In a deeply disturbing incident, Carly Gregg, a 14-year-old girl, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after she killed her mother and attempted to murder her stepfather. The teenager initially shot her mother, Ashley Smylie, multiple times with a handgun she retrieved from her parents’ bedroom. After committing the murder, Carly used her deceased mother’s phone to lure her stepfather, Heath Smylie, home under the pretense of needing his help, intending to kill him as well. This tragic event unfolded in Rankin County, Mississippi, and has since captivated the nation with its brutality and the young age of the perpetrator.
Is Carly Gregg Legally Insane? (Day 4 Recap)
During the trial, it was revealed that Carly had shown signs of mental distress, with her attorney arguing that she suffered from depression and had been hearing voices, though these claims were not substantiated enough to acquit her. Carly’s actions were methodically planned; she had even invited a friend over to see her mother’s body after the murder, asking if the friend was “squeamish around dead bodies.” This level of premeditation led prosecutors to argue that she was fully aware of her actions’ consequences. The court, considering these factors, found her guilty on all charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence.
The sentencing of Carly Gregg to life imprisonment has sparked a global conversation about juvenile justice, mental health support for adolescents, and the capacity of minors to understand and be held accountable for their crimes. Critics have pointed out the harshness of the sentence, given her age, while others argue for the protection of society from individuals capable of such violence, regardless of age.
Question:
Was The Sentence Too Harsh On The Kid?