A 15-year-old girl is on trial for allegedly murdering her mother and attempting to ambush her stepfather in their Brandon, Mississippi home on March 19, 2024.
Carly Gregg, who was 14 at the time of the incident, is accused of shooting her mother, Ashley Smylie, in the neck following an argument over marijuana use. Prosecutors allege that after the shooting, Gregg texted her stepfather, Heath, in an attempt to lure him home.
Surveillance footage presented in court shows Gregg, wearing a Nirvana t-shirt, walking through the house before gunshots and screams are heard. The video then captures her using her mother’s phone to text her stepfather, “When will you be home, honey?”
Prosecutors claim Gregg also invited a friend over, asking them, “Have you ever seen a dead body?” before showing them inside. When Heath arrived home, he reportedly heard gunfire and managed to disarm Gregg, sustaining a graze wound to his shoulder.
Gregg has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Her defense team argues she has no memory of the events, citing a history of mental health issues and recent marijuana use. At the time, Gregg was taking anxiety and depression medications.
The trial, now in its fourth day, has featured testimony from mental health professionals debating the extent of Gregg’s mental health struggles. Her former counselor described her as a gifted student with no history of violence, but noted a troubled relationship with her mother.
Gregg faces a potential life sentence if convicted. She previously rejected a plea deal offering 40 years in prison.
The case has shocked the local community, raising questions about youth mental health and family dynamics. As the trial continues, both prosecution and defense are presenting conflicting views on Gregg’s mental state and culpability.
