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Carly Gregg: All to know about teen daughter convicted of killing mom
Carly Gregg, a 15-year-old teenager from Mississippi, has become a focal point of public attention due to her involvement in a tragic and complex legal case. Convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence, Carly’s actions and their repercussions have left an indelible mark on her family, her community, and the broader public.
Profile summary
| Full Name | Carly Gregg |
| Age | 15 |
| Date of Incident | March 19, 2024 |
| Charges | First-degree murder, attempted murder, tampering with evidence |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment (concurrent) |
| Location of Incident | 200 block of Ashton Way, Mississippi |
| Current Status | Held at Youthful Offender Facility |
Who is Carly Gregg?
Carly Gregg is a Mississippi teenager who garnered significant public attention following the fatal shooting of her mother, Rankin County high school teacher Ashley Smylie, on March 19, 2024. At the time, she was 14 years old. Authorities say she also attempted to kill her stepfather, leading to an extensive criminal case that has continued to make headlines due to subsequent motions, appeals, and public statements from those involved. Today, at 15, Carly Gregg remains at the centre of legal debates and public interest as she serves a life sentence.
What happened on March 19?
Ashley Smylie.
Source: Northwest Rankin High School
The fatal shooting took place shortly after 5:00 p.m. at the family’s home on Ashton Way in Rankin County. Investigators say that after arriving home from school, 14-year-old Carly used a .357 Magnum to shoot her mother, Ashley Smylie, a 40-year-old high school teacher, three times. Forensic evidence played a critical role, including home surveillance capturing audio of multiple shots and a brief interval before the final gunshot. After the shooting, Carly allegedly texted her stepfather, using her mother’s phone, to determine when he was coming home. She then waited for him and fired the pistol once he arrived, striking him in the shoulder. He wrestled the weapon away, and Carly fled over a backyard fence. Responding deputies found her in the neighbourhood soon after, and she was taken into custody without resistance.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in the 200 block of Ashton Way, Rankin County, Mississippi. This quiet suburban area was tumultuous as law enforcement responded to the emergency. Deputies arriving on the scene found Ashley Smylie deceased, and Heath Smylie wounded but alive. Carly has located shortly afterward, thanks to the efforts of additional deputies and the Mississippi Highway Patrol’s helicopter.
Why was Carly convicted?
The prosecution argued successfully that Carly was fully aware of her actions. State Attorney Michael Smith emphasized that Carly knew the difference between right and wrong, a sentiment echoed by her biological father, Kevin Gregg. Evidence such as text messages and video footage, which captured the sequence of gunshots and Carly’s subsequent behaviour, played a pivotal role in the conviction. The jury sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and attempted murder, with an additional 10 years for tampering with evidence.
“Carly Gregg’s father speaks out after teen daughter’s conviction for killing mother: ‘Ashamed, Embarrassed’”
Footage from inside the house, which was released during the trial, shows Carly calmly texting her stepdad from her mother’s
phone in an attempt to lure him into a murder trap.
Source: Law&Crime
Shortly after the verdict was announced on September 20, 2024, Kevin Gregg, Carly’s biological father, expressed deep remorse and shock over the tragedy. He stated that he felt “ashamed, embarrassed” by the events that led to his daughter’s conviction. When discussing his former wife’s death, Kevin recalled that he, too, had loved Ashley, especially since they had been married for nearly a decade. Despite the public belief that he might have additional insights into Carly’s mental state, Kevin affirmed to local media that no one from the defence team had reached out to him during the trial. He also emphasized that he believed his daughter knew right from wrong at the time of the incident and that any insanity defence would be unfounded from his perspective.
What was Carly’s father’s role in the case?
During the proceedings, Kevin Gregg, Carly’s biological father, emerged as a controversial figure. While he expressed his grief and anger over the incident, he was notably absent from Carly’s defence efforts. Defence attorneys claimed he refused to cooperate, a point disputed by the prosecution, which argued his testimony would not have changed the outcome due to his estranged relationship with Carly. Kevin criticized the defence’s approach, stating, “That girl is not insane. That was a very dumb defence if you ask me.”
“Carly Gregg Prosecutor Reacts to Defense Motion for New Trial”
In the days following Carly’s conviction, her defence filed a motion seeking a new trial, suggesting that critical information regarding her mental health and equestrian therapy had recently come to light. They asserted that this evidence could have altered the trial’s outcome. Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Newman clarified that no record indicated Carly had heard voices or experienced lapses before her arrest. She remarked that prior medical documentation only noted anxiety and depression in Carly’s history. Newman added that the defence was already aware Carly had undergone equestrian therapy as a young child, which was court-ordered to help her cope with her parent’s divorce.
The prosecution challenged the credibility of the newly revealed information, saying there were no existing records tying these claims to Carly’s mental health in the period immediately before or during the shooting. Newman also commented on the defence’s contention that Carly was not tried by a jury of her peers, pointing out that in Mississippi, jurors must be over 21, rendering a panel of similarly aged peers impossible.
“Carly Gregg Appeals Verdict to Mississippi Supreme Court”
Carly Gregg at her trial for the murder of her mother, which she committed when she was just 14-years-old.
Source: Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
On October 18, 2024, Carly’s legal team filed a notice of appeal with the Rankin County Circuit Court, taking the case to the Mississippi Supreme Court. The defence claims that new evidence regarding Carly’s mental health and the trial process could influence the judgment if presented before a different court. They stand by their argument that she did not receive a fair or impartial trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors maintained that the jury’s verdict was correct and argued that no errors during court proceedings negatively impacted the outcome.
Where is the case now?
Currently, Carly Gregg is being housed at a youthful offender facility under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. On September 20, 2024, a Rankin County jury handed down a life sentence for first-degree murder and attempted murder. She received an additional 10-year sentence for tampering with evidence, though that term will run concurrently with her life sentence. The defence continues to push for a new trial or at least a review by the state’s highest court, setting the stage for further judicial scrutiny in the months ahead.
What are the implications of this case?
The case has sparked debates on several issues, including juvenile justice, mental health, and family dynamics. Carly’s mental health history, including court-ordered equestrian therapy as a child, was scrutinized during the trial. The lack of prior documentation about her auditory hallucinations until after her arrest has also raised questions about the validity of the defence’s claims.
FAQs
What Was Carly Convicted Of? Carly was convicted of first-degree murder for killing her mother, attempted murder for shooting her stepfather and tampering with evidence. She received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
What role did Carly’s biological father play in her defence? According to court statements and interviews, Kevin Gregg said he was not asked to participate by the defence team. He also insisted that he never discussed equestrian therapy in the context of Carly hearing voices, contradicting some of the defence’s claims.
Why Did Carly Gregg Kill Her Mother? The exact motivations remain unclear, but the prosecution argued it was a premeditated act. The defence claimed Carly’s mental health issues, including depression and auditory hallucinations, contributed to her actions.
Is it true that a jury of her peers did not try Carly? Mississippi law requires jurors to be at least 21 years of age. Therefore, the defence’s argument that individuals of a similar age did not try Carly does not hold legal ground in the state, where jurors must be proper electors.
Where is Carly Gregg Now? Carly is being held at the Youthful Offender Facility in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
