A 14-year-old girl had been accused of killing her mother and wounding her stepfather, which caused a stir in a Mississippi neighborhood. After two separate shootings at her family's Brandon, Mississippi, home, Carly Madison Gregg faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Background of Case
Heath Smylie called 911 in a panic on March 19, 2024, claiming that his stepdaughter had shot both him and his wife, Ashley Smylie. Deputies arrived to find Ashley dead in a bedroom and Heath injured. Later on, Carly was apprehended after being found approximately 0.5 miles from the residence. Only one week prior to the shootings, Carly had altered her prescription medication regimen, which included Lexapro, according to investigators.Accusations Against Carly Gregg
Zachary Cotton, the Rankin County Investigator, testified on April 16 during a preliminary hearing regarding the disturbing details that were recorded on the family's security cameras. In the video, Carly can be seen going into her mother's bedroom just as a gunshot, scream, and two more shots are heard. Ashley Smylie had sustained two gunshot wounds to her face and one to her chin. According to Cotton's testimony, Carly texted a friend, claiming it was an emergency and inquiring as to whether or not she had ever seen a dead body. Carly also asked the friend to come over. The friend later informed investigators that Carly had shown her her mother's lifeless body and the gun used in the shooting, along with the menacing statement that Carly had "three more shots" for her stepfather.Arrest of Carly Gregg
Her mother was a teacher at Northwest Rankin High School, where Carly Gregg, a sophomore, was arrested and placed under a $1 million bond. Her lawyer emphasized her academic successes during the hearing, pointing out that she was an exceptional student with no prior criminal record. Judge David Morrow maintained the bond in spite of these arguments, pointing to the seriousness and deliberate nature of the offense. He voiced worries about the likelihood of a conviction as well as the safety of the community.On September 20, 2024, Carly Gregg was found guilty of killing her mother and given a life sentence without the possibility of parole, in addition to a 10-year term for tampering with evidence.
