14-Year-Old Teen Charged with Killing Her Mother: The Disturbing Case of Ashley Smylie and Carly Gregg

Rankin County, Mississippi, located about 20 miles east of Jackson, is known for its outdoor recreational activities. With a population of around 157,000 as of 2020, it combines urban and rural landscapes. The county is named after Christopher Rankin, a Mississippi Congressman from 1819 to 1826, and boasts notable residents like country singer LeAnn Rimes and former NBA player Eric Washington.

The Family

Carly Gregg, a 14-year-old sophomore at Northwest Rankin High School, lived in Rankin County with her mother, 47-year-old Ashley Smylie, and her stepfather, 38-year-old Heath Smylie. Ashley was a beloved math teacher at the same high school and was named "New Teacher of the Year" in 2022. Carly, described as an exceptional student, had skipped a grade and was known for her academic achievements.

The Tragic Incident

On March 19, 2024, Carly's stepfather, Heath, called 911 to report a shooting at their home. When officers arrived, they found Ashley Smylie deceased in Carly's room and Heath with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Heath told investigators that he found Ashley on the floor when he came home and then saw Carly standing in the kitchen holding a firearm. According to Heath, Carly fired three shots at him, hitting him once in the shoulder.

The Investigation

After the shooting, Carly fled the scene by jumping over the backyard fence. Police tracked her down by helicopter about half an hour later, finding her half a mile away. Carly was taken into custody and initially placed in juvenile detention. However, she was later charged as an adult with murder for her mother's death and attempted murder for the attack on her stepfather. Carly pled not guilty and was given a $1 million bond.

Court Proceedings

During Carly's preliminary hearing, an investigator testified about disturbing video footage from inside the home. The footage showed Carly calmly walking through the house, playing with her dogs, and hiding something behind her back. It also revealed Carly using her mother’s phone to text a friend, asking her to come over immediately. When the friend arrived, Carly allegedly asked her if she had ever seen a dead body before, then showed her Ashley’s body.

The investigator also testified that Carly told her friend she had shot her mother twice in the head and still had three bullets left for her stepfather. The friend then left the house while Carly waited for Heath to come home. Based on this evidence, the judge found probable cause for the charges against Carly and ordered a psychological evaluation to determine her competency to stand trial.

Medication and Mental Health Concerns

Carly had been prescribed the antidepressant Lexapro, but switched to a new medication a week before the incident. The abrupt medication change raised questions about its possible effects on Carly's mental state. Despite requests from her lawyer to reduce Carly's bond, the judge denied the request, citing concerns for community safety.

Family and Community Reactions

Hillary’s father expressed deep sorrow and outrage, stating that Dr. Brown’s actions had caused immense suffering for their family. He described the horrifying scene at the ICU and criticized Dr. Brown for his lack of accountability and concern for his daughter's well-being. The family revealed that Dr. Brown seemed more focused on financial matters, such as insurance coverage, than on Hillary’s life.

Public and Legal Reactions

The tragic case has prompted calls for stricter regulations and oversight in the medical field. There have been discussions about proposing legislation to prevent surgeons from performing procedures on their own family members, potentially named "Hillary’s Law." This case has highlighted significant issues related to medical practice and ethics, sparking widespread debate and concern.

The Future

Carly’s lawyer has petitioned the court to keep cameras out of the courtroom, arguing that media coverage could prevent Carly from receiving a fair trial. The judge has not yet ruled on this request, as the necessary documents had not been filed correctly. Additionally, the judge expressed frustration with the delay in setting up Carly's psychological evaluation.

As the case progresses, the community remains in shock, grappling with the tragic loss of a beloved teacher and the disturbing actions of a young teenager. The trial will undoubtedly shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this horrific event and determine Carly’s fate.

June 2024: Competency Evaluation and Court Delays

In June 2024, Carly's competency to stand trial was still under evaluation. The judge expressed frustration with the delays in setting up Carly's psychological evaluation, emphasizing the need for a timely assessment to move forward with the case. Carly's lawyer petitioned the court to keep cameras out of the courtroom, arguing that media coverage could prevent Carly from receiving a fair trial. The judge did not rule on this request immediately, as the necessary documents had not been filed correctly.

July 2024: Motion to Suppress Evidence

In July 2024, Carly's defense team filed a motion to suppress the video footage from inside the home, claiming that it was obtained without proper consent. They argued that the footage could unfairly prejudice the jury against Carly. The prosecution countered that the footage was critical evidence, providing a clear depiction of Carly's actions and mental state after the incident.

August 2024: Mental Health Evaluation Results

By August 2024, results from Carly's psychological evaluation were submitted to the court. The evaluation concluded that Carly was competent to stand trial but noted significant mental health concerns that might have influenced her actions. The defense team planned to use these findings to argue for a reduced sentence, citing Carly's mental state and the recent medication change as contributing factors.

September 2024: Trial Date Set

In September 2024, a trial date was set for November 2024. The judge ruled that the media could cover the trial but imposed strict guidelines to ensure that Carly's right to a fair trial was protected. This included limiting the number of reporters in the courtroom and restricting the use of cameras during sensitive testimony.

Family and Community Reactions

The community remains in shock, grappling with the tragic loss of a beloved teacher and the disturbing actions of a young teenager. Many are questioning how such a horrific event could occur in their tight-knit community. There are ongoing discussions about the role of mental health and medication in the incident, with some advocating for better oversight and support for young people dealing with mental health issues.