Teenager Charged in Rankin County Shooting of Parents Appears in Court

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Carly Gregg, a 14-year-old accused of fatally shooting her mother and injuring her stepfather, appeared in court on Tuesday, August 6. Judge David Morrow waived the 30-day justice hearings typically required for juvenile defendants as Gregg's trial approaches.

Gregg's defense attorneys reported that the teenager has been held in solitary confinement for 140 days since her arrest. She faces serious charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence. The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. on March 19 at a residence on Ashton Way.

Carly Madison GreggPhoto byRankin County Sheriff’s Office

According to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder upon their arrival. The man, who was later identified as Gregg’s stepfather, informed deputies that he discovered his wife, 40-year-old Ashley Smylie, dead from a gunshot wound. He alleged that Gregg, his 14-year-old stepdaughter, was responsible for the shooting. Sheriff Bryan Bailey reported that the stepfather claimed Gregg shot him in the shoulder before fleeing the scene. The weapon was later recovered when the stepfather managed to disarm Gregg, who then attempted to escape by jumping over a fence into the backyard.

Additional law enforcement, including the Mississippi Highway Patrol’s helicopter, assisted in the search for Gregg. She was located near the residence and taken into custody without further incident around 5:30 p.m.

During her initial court appearance, Gregg pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her bond has been set at $1 million, and she is currently being held at the Rankin County Adult Detention Center. Her trial is scheduled to begin in September 2024.