Brandon, Mississippi—A 14-year-old teenager accused of murdering her mother and injuring her stepfather will remain in custody after her request to reduce her bond was denied by Judge David Morrow. The young girl, Carly Madison Gregg, faces adult charges of murder and attempted murder following the tragic events that unfolded on April 16 in the Farmington Station subdivision.
The horrific incident took place on Ashton Way in Brandon, where authorities responded to reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, they found Heath Smylie, the stepfather, with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Tragically, they also discovered the lifeless body of Ashley Smylie, 40, who had succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound.
Heath Smylie informed the police that his stepdaughter, Carly Madison Gregg, was inside the home wielding a pistol before shooting at him. An altercation ensued, during which he managed to disarm her before she fled the scene by leaping over the backyard fence. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Mississippi Highway Patrol, collaborated to locate and apprehend Gregg without any issues shortly afterward.
Investigations revealed that after allegedly killing her mother, Gregg invited a friend over and engaged in disturbing behavior before the arrival of her stepfather. The friend recounted how Gregg had premeditated the murder, reserving specific shots for Heath Smylie. Defense attorneys argued that Gregg suffered from mental health issues, pointing to recent medication changes and auditory hallucinations while in custody.
Despite the defense’s claims, the prosecution emphasized that mental illness does not justify taking a life. They also highlighted Gregg’s refusal to undergo a mental evaluation offered by the state. Judge Morrow ultimately ruled that Gregg posed a danger to society, justifying the retention of her $1 million bond.
The tragic events in Brandon have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about mental health, juvenile justice, and the devastating impact of violence within families. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the complexities of the human mind and the challenges of reconciling justice with compassion in such heartbreaking circumstances.