A tragic family incident has turned into a murder trial as a teenager is accused of killing her mother and attacking her stepfather. The accused is facing serious charges.

On Monday, September 16, Carly Madison Gregg, a 15-year-old from Brandon, Mississippi began her trial that has shocked the community. Carly is accused of the tragic murder of her 40-year-old mother, Ashley Smylie, and the attempted murder of her stepfather, Heath Smylie.

The tragedy struck on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday evening in March 2023, when, Carly —just 14 at the time—allegedly took a gun and turned it against her family. The chilling events transpired at the family’s home on Ashton Way in Brandon. By the time police arrived, Heath was found injured with a gunshot wound, and Ashley dead.

There has been a heavy atmosphere in the courtroom as the case has progressed from grand jury indictments to the trial phase. Carly faces serious charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence. By May 2023, a grand jury had indicted Carly, charging her as an adult.

During an April preliminary hearing, Rankin County investigator Zachary Cotton revealed chilling details about what allegedly happened. According to Zachary, Carly opened fire on her mother after Ashley took some things out of her daughter’s room.

That wasn’t the end. Carly allegedly called a friend over, saying there was an “emergency,” only to show her friend her mother’s lifeless body. The investigator also said Carly confessed to her friend about her stepfather, Heath, telling him there were “two bullets for the head, and one for the chest” waiting for him.

In the initial stages of the trial, jury selection began with tension, followed by opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense. The courtroom’s atmosphere grew even more intense as the court played the recording of Heath’s 911 call.

During this emotional moment, Carly was visibly distraught, her tears evident as she sat next to her attorneys. Prosecutors allege that Carly’s motives stemmed from a volatile mix of family conflict and secretive behavior.

They argue that the teenager had a hidden life, complete with burner phones and social media accounts, which she reportedly used to conceal her true activities. The prosecution will present evidence suggesting premeditation and a disturbing plan that Carly allegedly shared with a friend, including details of the shooting.

On the other hand, the defense paints a picture of a troubled youth with a history of mental health issues. They suggest that these factors, combined with recent substance use, played a role in the tragic incident.

A psychiatrist took the stand during the trial of a teenage murder defendant, stating that Carly was experiencing a mental health crisis and faced multiple challenges in the months leading up to her mother’s shooting death

In a dramatic twist, Carly had previously rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 40 years in prison, opting instead to face the trial head-on.

Judge Dewey Arthur will oversee the proceedings, and the trial is expected to stretch over several days. As the trial unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for answers and justice for the heartbreaking events that have forever changed their lives.

In a key moment, Judge Dewey denied the defense’s motion to suppress a urine drug test, allowing it to remain part of the prosecution’s case. This decision could prove pivotal, as drug use may become a recurring theme throughout the trial.

Carly’s attorneys have previously argued that a switch in her antidepressant medication, Lexapro, just weeks before the murder could have significantly impacted her behavior. As the defense builds its case, they are set to call Dr. Andrew Clark to the stand.

His testimony is expected to shed light on Carly’s mental health struggles, offering a deeper look into her battle with anxiety and depression. The defense hopes this will provide the jury with a better understanding of her state of mind in the days leading up to the tragic events.

The horrifying incident has also left netizens reeling, with many flooding social media to share their shock and disbelief. Reactions have varied, but one thing is clear: the gravity of the situation has deeply affected those following the case.

One person, stunned by the footage, wrote, “Wow, so casual like it was nothing to her. No shaking afterwards, nothing—just grabbed her phone and sat down. That’s sick.” The chilling calmness of the moment left others equally disturbed.

Another commenter expressed their dismay, saying, “My goodness! The scream after the first shot… What’s wrong with these kids?” Others, however, sought to understand the underlying reasons, with one person asking, “I wonder what her mother did to her? No one else wondering???”

Meanwhile, another user took a firmer stance, writing, “It’s very heartbreaking, but this young lady knew what she was doing. It was definitely planned. She needs to be charged as an adult and serve the consequences for what she has done.”

As the trial progresses, public reactions reflect the complex and emotional weight of the case, leaving many questioning what could drive a teenager to commit such an unthinkable act.