Carly Madison Gregg Found Guilty A 15-year-old Mississippi girl, Carly Madison Gregg, was convicted of first-degree murder for killing her mother, Ashley Smylie, and attempting to murder her stepfather, Heath Smylie.

The Murder and Attempted Murder Gregg fatally shot her mother at home in March and ambushed her stepfather, shooting him in the shoulder when he returned. Her stepfather survived the attack.

Life Sentences Without Parole Gregg received two life sentences without parole for murder and attempted murder, plus a 10-year sentence for tampering with evidence, all to run concurrently.

The Prosecution's Argument Prosecutors portrayed Gregg as calculated, showing footage of her hiding the gun and claiming her actions before and after the murder proved intent and awareness of wrongdoing.

Triggering Event: The Discovery of Vape Pens The prosecution argued that the murder occurred after Gregg’s mother discovered vape pens in her room, revealing a "secret life" of vaping, burner phones, and self-harm.

Text to Lure Her Stepfather After killing her mother, Gregg texted her stepfather from her mother’s phone, luring him home before ambushing him upon his arrival.

The Defense's Mental Health Argument The defense argued that Gregg was suffering from severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and a psychotic episode triggered by new medication.

Journal Entries and Voices Gregg’s attorneys cited her journal entries and testimony from a friend, showing she feared inheriting schizophrenia from her biological father and was hearing voices.

Step-Father’s Testimony Heath Smylie testified that Gregg appeared terrified and may not have recognized him during the attack, adding that her behavior was completely out of character.

Life Sentence and Potential Appeal Despite the defense’s plea for rehabilitation, the prosecution urged life imprisonment. The judge imposed the sentences, but Gregg’s attorneys have not yet announced an appeal.

Thank you for reading