Carly Gregg, Teen Killer Who Murdered Mom and Tried to Kill Stepfather Sentenced to Life in Prison
Brandon, Miss. — A 15-year-old girl stands convicted of the murder of her mother and accused in the attack on her stepfather near Brandon, Mississippi. The jury during the trial in Rankin County agreed, finding Gregg guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder and tampering with evidence. A decision was made on Friday, September 20.
The Crime: A Shocking Tragedy
The tragic incident occurred March 19, when the then-14-year-old fatally shot her 40-year-old mother, Ashley Smylie, using a weapon owned by her mom. Prosecutors say the shooting happened in the family’s home and that Gregg later tried to shoot her stepfather, Heath Smylie, when he came home. Following the shooting, Gregg ran off but was captured not far from the house.
Disturbing Behavior This did lead to some humor, like the following dead body finale question: “When You See A Dead Body Does It Make Your Stomach Turn?”
AFTER murdering her mum Gregg invited a pal round to the house and pointed out the corpse by asking “does dead bodies bother you? according to reports. Her friend was then taken to the bedroom where she found your mother had been shot multiple times.
The Mental Health Defense: A Crisis Or Cold-blooded Murder?
During the trial, Gregg’s defense contended that the teenager was in a state of serious mental crisis. They said she battled with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that only worsened after her sister died when Gregg was just four years old.
Gregg had been hearing voices and experiencing other mental health problems in the weeks before the shooting, child psychologist Dr. Andrew Clark testified. He added that she had a history of self-harm and blamed feeling numb on the medication she was taking.
The prosecutor… Well, She INTENTIONALLY SCREWED them.
Prosecutors maintained Gregg knew what she was doing, despite the mental health defense. They stressed that she was sane when the crime was committed and knew right from wrong. Pointing to the six weapons found at the scene, State Attorney Michael Smith implored jurors to convict Gregg on all counts — arguing she undertook the crimes with “a conscious decision” of what she was doing.
Verdict and Sentencing
So she cried when the jury returned a guilty verdict and life sentence midway through her trial. She was taken into custody as family members in the courtroom called out words of encouragement. Gregg was also given a 10 year sentence for tampering with evidence to be served concurrent with the first life sentence.
Defense’s Plea for Leniency
Kevin Camp and Tyreece Gregg’s defense attorney said a life sentence would retraumatize the family and the crime was committed while his client was suffering from mental health issues as 14-year-old. Nonetheless, the court declined to show mercy. Before the trial, Gregg rejected a plea agreement that called for a 40-year prison sentence.
This case brings another aspect of dealing with violent offenses committed by minors, especially when there mental health is a concern. The jury however, found that Gregg knew exactly what she was doing and she was convicted of all charges.