http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=563056
MidlandsConnect.com
Susan Smith's ex-husband uses sons' death to teach authorities
by Emily Pace
Posted: 01.04.2011 at 11:16 PM
RICHLAND COUNTY (WACH) -- It is a day that David Smith will never forget.
On October 25, 1994, Smith lost his family. His two sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex drowned after their mother strapped them into their car seats and let her car roll into a Union County lake.
Smith has become accustomed to answering questions from the press about his ex-wife Susan Smith, as the tragedy has made national headlines.
But for the first time on Tuesday, Smith spoke to more than 100 prosecutors, paramedics and officers at a workshop on child fatalities.
“My hope is to help build a repertoire with law enforcement,” says Smith, “and I guess as sadly as it sounds, future parents that are going to go through some sort of tragedy.”
Smith advised authorities to not feel intimidated by sensitive situations and to continue to ask the important questions.
“They asked me, do you know where Michael and Alex are? It hurt, but I knew they had to,” Smith adds.
“I think he imparted the pain and I think he imparted the frustration that comes with being involved in a situation like he is in,” says executive director Laura Hudson of SC Crime Victims’ Council.
According to Hudson, there are about 40 child fatality cases every two months.
“Ten percent of those are going to be homicides. A small percentage is going to be totally undetermined and that is the gap we are trying to close,” Hudson says.
