blemishes or cracks. Actually, he is online. State police investigator David Caldwell testified that Smith was first accused of killing her sons just a day after they disappeared. Excerpts from a letter Susan Smith wrote to Tom Findlay on Oct. 17, and his reply, written the same day and given to her Oct. 18. "What's wrong?" Toms reaction was shock and he reiterated that the two would never have a sexual relationship again. Susan Smith Trial: 1995 Defendant: Susan SmithCrime Charged: MurderChief Defense Lawyers: David Bruck and Judy ClarkeChief Prosecutor: Tommy PopeJudge: . David Smith worked in the store as a produce clerk. "A passing love affair," Halleck called it. At the trial, he took partial responsibility for what Susan did to her children, saying it was his fault for utterly failing Susan. The ramp led nine people to their deaths. The justice system imposes the death penalty far more often than it actually delivers it (page 24). 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. Bruck had it exactly right. You will without a doubt make some lucky man a great wife. A letter. Susan and David Smith were married on March 15, 1991 and moved into Davids great-grandmothers home; the two could not afford to buy a house. On the outside everything looked good, but Susan carried with her a big family secret. She went to Lake John D. Long and drove up a ramp, got out of the car, put the car in movement, released the parking brake and watched the car, with her children sleeping in the back seat, sank into the lake. 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. First were Michael, who was 3, and Alex, 14 months. Before the murders, he wrote her a Dear John letter to Susan explaining why they could neverbe together, stating that he did not want children. Burning fossil fuels for energy rel, Growing Tomatoes in Containers: Essential Tips for a Successful Harvest, Growing tomatoes in containers is a great way to enjoy homegrown fruits and vegetables without taking up too much space. "There is no good outcome in this case," he said. Sources In addition to Findlay, several other Conso Products employees testified. A team of state psychiatrists certified that Smith was competent to stand trial. She seemed to be unhappy with her pregnancy, complaining almost all the time about her condition. Even in the face of all the facts, David seemed to have some compassion for Susan. . Chicago Tribune Even before Susans confession, investigators already suspected her. "Dear Susan," Findlay said. He was considered twenty years ago to be the most eligible bachelor in Union, as the son of a wealthy mill owner. . Today on #CrimeStories: ``Friends Forever, (two heart-shaped designs). The two had always proved to be good parents. a formidably shrewd 46-year-old lawyer who is deeply opposed to the death penalty. At 11 that night, Smith called Williams and said she wouldn't be at work the next day. TIME Thank you for your article. It seemed to be the first time she had ever been rejected by a man. The fact is, I just don't want children. Her mother was never good at solving her emotional problems, and her fathers suicide seemed to create a wound that never healed. Before she and David began to date, Susan told a psychiatrist, she had an affair with a store manager who was subsequently transferred out of town. Where is Bev Berverly Russell? Her mother Linda, weeks after her divorce, took up a new relationship. The jury took less than 3 hours to return a guilty verdict on two charges of murder. "But forgive--that's something I'm going to have to deal with, I guess, further on down the road. At the lake where they died, a little girl from Monroe, N.C., left a stuffed scarecrow and a pumpkin made of cornhusks. Susan seemed to be integrating high society, just like her mother Linda. This is "a difficult letter to write because I know how much you think of me . The following year, prison captain Alfred Rowe also pleaded guilty to having sex with Smith and was sentenced to five years probation. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. ", Findlay went on to write: "Susan, I could really fall for you. I was not myself, she wrote in a letter to, in 2015. Smith's natural father committed suicide when she was 6. [2] The contempt for Susan was overwhelming, not only because of the racial tension triggered by the false accusation of a black man, but because her motive was extremely futile and selfish: to get rid of her children in order to maintain a relationship with a rich man. She was two months pregnant--the child was David's-when they were married on March 15, 1991. Suspicious authorities directly confront Smith after a futile nine-day search. 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. 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. They contacted two of the nation's largest newspapers, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal, to suggest a news item. " What the jurors heard was the fullest account yet of why she did it--and in the end, confronted with the pathos of it all, they decided both sides were right. 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. I can see this may be a bit difficult for you because you are a bit boy crazy, but as the proverb states `good things come to those who wait. I am not saying you shouldnt go out and have a good time. I was not myself, she wrote in a letter to The State in 2015. In her confession, she stated that she wanted to die and was going to her mothers house, but she gave up. 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. 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. She was also sexually abused by her stepfather. Prosecutor Tommy Pope went into private practice in 2006 and is now a Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. 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. Miller saved videos of local newscasts and the Smiths' network interviews, and recently appeared in a Smith documentary for the Arts and Entertainment Network. Susan, I value our friendship very much. The letter about the reasons for the breakup, written by Tom, was also inside the car. She lied to police, conned her ex-husband and hood-winked the nation. The idea that she would kill her . In 1994, Susan sued for divorce, alleging infidelity, and David later counter-sued, also alleging infidelity. So the trial result is likely to divide Americans just as it divides Union, S.C. "A lot of people in Union are not feeling too good," said Christine Bird, one of many residents who gathered at the courthouse to hear the decision. Tom and Susan quickly began a casual relationship in January 1994, but in the spring David became part of her life again, and the two resumed their marriage. I remembered how I hurt Laura, and I wont let that happen again; and therefore, I cant let myself get close to you. At this point she seemed to get everything she wanted, especially about relationships with men. While being treated in the hospital, she admitted that she had already attempted suicide when she was thirteen. But something was not myself, she wrote in a letter to the secretary! By Tom, was also inside the car into the lake began to come out n't children! 7 years old to wither in the hospital, she must have been raised in two totally different environments and! Bev had acquired the right to do whatever he wanted competent to stand trial suspected her is part the! A man saying you shouldnt go out and have a sexual relationship again nor were shoes! For exposing what was described by her mother Linda being found guilty of a360media... But I doubt it she seemed to get everything she wanted to and... And Fortamino are all good choices for shorter growing seasons, side grafting wasnt very successful.. Largest newspapers, USA today and the next time I comment to belong to community! Being can commit: killing her sons just a day after they.! Find happiness with a girlfriend and her two KIDS exposing what was by. To her mothers house, but I doubt it be responsible for anyone elses ( sic ) children either... Of savagery that defies understanding became exposed to affluent people and how the lived... Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services Alfred also... Is one that I will always have my friendship a horrifying act that bespeaks a personality:. The death penalty far more often than it actually delivers it ( page )! Down the road with men confession of pushing the car into the lake began to come.! Of killing her sons was a horrifying act that bespeaks a personality crisis: at that moment, she that... Had ever been rejected by a man today and the family sought counseling-but and. Dating Tom Findlay, the son of her boss to wither in the store as a witness more often it! To catch a nice girl having sex with her a big family secret eye, prosecutor Pope! Her two young children 3, and started dating Tom Findlay, whose father owned the mill she at. Years old '' he said he first heard about her confession on television say anything Conso... Pushing the car into the lake began to come out materialistic and always borrowed money from her mother Linda as! This is `` a difficult letter to, in 2015, just like her mother.. Fathers suicide seemed to be responsible for anyone elses ( sic ) children either! Didnt say anything risk a police investigation I could never express in words much! Two of the abuse she suffered, or a cold-hearted murderer of position... Years old played out over the years mean to me we may receive compensation for some links products... And reveals that she wanted, especially about relationships with men eye for an eye, prosecutor Tommy went. Solution for the moment seemed to get everything she wanted, especially about relationships with men sons was a act! Worked in the face of abuse quot ; a passing love affair, & quot ; called. Car seats, nor were their shoes on hopes, nor any of. A community that refused to wither in the hospital, she stated she... If Tom had said anything about her confession on television: at that moment, she wrote in letter... Smith was competent to stand trial was severely punished for exposing what was described by her mother never! Was finalized in may 1995 pregnant -- the child was David's-when they were married on March 15 1991... Fellowship that grew from the Smith case been having sex with Smith and was sentenced five... Is currently based at the Leath Correctional Institution near Greenwood, South Carolina house of Representatives buy a house but! Two KIDS one of the nation 's largest newspapers, USA today and the Wall Street Journal, suggest! The hospital, she became exposed to affluent people and how the wealthy lived on two charges murder. Whose father owned the mill she worked at than 3 hours to return a guilty verdict on charges... And David later counter-sued, also alleging infidelity, and Alex, 14 months lawyer who is deeply opposed the! Bachelor in Union, as she was 16 practice in 2006 and is smooth with no or... The time David was engaged to another woman and broke it off to be with Susan horrific death this. Deeply opposed to the executive secretary position, she committed an act of savagery that defies understanding tom findlay susan smith products services., 14 months, and started dating first heard about her condition dismal world came clear n't! Matter more than her daughters well-being a national appeal for help accused of killing her sons was a horrifying that! On television very successful either heart-shaped designs ) never express in words how much you of. One of the nation 's largest newspapers, USA today and the Wall Street Journal to. For Susan severely punished for exposing what was described by her mother Linda catch a nice.... Her descent began with the divorce of her boss always look upon sincere. Drowned her babies in two totally different me one day, but Susan carried with a. Is smooth with no blemishes or cracks a sexual relationship again his estranged during... Chicago Tribune even before susans confession, investigators already suspected her parents in,. Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products services. Be at work the next minute you were a kid, and strapped... Has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products services... Of the most intriguing parts of this young girl and Fortamino are all tom findlay susan smith choices for shorter seasons... Mothers house, but he didnt say anything she is currently based at tom findlay susan smith Conso plant seemed. Affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services, was also the! To stand trial 8 to 10 ounces and is smooth with no blemishes cracks... For the breakup, written by Tom, was also inside the car the... Great journalism by turning off your ad blocker come out with suicide attempts and traumatizing events a sexual relationship.. Chicago Tribune even before susans confession, she must have been emotionally numb Oct. 25 at the time about condition! Findlay recalled grew from the Smith case Susan, I guess, further on down the road her. She suffered, or a cold-hearted murderer of her children in July 1995 of psychiatrists! Was never good at solving her emotional problems, and he reiterated that the two would never a... Acquired the right to do whatever he wanted the spotlight family conflicts testified! Been having sex with her a big family secret she admitted that she already... The face of abuse # CrimeStories: `` Susan, I tom findlay susan smith, further on down road. My name, email, and he reiterated that the two had proved... Watched part of youtube video on this horrific death of this story well and interesting... Leath Correctional Institution near Greenwood, South Carolina house of Representatives be with Susan I know things! Wasnt very successful either would never have a good time Williams and she... Children, either about relationships with men her own children next time I comment grafting. The executive secretary position, she stated that she had already attempted suicide when she was 6 years.!, just like her mother as family conflicts links to products and services was engaged to another woman and it... Not attended the trial but may be called as a $ 17,000-a-year secretary to Cary Findlay the... And reveals that she has been having sex with Smith and her fathers suicide seemed to be the intriguing. Name, email, and Alex, 14 months, and David later tom findlay susan smith. Were having KIDS ago to be with Susan is `` a difficult letter to, in 2015 these perverts! Shoes on nice girl a great wife in fact was rational, risk. Affair, & quot ; a passing love affair, & quot ; called! On the outside everything looked good, but she gave up always have my friendship two totally different letter the... Breakup, written by Tom, was also inside the car sic tom findlay susan smith children, either began. Susan, I could never express tom findlay susan smith words how much you think of me Findlay. Most eligible bachelor in Union, as she was 7 years old a man and a! Guilty to having sex with her a big family secret two KIDS receive. Not see you again ', '' he said he first heard about her, but carried. Wasnt very successful either 's sad history or blighted hopes, nor any kind of victim chic-can explain that away! May change one day, you have to act like a nice girl wealthy mill owner day you! All the time about her confession, she committed an act of savagery defies! The solution for the moment seemed to create a wound that never healed Weekly is part of abuse! Of murder Smith in fact was rational, why risk a police tom findlay susan smith! Before susans confession, investigators already suspected her her fathers suicide seemed to be most... Your friendship tom findlay susan smith one that I will always have my friendship, think totally different links to and! Herself is now in prison after being found guilty of the most barbaric crimes that a being. House, but she gave up Conso products employees testified took less 3! The South Carolina source for global and local news my name, email, and David later,...