Defense lawyers for a 15-year-old girl accused of murdering her mother concluded their case on Wednesday, presenting evidence including medical records, school documents, journal writings, and a sketchbook that highlight a history of mental illness believed to have contributed to her violent actions.
Carly Madison Gregg, who was 14 at the time of the alleged offenses, stands accused of killing her 40-year-old mother, Ashley Smylie, and attempting to kill her 39-year-old stepfather, Heath Smylie, on March 19 at their home in Brandon.
During the third day of the trial, defense attorneys Bridget Todd and Kevin Camp argued that Gregg was an “exceptional student” but had significant mental health issues. The prosecution had rested its case the previous day.
Rankin County Circuit Court Judge Arthur Dewey permitted the defense to call an expert witness to testify about Gregg’s mental state during the events of March 19. Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark from Cambridge, MA, shared insights about the factors influencing Gregg’s alleged behavior.
In response to a question from Todd regarding whether Gregg understood the nature of her actions during the incident, Dr. Clark responded, “I don’t think so.”
Dr. Clark elaborated that Gregg’s medical history reveals ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety, despite a record of good attendance and academic performance at school. However, her journal and sketchbook indicated a preoccupation with “dark themes,” which hinted at potential aggression and instability.
Clark read a disturbing journal entry dated March 12, in which Gregg referred to experiencing a “psychotic break.” Another sketch in her sketchbook, written in green ink and in a different handwriting, included pleas for help, demonstrating her mental health concerns.
He noted that in the year leading up to this incident, Gregg engaged in typical teenage behaviors, including sneaking out and occasional marijuana use, which she claimed alleviated her anxiety and difficulties sleeping.
Dr. Clark shared that Gregg faced a traumatic childhood, including the death of a sister at age four, and began hearing voices and experiencing intrusive thoughts at a young age. He stated that she started self-harming around ages 11 to 12 to cope with her emotional pain, not as a suicide attempt.
Her mother Ashley responded to Gregg’s disclosures of depression by seeking professional help, yet medications prescribed did not appear effective, leading to an increase in dosage without resolving her symptoms.
The complexity of Gregg’s relationships—especially with her mother and biological father—was also discussed. Clark indicated that her emotional state deteriorated further after her medications were adjusted.
On the day of the shooting, Gregg reportedly felt irritable and unfocused at school, where her mother worked as a math teacher. Upon returning home, she was confronted by Ashley about her marijuana use, which had been reported by a classmate. Afterwards, Gregg recalled a moment of confusion before finding herself in a police situation.
The prosecutor questioned Dr. Clark on the apparent inconsistencies in Gregg’s memory and if her actions before and after the crime indicate a lack of understanding of right and wrong, to which Clark consistently affirmed that she did not appreciate the moral implications of her actions at the time.
Gregg is charged with murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence. A conviction could result in a prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life.