After School Murder: The Carly Gregg Case

This episode of Female Criminals explores the harrowing case of Carly Madison Gregg, a 14-year-old girl from Brandon, Mississippi, who was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence in the 2024 killing of her mother, Ashley Smiley, and the attempted murder of her stepfather, Heath Smiley. The episode reconstructs the events of March 19, 2024, using home security footage, police testimony, and trial transcripts, revealing a chilling sequence: Carly allegedly shot her mother in the bedroom, hid the gun, then lured her stepfather home with a fake text from Ashley’s phone before shooting him. Despite her defense team’s argument for an insanity plea based on Carly’s documented bipolar disorder, severe auditory hallucinations, self-harm, and recent medication changes, the jury found her guilty on all counts. The trial highlighted the tension between Carly’s outwardly exemplary life—high-achieving student, beloved by family and teachers—and her hidden struggles with mental illness and substance use. After a swift verdict and life sentence, her legal team has appealed, citing new evidence from her father’s post-trial interview and concerns about her developmental maturity compared to the adult jury. As of May 2026, the Mississippi Supreme Court is set to hear her appeal, leaving her fate in legal limbo. Key takeaways include: 1) Mental health crises in minors can manifest in extreme ways, especially when untreated or exacerbated by medication; 2) The justice system’s handling of juvenile offenders, particularly those with severe mental illness, raises serious ethical and legal questions; 3) The power of narrative—Carly’s image as a 'good girl' versus the prosecution’s portrayal of her as a calculated killer—shaped public and judicial perception; 4) The role of medication in triggering psychosis must be carefully evaluated in criminal cases; 5) The age disparity between a 14-year-old defendant and a 21+ jury may undermine fair judgment; 6) The use of surveillance and digital evidence can be both incriminating and misleading without context; 7) The defense’s focus on trauma from her biological father’s abuse adds complexity to the case; 8) The emotional toll on families and the broader societal fascination with 'young female criminals' underscores the need for compassion and systemic reform.