BRANDON, Mississippi – The Rankin County School District issued a statement on Friday following the tragic shooting death of one of its teachers. Ashley Smylie, a beloved member of the Northwest Rankin High School community, was fatally shot at her home in Brandon. The suspect in the case, her 14-year-old daughter Carly Madison Gregg, has been charged as an adult with murder in her mother’s death and attempted murder in the shooting of her stepfather.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey reported that upon arriving home, Gregg’s stepfather discovered his wife deceased and Gregg holding a pistol. In the ensuing confrontation, the stepfather was injured but managed to disarm Gregg before she fled the scene. Despite running away, authorities were able to apprehend Gregg shortly after the incident.
Smylie had dedicated nine years to teaching, with her most recent three years spent at NWRHS. Described as a highly valued presence by both staff and students, her untimely passing has deeply impacted the school community. The school district extended its sympathies to Smylie’s family and the wider Cougar family during this challenging period, offering counseling services to support affected students and staff members.
Prior to her tenure at NWRHS, Smylie had taught at Warren Central High School, as reported by the Vicksburg Daily News. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability teachers can face, both within and outside the school environment. The shocking nature of the incident has prompted reflection on the underlying factors that may contribute to such tragedies and the importance of supporting mental health resources for individuals facing crisis situations.
With investigations ongoing and legal proceedings in motion, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating loss. As the details surrounding the case unfold, the legacy of Ashley Smylie as a dedicated educator and cherished member of the NWRHS family remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds. In the wake of this senseless act, efforts to provide emotional support and foster healing within the school community have become paramount.