Carly Gregg, now 15 years old, is being tried as an adult for the murder of her mother, Ashley Smylie. On March 19, 2024, Gregg was arrested after shooting her mother three times in the head. When she pleaded not guilty at her initial court appearance, her bond was $1 million. Her trial began this past Monday, September 16, and is ongoing. Gregg was just 14 when she was charged with the murder of Ashley Smylie, attempted murder of Heath Smylie, and evidence tampering. The prosecution offered Gregg a plea deal of 40 years in prison, which she declined. Now, if found guilty by the jury, she could be sentenced to 30 years to life.
Three Shots Fired
A home security camera caught the surrounding circumstances of the murder. On March 19, 2024, Carly Gregg was seen walking into the house with their two dogs. She casually walks out of the kitchen out of camera view, and then down a hallway. A few seconds later, she is seen coming back down the hallway, heading in the other direction. One shot is fired, and you can hear her mother scream before the next two go off. Afterward, she is seen walking back into the kitchen, holding something behind her back. She picks up her phone to then allegedly text her friend that she has an emergency.
When her friend arrives, Carly Gregg shows them her mother’s dead body. Afterwards, she has them go outside. Gregg allegedly tells them, “I put three in my mom, and I got three more waiting for my stepdad when he gets home.” A little later, Gregg’s stepfather, Heath Smylie, got home. The friend is outside when they hear three more gunshots ring out. The stepfather told authorities that when he arrived home, he found his wife dead and Gregg holding a pistol. He stated Gregg shot at him, piercing his shoulder, but he was able to disarm her. Carly Gregg took off out of the house and jumped the fence. She was found shortly after and taken into custody.
Trial Updates
On day 1 of the trial, Katherine Newman, the Prosecutor, details what the jury will hear that day. The prosecution’s opening statement began with the so-called secret life Carly Gregg lived. She allegedly had a secret boyfriend, secret social media accounts, and burner phones. She was also allegedly harming herself and smoking weed. The defense’s opening statement was acknowledging that we know who killed Ashley Smylie. The real question the jury needs to be answered is why. The defense argues that Carly Gregg was suffering from mental illness and never meant to harm her mother or her stepfather.
On day 2, Gregg’s friend, who was there that day, testified to the events that took place. They admitted to being shown Ashley Smylie’s body. That friend also stated Gregg admitted to shooting Ashley Smylie. Gregg’s stepfather also testified on the stand. He described the finding of his wife’s body and how Gregg reacted after shooting him. He testified that she was terrified and there was something off about her. Before the prosecution rested, they showed the home surveillance video of Gregg before and after shooting her mother.
On day 3, they focused primarily on Carly Gregg’s mental health. Gregg’s friend testified again to her mental health. They stated Gregg confided to them that she heard voices in her head. A psychiatrist also testified to Gregg’s state of mind at the time of her mother’s murder. Dr. Andrew Clark ran through the events Gregg described to him from that day. Gregg claims that her memory went blank as she reentered the house with the dogs. It was not until she was on the side of the road that she came to. So, by that statement, she does not recall grabbing the gun or shooting her mother and stepfather before running away.
Final Thoughts
Carly Gregg is standing trial for the murder of her mother, Ashley Smylie. She is currently being held at the Rankin County Adult Detention Center. Both sides are calling upon more witnesses, and Gregg might testify herself, but that is still to be determined. The defense is pursuing an insanity plea in the state of Mississippi. Dr. Andrew Clark believes that Gregg experienced severe side effects from the new medication that led her to spiral. When Clark was cross-examined, he was asked questions regarding whether Carly Gregg could appreciate the difference between right and wrong. In summary, Dr. Andrew Clark does not believe she was capable of doing so at the time of the murder.
