By GARY HENDERSON and CLAY MURPHY
Staff Writers

UNION, S.C. (7/29/95) -- A crowd of about 200 people gathered outside the Union County Courthouse to learn if Susan Smith would live or die Friday. And when the verdict was read -- life -- they reacted with mixed emotions.

"Her life is over either way," said 51-year-old Gloria Welborn of Johnston. "If she gets at peace with God, she may survive. There was no reason to put her to death. If she can get God in her life, maybe she can help others in prison."

Welborn and her husband, Louie Welborn, 54, attended several days of the trial. They also attended the visitation for Alex, 3, and Michael, 14 months, last fall and returned to Union for their funeral.

Ms. Smith, who was convicted of murdering her two children, was sentenced to life in prison. She will not be eligible for parole for 30 years.

Lori McLeod, one of Susan Smith's stepsisters, said she was "elated" by the sentence handed down, especially since her father, Beverly Russell, took the stand in Ms. Smith's defense earlier this week.

"We're just thankful for her life," said McLeod, who attended the trial for the first time Friday. "We realize what it took."

At least one resident who attended the trial said she expected the sentence but is not pleased with it.

"She didn't give those kids a chance to live," said Lilly Thomas. "Why should we give her one?"

Another lamented the fact the trial occurred in the first place.

"I knew she would never get the death penalty in this town," said the man, who asked not to be identified. "They should have just took the plea bargain and saved the money. (Solicitor Tommy) Pope will have a hard time the next time. He won't carry Union County."

One Union resident said she changed her mind about the verdict over the course of the trial. "At first I thought she ought to get the death penalty," said 48-year-old Joyce Nelson. "I think the jury made a wise decision, after hearing about her stepdad and her early life. That changed my mind."

Jenny Ward, social worker with Department of Social Services, stood on the sidewalk in front of the courthouse and listen as Pope spoke to reporters after the verdict was announced.

Ward, who had investigated the molestation charges Susan Smith made against her stepfather seven years ago, testified this week on her behalf.

"It was a very just verdict," Ward said. "If Susan had died, a part of me would have died with her. I get a vested interest in the children I work with."

The Rev. Mark Long, Ms. Smith's former pastor at Buffalo United Methodist Church, said the sentence is the one "that should have been rendered. This will allow the community to begin the healing."

Nevertheless, Long said it will take years to for this community to put this tragedy behind us. "We'll never forget it."

At the rear of the Union County Courthouse, 24-year-old Holly Tater and 30-year-old Susan McDaniel of Charlotte waited with McDaniel's 12-year-old daughter. When David Smith walked to a waiting Highway Patrol car, the two women yelled in unison, "We love you, David."

Both of the women had tears streaming down their faces as the car sped away with Smith holding up a photograph of his sons.

"He is the victim," Tater said. "For over a week he stood by her."

"David has to go on with the rest of his life like this," McDaniel said. "My prayer is that God will give him the strength to go on and know that people do care."

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