Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed - Episode 447: Susan Smith: Someone Stole My Babies (from "How It Really Happened")

Release Date: August 12, 2025
Title: Susan Smith: Someone Stole My Babies
Podcast: True Crime Obsessed
Hosts: Jillian Mazavali, Patrick Hines, Sasha, and Mark Klass

Introduction

In Episode 447 of True Crime Obsessed, titled "Susan Smith: Someone Stole My Babies," the hosts delve into the harrowing case of Susan Smith, a woman accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of her two young sons. Through a combination of documentary analysis, expert insights, and emotional testimonies, the episode unpacks the complexities and dark truths surrounding this infamous true crime story.

The Carjacking Incident

The episode begins with a dramatic recounting of the night of October 25, 1994, at [33:07] when Susan Smith reported a terrifying carjacking in Union County, South Carolina. According to Susan, at a red light, a black man forcefully entered her vehicle, brandishing a gun, and drove off with her two children, Michael (3 years old) and Alex (14 months old.

Notable Quote:
[04:26] Cynthia Barnes: "The 911 phone call described this young wife and mother, Susan Smith, saying she was carjacked and her two children were strapped in their car seats in the back of the car."

Immediate Aftermath and Search Efforts

Following the abduction, Susan's neighbor promptly called the police, prompting an extensive search operation. Over the next few days, authorities deployed helicopters, search dogs, and dive teams to scour nearby areas, particularly John delong Lake, where the car allegedly ended up.

Notable Quote:
[13:15] Jillian Mazavali: "People are on foot. The helicopters, the dogs are here, the dive team is there."

David Smith's Testimony

Susan's husband, David Smith, emerges as a central figure in the narrative. Described as a devoted and heroic father, David is seen driving to the scene upon hearing Susan's distress call. His unwavering support and emotional turmoil are highlighted throughout the episode.

Notable Quote:
[05:16] David Smith: "There's not one minute that goes by that I don't think about these boys. And I pray that whoever has them, that the Lord will let them realize that they are missed and loved more than any children in this world. We just got to get them home."

Investigative Doubts and Inconsistencies

As the investigation unfolds, multiple inconsistencies in Susan's account raise suspicions among law enforcement. Initially claiming she was going to visit a friend, Susan later alters her story to say she was at Walmart—an assertion that, in a close-knit community, went unverified.

Notable Quote:
[34:10] Jillian Mazavali: "She was saying, no, there was no other car around—a major problem for her story."

Polygraph Tests and Forensic Analysis

Expert forensic artist Roy Pascal plays a pivotal role in analyzing Susan's behavior. He observes that Susan exhibited "scrunch crying," a form of false crying without actual tears, signaling potential deceit. Additionally, polygraph tests reveal Susan's responses as deceptive, further undermining her credibility.

Notable Quotes:
[17:43] Roy Pascal: "There's nowhere in that hierarchy do you see taking children. This is not adding up."
[37:11] Patrick Hines: "She failed all three tests."

Motive: Affair and Breakdown of Marriage

The episode delves into the tumultuous relationship between Susan and David Smith. Their marriage, characterized by constant breakups and infidelity, deteriorates further when Susan engages in an affair with Tom Finley, the son of a wealthy local businessman. Tom's subsequent breakup letter to Susan, referencing her children as an impediment, is presented as a potential motive for the tragic events that followed.

Notable Quote:
[56:24] Patrick Hines: "She wrote, 'Susan, I could really fall for you, but there are some things about you that aren't suited for me. And, yes, I am speaking about your children.'"

The Trial and Conviction

Despite her initial resistance, Susan is eventually confronted with mounting evidence and inconsistencies in her narrative. After nine grueling days of investigation, she is arrested and brought to trial. The courtroom drama parallels high-profile cases like O.J. Simpson's, though without the same media saturation.

During the trial, Susan never takes the stand, and her confession details the deliberate act of letting her car—a 1990 burgundy Mazda Protege—roll into John delong Lake, resulting in the deaths of her sons. The prosecution dismantles her defenses, refuting claims of suicide motives and highlighting the calculated nature of the murders.

Notable Quote:
[50:46] Roy Pascal: "She signed a confession saying she strapped the boys into their car seats and let the vehicle roll into a lake."

Aftermath: David's Grief and Remarriage

David Smith emerges from the ordeal as a pillar of strength and resilience. Despite immense grief, he channels his pain into advocacy, supporting other families dealing with similar tragedies. The episode touches on his remarriage and the birth of his new children, underscoring his journey toward healing.

Notable Quote:
[25:25] Patrick Hines: "David, be my dad. Thank you so much."

Susan Smith's Incarceration and Parole Eligibility

Susan Smith is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a decision met with unanimous relief from the community and advocacy from David and his new family. The episode highlights ongoing concerns about her potential parole eligibility in November 2024, guarded by testimonies from prison guards who vouch against her release.

Notable Quote:
[60:06] Patrick Hines: "She killed two children brutally. She's tortured and murdered... she didn't get life without parole. Who are we still saving that for?"

Conclusion

Episode 447 of True Crime Obsessed meticulously unpacks the Susan Smith case, blending factual recounting with critical analysis of investigative flaws and psychological profiles. The hosts challenge the narrative presented by Susan, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing evidence and understanding the underlying motives behind such crimes. Through emotional testimonies and expert insights, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of one of true crime's most disturbing cases.

Ending Note:
The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring impact of the tragedy on the community and the steadfast resolve of David Smith to honor his sons' memories by aiding other grieving families.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [05:16] David Smith: "There's not one minute that goes by that I don't think about these boys."
• [17:43] Roy Pascal: "This is not adding up."
• [37:11] Patrick Hines: "She failed all three tests."
• [56:24] Patrick Hines: "She wrote, 'Susan, I could really fall for you, but there are some things about you that aren't suited for me.'"
• [60:06] Patrick Hines: "She killed two children brutally. She's tortured and murdered."
• [25:25] Patrick Hines: "David, be my dad. Thank you so much."

Final Thoughts:

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the depths of human despair and the lengths to which individuals may go under intense emotional strain. True Crime Obsessed delivers a compelling narrative that challenges listeners to question, analyze, and seek the truth behind the headlines.