Authorities have announced that Carly Madison Gregg, a 14-year-old from Mississippi, is facing adult charges in connection to the death of her mother. The tragic incident has left the community in shock and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
Carly Madison Gregg stands accused of the murder of her mother, 40-year-old Ashley Smylie, who was also an algebra teacher at Northwest Rankin High School. Additionally, Gregg faces charges of attempted murder for allegedly shooting her stepfather during the same incident.
The events unfolded on a Tuesday evening around 5:07 p.m. when the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing call regarding a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Ashton Way. Upon arrival, deputies were confronted with a grim scene: Ashley Smylie had succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound
According to the account provided by Smylie’s husband, upon his return home, he made the horrifying discovery of his deceased wife, with Gregg reportedly wielding a pistol. In the ensuing chaos, Gregg allegedly fired at her stepfather, injuring him in the arm. Despite his injury, he managed to disarm Gregg, preventing further harm, told WLBT.
Following the altercation, Gregg fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter in close proximity to the residence. The swift action of law enforcement ensured her capture without incident.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Gregg’s bond was set at an unprecedented $1,000,000 as she faced the serious charges leveled against her. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Gregg has entered a plea of not guilty, leaving the legal proceedings to determine the course of justice in this distressing case.
The community, grappling with the shock and grief of such a heinous act allegedly committed by a teenager, is left searching for answers and understanding in the wake of this devastating event. The loss of Ashley Smylie, a beloved member of both her family and the local educational community, has reverberated deeply, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones, while also recognizing the complex and sensitive nature of mental health and juvenile justice issues that may be at play in cases such as this. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of violence within our communities, prompting reflection on how best to prevent such incidents in the future.