American Teen Sentenced to Life for Murdering Mother Amid Mental Health Crisis

Carly Gregg, a 15-year-old American teenager, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering her mother and attempting to kill her stepfather in Rankin County, Mississippi.

The jury found Gregg guilty of all charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and evidence tampering. According to the prosecutor, Gregg displayed no remorse during the trial.

The incident occurred on March 19, 2023, when Gregg shot her 40-year-old mother, Ashley Smylie, in their home. Her stepfather, Heath Smylie, was also targeted but survived the attack. Gregg was apprehended shortly after attempting to flee the scene.

While Gregg's defense did not deny her role in the crime, they argued that she was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time. Dr. Andrew Clark, a child psychologist, testified that Gregg had been displaying depressive symptoms and irritability leading up to the incident. He also mentioned that she had a history of self-harm and had been hearing voices.

Gregg's defense claimed that her memory "went blank" during the incident, and she could not recall the shooting. Despite this, the prosecution argued that Gregg knew what she was doing and understood the consequences of her actions.

In closing arguments, State Attorney Michael Smith emphasized that Gregg was fully aware of her actions, stating, "She knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew the difference between right and wrong."

Gregg was sentenced to life in prison for the murder, along with additional sentences for aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.