Carly Gregg: Mississippi Teen Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Her Mother

In a heartbreaking case that shocked many, 15-year-old Carly Gregg was sentenced to life in prison for killing her mother, 40-year-old high school teacher Ashley Smylie. Carly was also convicted of trying to kill her stepfather. This tragic crime happened in Rankin County, Mississippi, and caught the attention of many because of its disturbing details. In this article, we will look at what happened, the trial, and the larger questions it raises about mental health and teen crime.

A Troubled Home Life

Carly Gregg was 14 when the crime happened. She lived with her mother, Ashley Smylie, who worked as a teacher, and her stepfather, Heath Smylie. Carly’s parents had been divorced for several years. Her father, Kevin Gregg, had been married to Ashley for almost ten years before they separated.

Carly was described as a quiet and shy girl. But during her trial, it became clear that she had serious mental health problems. A psychiatrist said Carly had been feeling sad for a long time. She was even given medicine to help her, but it made her feel “numb” and disconnected. Carly also told the doctor that she sometimes heard voices in her head.

Even though Carly struggled with these issues, no one expected what would happen next.

The Tragic Crime on March 19, 2023

On March 19, 2023, Carly’s actions changed her life forever. After coming home from school with her mother, she picked up a .357 Magnum pistol and shot her mother several times. It was a shocking act of violence that left the entire community heartbroken. But what Carly did next was even more disturbing.

After killing her mother, Carly invited a friend over to the house. When the friend arrived, Carly asked, “Are you squeamish around dead bodies?” She then led the friend to the bedroom, where her mother’s body was lying on the floor.

Carly wasn’t finished. She waited for her stepfather, Heath Smylie, to come home. When he did, Carly tried to shoot him too. Luckily, Heath fought back and was able to take the gun away from her. Carly then ran away but was caught by the police nearby.

This crime set the stage for a high-profile trial where Carly’s mental health and her responsibility for the crime would be debated.

The Trial and Conviction

Carly Gregg’s trial was filled with emotional moments and tough arguments. The state’s lawyers said that Carly knew exactly what she was doing when she killed her mother. They said the crime was planned and that Carly understood her actions.

The defense team, however, argued that Carly’s mental health problems were the main reason for the crime. They talked about her sadness, hearing voices, and past behaviors like self-harm. They said Carly wasn’t in control of her actions and didn’t fully understand what she was doing. A psychiatrist, Dr. Andrew Clark, told the court that Carly’s mental health issues were getting worse, and that she heard voices more often before the crime.

But in the end, the jury didn’t agree with the defense. They found Carly guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and trying to hide the crime. On September 20, 2024, Carly was sentenced to life in prison.

The Reactions of Carly’s Family

Carly’s father, Kevin Gregg, had a very emotional response after hearing about the crime and his daughter’s conviction. In an interview, he shared his pain and anger over what happened. “I loved [Ashley] too. We were married for almost a decade,” he said, expressing his deep sadness. He also felt ashamed and embarrassed by his daughter’s actions.

Even though Carly’s defense team talked a lot about her mental health problems, Kevin believed his daughter knew what she was doing. “That girl knew right from wrong,” he said. He didn’t think the defense’s argument about Carly’s mental state made sense.

Heath Smylie, Carly’s stepfather, was also deeply affected. He testified in court about the moment Carly tried to shoot him. He said he wrestled the gun away from her and then called 911. Heath was the one who told police, “She killed her mom.”

Mental Health and Teen Crime

This case raises big questions about how mental health affects teen crime. Carly had a long history of mental health problems, but the court decided she was responsible for her actions. Many people wonder if more could have been done to help Carly before things got so bad.

Dr. Andrew Clark, the psychiatrist who spoke at Carly’s trial, said that her mental health issues, like hearing voices, were serious. But even with this information, the court believed Carly knew right from wrong and that she had planned the murder.

Cases like this one show how hard it is to balance mental health and crime in teens. How do we hold someone accountable for their actions while also recognizing their struggles with mental health?

What the Public Thinks

The case of Carly Gregg has left many people with different opinions. Some believe Carly was too young to fully understand what she was doing, and they feel bad for her because of her mental health problems. Others think the life sentence was fair, arguing that Carly’s actions were planned and that she should be held accountable.

News outlets like The Clarion Ledger, WLBT, and WAPT reported the case in detail, and people on social media shared their thoughts on the trial. Some focused on Carly’s mental health, while others talked about the role of teens in violent crimes.

Conclusion: A Tragic Case with Lasting Effects

Carly Gregg’s case is a tragic reminder of the impact of violence within families and the complexities of mental health and crime. Carly will spend the rest of her life in prison, but her case will continue to be discussed in conversations about how we handle mental health in the justice system, especially for young people.

This sad story leaves us with many questions about how society can better support teens struggling with mental health and how to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.

FAQs About Carly Gregg’s Case

1. Who is Carly Gregg?

Carly Gregg is a 15-year-old girl from Mississippi. She was convicted of killing her mother, Ashley Smylie, when she was 14. Carly also tried to kill her stepfather, but he survived. She was sentenced to life in prison in 2024.

2. What happened on March 19, 2023?

On that day, Carly came home from school and shot her mother with a pistol. After her mother died, Carly invited a friend over and showed her the body. Later, Carly tried to shoot her stepfather, but he stopped her and called the police. Carly was caught and arrested near her home.

3. Why did Carly commit the crime?

Carly had mental health issues. She was feeling very sad and heard voices in her head. Doctors said her problems might have caused her to act out. But the court said Carly knew what she was doing.

4. What was Carly convicted of?

Carly was found guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence. She was sentenced to life in prison after her trial.

5. What role did Carly’s mental health play?

Carly’s defense lawyers said her mental health made her act violently. A psychiatrist explained that Carly was dealing with depression and heard voices. The court, however, decided that Carly knew right from wrong when she committed the crime.

6. What did Carly’s father say?

Carly’s father, Kevin Gregg, said he was sad, ashamed, and embarrassed after the crime. He said he loved Carly’s mother, and he also believed Carly knew right from wrong.

7. How did this case affect the community?

The case shocked many people. It raised important questions about mental health, especially in young people. Some felt bad for Carly, while others believed her punishment was fair.

8. What lessons can we learn from this case?

This case shows how important it is to treat mental health problems early. It also shows how hard it can be to decide how to handle serious crimes committed by young people with mental health issues.