Mississippi Teen Charged in Horrific Double Shooting: Mother Killed, Stepfather Survives

A Mississippi community is reeling after 15-year-old Carly Gregg was charged with the murder of her mother, Ashley Smylie, and the attempted murder of her stepfather, Heath Smylie. The shocking and tragic events took place in March at the family’s home in Rankin County, sparking widespread grief and disbelief.

A Chilling Discovery: The Night of the Murder

NEW: Mississippi girl Carly Gregg seen sneaking up on her mother before sh**ting and k*lling her after the mom allegedly found out about her “secret life.”

The mother, Ashley Smylie, could be heard screaming as the first shot rang out.

The 15-year-old then lured her stepfather… pic.twitter.com/kQFst0EupJ

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 19, 2024

Surveillance footage, now key evidence in Carly Gregg’s trial, paints a haunting picture of the night of the crime. The video reveals the teenager moving calmly through her home, walking toward her mother’s bedroom. Moments later, three gunshots ring out, and Ashley Smylie’s terrified screams echo through the house.

The eerie calmness with which Gregg carried out the shooting shocked both investigators and the community. Her actions following the murder would be just as calculated.

Deception Unfolds: A Deadly Trap for Stepfather

After she shoots her mother, she wastes no time. In an unsettling display of composure, she picked up her mother’s phone and sent a message to her stepfather, Heath Smylie. The text read, “When will you be home, honey?” This seemingly innocent message was a cold-blooded attempt to lure him into danger, prosecutors allege.

When Heath arrived, he was met not with his family but with gunfire. Carly shot him in the shoulder. Despite the injury, Heath managed to overpower his stepdaughter, disarm her, and prevent further tragedy.

Troubled Background: What Triggered the Attack?

The motive behind Carly Gregg’s shocking actions may have stemmed from a series of events leading up to the murder. According to reports, Ashley Smylie had recently discovered vape pens in her daughter’s room. Friends close to the family raised concerns that Carly’s drug use—particularly marijuana—was escalating. Ashley confronted her daughter, a discussion that may have fueled the rage leading to the tragic night.

Mental Health in Focus: Psychiatrist’s Testimony

JUST IN: 15-year-old Carly Gregg found guilty of m*rdering her mother.

She was found of first-degree m*rder, attempted m*rder, and tampering with evidence.

Gregg snuck up on her mother, who found out about her ‘secret life,’ before sh**ting and k*lling her.

The mother, Ashley… pic.twitter.com/AYqmmgGd1E

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 20, 2024

As the trial progresses, Carly Gregg’s mental health is at the forefront of her defense. Psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark testified that Carly was suffering from severe mental health issues, including mood swings, dissociation, and auditory hallucinations. These problems, he argued, were exacerbated by the medication she was prescribed, which may have worsened her mental state on the day of the shooting.

Dr. Clark described Carly as being in a “fragile and disturbed” mental state, and her defense team is pushing for her mental health issues to be considered in determining her sentence.

A Father’s Pain: Stepfather’s Emotional Testimony

The courtroom was shaken by Heath Smylie’s emotional testimony. He spoke through tears as he described Carly as a “sweet little girl” before the incident, struggling to comprehend how the same child he loved could pull the trigger.

Heath’s account offers a heartbreaking contrast between the daughter he knew and the teenager who nearly took his life. His testimony highlights the deep emotional scars this tragedy has left on the surviving family members.

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Consequences and the Road Ahead: Carly Gregg’s Fate

Carly Gregg now faces life-altering consequences. If convicted, she could spend the rest of her life in prison for the murder of her mother. In addition, she could face significant time behind bars for the attempted murder of her stepfather and for tampering with evidence. The court’s final decision will not only determine Carly’s fate but will also serve as a somber reflection on a series of events that shattered a once-loving family.

As the trial continues, the community remains gripped by the tragic story, with many questioning how a troubled teen’s life spiraled so far out of control and what could have been done to prevent such a horrifying outcome.