Who is Carly Gregg and What Happened to Her?

What Happened to Carly Gregg serves as a perfect reminder that parents should always be attentive and proactive about their children’s mental health and well-being.

Quick Summary Of Carly Gregg Case

• Carly Gregg, a 14-year-old girl from Mississippi, tragically took her mother’s life after a violent confrontation.
• Gregg’s relationship with her mother, Ashley Smiley, had become strained due to concerns over Carly’s secret relationship and mari*uana use.
• Carly was charged with mu*der and attempted mu*der, but her defense team argued that her mental health struggles played a key role.

In recent years, true crime stories have captured the interest of millions, inspiring countless YouTube documentaries and even full-fledged series on popular streaming platforms.

But nothing comes close to the recent case of Carly Gregg.

In fact, this case is so shocking and heartbreaking that we will see it being featured in many upcoming documentaries.

While digging about the case, I found out that this story not only highlights the troubling elements of teenage mental health but also raises questions about familial relationships and hidden struggles.

But first, let me give you guys a little info on who Carly Gregg is.

Who is Carly Gregg?

Carly Gregg was a 14-year-old girl from Brandon, Mississippi. Known for her exceptional academic prowess, she had even skipped the fourth grade due to her advanced intellect.

The brilliant girl with a bright future lived with her mother, Ashley Smiley, an algebra teacher dedicated to her profession, and her stepfather, Heath Smiley. The family also shared their home with two beloved golden retrievers, painting an outward picture of a typical, loving household.

However, Carly’s early life was met with significant challenges. When she was just four years old, Carly experienced the d*ath of her younger sister.

Just after this tragic incident, her biological parents got divorced, which compounded her traumatic experience.

These early experiences laid the groundwork for underlying issues that would later come to light.

Carly’s behavior took a turn in the months leading up to the incident, which changed everything. She started exhibiting troubling signs, including heightened anxiety and stress.

In fact, after some investigations, it was also revealed that she was receiving therapy.

It is believed that till that time, the relationship between Carly and her mother was alright.

However, one day Carly’s mother, Ashley found out that Carly was secretly in a relationship. To add the fuel to the fire, Ashley even came to know that Carly was using mari*uana as well.

This revelation started to strain the relationship between mother and daughter. Poor Ashley, she was only concerned with the well being of her daughter.

Ashley was also worried that Carly would end up being a bad influence, just like her biological father.

However, the poor lady didn’t knew that the concern for her daughter will be the reason of her demise someday.

What Happened to Carly Gregg?

The tragic events unfolded on March 19, 2024. That day, a confrontation between Carly and her mother, centered on Carly’s recent behaviors, escalated into violence. Carly, holding a g*n, sh*t Ashley Smiley three times, taking her mother’s life.

Surveillance footage later revealed Carly approaching Ashley with an object concealed behind her back before the incident occurred, a chilling detail that hinted at premeditation.

After the sho*ting, Carly turned her attention to Heath Smiley, her stepfather. Though she attempted to sho*t him as well, Heath was only grazed by a bullet.

In the moments following the chaos, Heath described seeing flashes of g*nfire and struggling with Carly in an attempt to wrest control of the weapon from her.

Immediately after the sho*ting, Carly texted a friend for help and even showed them her mother lying motionless on the floor. She then attempted to flee the scene, jumping over a fence, but her escape was short-lived.

Law enforcement arrived promptly and apprehended Carly approximately 30 minutes later, employing helicopters to aid in the search.

Carly Gregg’s Court Verdict

The gravity of Carly’s actions led to severe charges. She was charged as an adult with mu*der, attempted mu*der, and tampering with evidence.

Despite the evidence against her, Carly entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The trial that began on September 16, 2024, became a focal point of public interest.

Prosecutors painted Carly as a young girl leading a double life, hidden from the eyes of her unsuspecting parents. The defense, however, argued that Carly’s mental health struggles, including an undiagnosed bipolar disorder, were pivotal in understanding her actions.

Expert testimony from a psychiatrist revealed that Carly’s recent changes in medication might have exacerbated her mental health condition.

One notable aspect of the case was Carly’s decision to reject a plea deal that would have resulted in 40 years of imprisonment. Five months after the sh*oting, her defense team turned down the offer, opting instead to argue her case in court.

The trial proceedings highlighted the complexity of Carly’s mental state and the unresolved pain that contributed to that fateful day.

As the trial unfolds, the case of Carly Gregg continues to captivate public attention. It serves as a somber reminder of the fragile nature of mental health and the hidden battles that can exist within even the most outwardly ordinary families.

Whether or not a major streaming platform will turn this story into a documentary, its tragic resonance ensures it will not soon be forgotten.