“Heart-Wrenching Twist: Teen’s Emotional Breakdown as Jury Delivers Shocking Verdict in Mother’s Tragic Death”
Tragedy struck in Rankin County when 15-year-old Carly Gregg was sentenced to life in prison for the shocking murder of her mother, Ashley Smylie, and the assault on her stepfather. In a case that seems almost surreal, surveillance footage captured the chilling moments leading to the crime that has left the community reeling. As the jury deliberated for just under two hours, they faced a heartbreaking choice: to convict a child for actions that most would assume belong in the realm of horror films. What drives a teenager to such desperate measures? Can the emotional strain of adolescent life, compounded by severe mental health struggles, really lead to such unfathomable outcomes? This story raises not just legal questions, but also deep-rooted concerns about mental health, family dynamics, and the tragic consequences that can unfold behind closed doors. It’s a reminder that beneath the surface of any household, turmoil may be raging—a stark reality that’s difficult to digest. If you’re looking to dive deeper into this harrowing tale, LEARN MORE.
A 15-year-old teenager has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of murdering her mother and injuring her stepfather, as seen in a horrific video captured by security cameras at their house.
Carly Gregg from Rankin County, was found guilty on all charges after a jury deliberated for close to two hours. She was convicted of murder, aggravated assault, and evidence tampering in connection to the incident, which took place on March 19, 2024.
Greggâs mother, Ashley Smylie, was killed after she was shot a number of times by her daughter. Her stepfather, Heath Smylie, was wounded on his shoulder after he was lured into the house by the teenager, before he managed to take the weapon away from her hands.
The jury faced two possible outcomes for the case: a guilty verdict or a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity, as Greggâs defense had hoped.
A 15-year-old girl broke into tears after being sentenced to life in prison following her gruesome murder of her mother, and the injury of her stepfather
Image credits: CourtTV
âWe donât know why she committed these crimes, but she did,” Prosecutor Kathryn Newman said after urging the jury to impose the harshest sentence available, without possibility of parole.Â
“Ladies and gentlemen, she is dangerous,” she added.
On the other hand, defense attorney Kevin Camp pleaded with the court to show mercy, acknowledging the heavy toll the situation has had on Greggâs family.
âShe may have the chance to turn things around,â he pleaded, asking them to not sentence the girl to a life in prison.
Image credits: CourtTV
Gregg, who was filmed nervously laughing at some point in the hearing, broke down in tears as the verdict was read. Her stepfather, Heath, who survived the incident, accompanied by the girlâs grandparents, were present in the courtroom and seemed to offer her words of support.
Image credits: CourtTV
In addition to the sentence she got for the murder of her mother, Gregg received another life sentence for shooting her stepfather plus 10 additional years for tampering with evidence, as she tried to hide the security camera that captured the incriminating footage at her house.
Her defense tried an insanity plea, but the judge and mental health experts argued she was fully aware of her actions and their consequences
Image credits: CourtTV
âThereâs no doubt that Carly Madison Gregg is the one who killed her mom, Ashley Smylie,â said State Attorney Michael Smith during closing arguments on early Friday (September 20).Â
âThereâs no doubt that she attempted to kill Heath Smylie when she aimed the gun right at his head and shot and hit him in the shoulder. And thereâs no doubt that sheâs the one who hid the camera, thus tampering with evidence.”
Greggâs defense attorney Bridget Todd urged the judge to reconsider, claiming that the teenager had not acted out of rage or resentment, but instead due to suffering from severe mental health issues.
Image credits: Law&Crime Trials
âThis is a kid who was compliant with the medication she was put on, however, that medication without them being able to tell beforehand, caused her symptoms to worsen. And while she was having a state of psychosis in an episode of acute stress on March 19, she lost herself in what was the perfect storm,â Todd said.
Image credits: Vicksburg Daily News
The insanity plea was discredited by a number of mental health experts, including Dr. Jason Pickett, who testified that Gregg was fully competent to stand trial and that she was aware of her actions and their consequences.
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