Early Life & Background
Carly Gregg was born April 23, 2009 in Mississippi. She is the daughter of Ashley Smylie and her biological father Kevin Gregg.
- She has a younger sibling, Natalie, born in June 2012, who had a rare genetic disorder.
- After her parents’ divorce, Carly lived with her mother and younger sibling, and her maternal grandparents were part of her life.
- Her mother, Ashley Smylie, was a 40-year-old high school mathematics teacher at Northwest Rankin High School.
- Her stepfather is Heath Smylie.
In terms of personal history:
Carly had a history of mental health issues. She was prescribed medication, and there were reports of depression, self-harm, auditory hallucinations, dissociation, and mood swings.
There had been behavioral tensions in the family, including discipline over school issues, phone confiscation, and concerns about her drug use (marijuana and possibly other secret behaviors) and hidden “burner phones.”
Her background suggests an environment with both family tensions and mental health challenges, which later became central in the defense.
The Crime: What Happened on March 19, 2024
On March 19, 2024, when Carly was 14 years old, the tragic events unfolded at the family home in Brandon, Mississippi.
Here are the key events:
- Earlier that day, a friend of Carly told Ashley Smylie that Carly had marijuana in her room, along with vape pens and burner phones.
- Some tension followed, because Ashley began looking in Carly’s room (or at least had suspicion). The mother’s search or threat of search is said to have escalated the conflict.
- After returning home from school, Carly entered her parents’ bedroom, retrieved a .357 Magnum handgun from under the mattress, concealed it behind her back to avoid detection by cameras.
- She then confronted her mother, Ashley, and shot her in the face, three times. Ashley died.
- Afterwards, Carly is alleged to have texted her stepfather (Heath Smylie), luring him home under false pretense. When he arrived, she shot him in the shoulder.
- She also, at some point shortly after the killing, invited a friend over and showed the body, asking if they were “squeamish around dead bodies.”
The surveillance video from inside the home was used during trial. It showed Carly pacing, holding a gun behind her back, etc.
The stepfather, Heath Smylie, called 911 after being shot, and he wrestled the gun away.
Mental Health, Defense, Expert Testimony & Gaps
Mental health was a central issue in the defense. The case is not just about what happened, but about why, and whether Carly understood what she was doing, remembered it, and whether medication/psychological state played a role.
Key points:
- Symptoms reported: Depression, self-harm, auditory hallucinations (hearing voices), mood swings, dissociation.
- The defense presented expert testimony (psychiatrists) saying that medication may have led to emotional numbness, worsening of mental health prior to the crime. One psychiatrist, Dr. Andrew Clark, testified about “getting worse” symptoms and memory blanks.
- Carly also has reported that on that day she was irritable, grumpy, unable to focus at school. There was a “memory blank” after letting the dog out, according to her statements/testimony.
- The defense used an insanity / mental state argument, trying to show a “temporary insanity” or that she was in a mental health crisis.
Counterpoints:
- The prosecution’s experts argued she did not meet Mississippi’s legal standard for insanity. The psychiatrist for prosecution said that she had awareness of wrongfulness, that she knew what she was doing.
- Medication side effects were discussed, but the state argued they did not sufficiently impair her to the level required for an insanity defense.
Additionally:
- There are records of equine-assisted therapy in her past, and her biological father has mentioned that Carly had auditory hallucinations from a young age.
- The defense argued that her relationship with her mother was “close yet complicated,” and that issues like a mother discovering her drug use (marijuana, etc.) were heavily distressing for her.
So, the mental health side of the case is complicated and central.
Trial, Conviction & Sentencing
Trial
- Carly Gregg was tried as an adult.
- The trial began September 16, 2024 in Rankin County, Mississippi.
- Charges were first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence.
- The jury saw video evidence, surveillance footage including the moments she concealed the gun, the sound of gunshots, and followed the state’s theory (that she planned or acted deliberately).
Verdict & Sentencing
- On September 20, 2024, a Rankin County jury found Carly Gregg guilty on all counts: first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence.
- She was 15 at the time of sentencing.
- She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP) for the murder and attempted murder counts, plus an additional 10 years for tampering with evidence.
- Her current imprisonment is in the Youthful Offender Unit of the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility.
Appeal & Legal Challenges
Since the conviction and sentencing, there have been legal actions and arguments aiming to overturn or adjust the sentence.
Appeal Arguments
Constitutionality of Life Without Parole: Lawyers argue that the sentence of LWOP for a juvenile convicted of first-degree murder is unconstitutional under Mississippi law. They assert that state statute does not allow LWOP for juveniles in first-degree murder except if it is capital murder and imposed by a jury.
Trial Speed & Fairness: Her defense says that the trial was on an “exceptionally compressed schedule,” giving inadequate time to fully investigate mental health records, collect evidence, etc. They characterize it as a “rocket docket.”
Errors in Jury Instructions & Court Procedures: There are claims of improper instructions being given to the jury, and other procedural or constitutional errors that could have affected the fairness of trial.
New Counsel & Claims of Misconduct: She has retained new legal counsel who assert there were mistakes in the previous defense that contributed to what they believe is an unjust outcome.
Recent Actions & Status
- On Sep 9, 2025, her attorneys filed a 75-page briefing with the Mississippi Supreme Court, arguing for overturning her LWOP sentence, or at least remanding for a new sentence or new trial.
- The appeal claims that sentencing LWOP without parole violates state law in her case, because the law distinguishes between first-degree murder and capital murder for juveniles.
- Also argued: due to compressed timeline, the defense didn’t have adequate opportunity to gather and present medical and mental health evidence.
- As of the latest reports, this appeal is pending before the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Broader Legal & Ethical Issues
Carly Gregg’s case raises a number of serious legal, ethical, and policy issues. Understanding them helps see why the case has drawn so much attention.
Juvenile Justice & Life Without Parole (LWOP)
The use of life without parole for juveniles is controversial. Many jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have ruled that mandatory LWOP for minors in certain contexts is unconstitutional. The standard in many states requires that the juvenile’s age, maturity, psychological development, potential for rehabilitation, etc. be taken into account.
In Mississippi’s law, as argued by her attorneys, the statute does not allow LWOP for juveniles convicted of first-degree murder (unless “capital murder” as defined) unless imposed by a jury.
Mental Health & Criminal Responsibility
The case highlights how mental health issues – depression, hallucinations, dissociation – intersect with criminal culpability. To what extent should legal responsibility and punishment reflect mental illness, especially for minors?
The defense claimed she was in crisis, that her medication might have altered her state, that she had “memory blanks.” The prosecution countered she knew what was wrong, had understanding of right/wrong, could control actions. The definition of “insanity,” “temporary insanity,” or diminished capacity differ by jurisdiction.
Procedural Fairness
Concerns about whether Carly Gregg got due process: Did her defense have sufficient time? Were all relevant medical/psychological records fully reviewed? Was evidence (new or exculpatory) suppressed or overlooked?
The speed of indictment and trial (“rocket docket”) is being challenged. When mental health and background issues are complicated, time is often needed to prepare.
Ethics of Sentencing Minors
- Sentencing someone to life without possibility of parole when they committed the crime as a minor raises ethical questions: capacity for change, rehabilitation, brain development, empathy, remorse, etc.
- Also, considering the social, familial, or substance/medication context: how much should external or internal stressors mitigate sentencing?
Societal Impact & Public Reaction
- The case has drawn media attention, not only for the tragedy but for its chilling aspects (inviting friend to see the body, etc.). There’s public debate about the fairness of criminal justice toward youths, mental health awareness, gun access, parental / school roles.
- Many are discussing whether the statute under which she was sentenced is just in its current form, especially for juvenile defendants.
Current Status & What to Watch
Here are where things stand, and what future developments to monitor.
Appeal Pending: The Mississippi Supreme Court is reviewing the case, especially the challenges about constitutionality of LWOP for juveniles in this context, trial procedures, jury instructions, and whether there should be a new trial or resentencing.
New Legal Counsel: Carly has new attorneys who are raising new arguments and scrutinizing previous legal work.
Public and Media Attention: The case remains in public view. True crime outlets, legal analysts, child mental health advocates are watching. The outcome—in particular whether her LWOP sentence is upheld—may set precedent or at least influence policy in Mississippi.
Potential for Legislative or Statutory Clarifications: Depending on how the Supreme Court decision goes, there may be pressure to amend state law, especially around the treatment of juvenile offenders in serious crimes.
Mental Health Treatment & Rehabilitation: Even as sentencing and appeals happen, issues of treatment, incarceration circumstances, whether she receives mental health support, etc., will be of high interest.
Implications: Lessons, Policy & Ethical Reflections
Finally, some thoughts on what this case teaches and what it could mean going forward.
Importance of Early Mental Health Intervention
Carly’s case suggests that untreated or poorly managed mental health issues, especially in minors, can escalate into tragic violence. Early detection, therapy, medication oversight, family support, school counseling are key.
The Role of Medications & Side Effects
Testing and monitoring psychological medications, understanding side effects like numbness or dissociation, ensuring young people are stable on them – these are crucial.
Balancing Punishment with Rehabilitation for Youth
The legal system must balance holding individuals responsible with recognizing that adolescents are not fully mature, that their brains are still developing. Sentences should reflect both crime seriousness and ability for change.
Ensuring Fair Trial Processes
In complex cases (mental health, youth, alleged crimes), trial courts must allow adequate time for defense, fair access to evidence, impartial jury instructions, and avoid speedy trials that compromise fairness.
Statutory Clarity
Laws must clearly define what sentences are allowed for juvenile offenders, especially regarding LWOP or life with parole, and whether certain sentences are allowed only in capital murder or other special categories.
Public Awareness & Systemic Support
Increased public understanding of mental health, juvenile crime, and legal rights is important. Also, better support systems (mental health, social services) to reduce risk before tragedies occur.
Conclusion
Carly Gregg’s case is heart-rending, shocking, and deeply complex. It is not just a story about a violent crime, but about mental health, youth, legal rights, and justice. At its core are questions:
- How responsible is someone who is a minor, dealing with mental illness, under medication, possibly in emotional crisis?
- What is fair punishment, and what is the justice system’s role to rehabilitate vs. punish?
- How should the law treat juvenile offenders in extreme cases?
As of now, she is convicted, sentenced to life without parole plus 10 years for evidence tampering, and the appeals are underway. The decisions the Mississippi Supreme Court makes will likely have wider implications for juvenile justice in that state, possibly beyond.
If you’d like, I can pull up recent court-documents, or do an updated timeline with court filings, or compare this case to others in US jurisprudence for juveniles.
