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Carly Gregg appeals verdict to Mississippi Supreme Court

By Kaitlin Howell Oct 21, 2024 | 11:07 AM

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – The case of the Rankin County teenager who was convicted of killing her mother is being taken to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

On Friday, October 18, Carly Gregg’s attorney, Kevin Camp, filed a notice of appeal in the Rankin County Circuit Court. They’re appealing the verdict in the case.

Gregg was convicted of killing her mother on September 20, 2024. She was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and attempted murder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison for tampering with evidence. The sentences will run concurrent.

Recently, Gregg’s defense argued that new evidence and material was recently discovered that could produce a different result at a new trial. The defense said Gregg did not receive a fair and impartial trial.

Gregg appeal to MS Supreme CourtDownload

However, prosecutors said the defense’s motion fails to comply with Mississippi Rule of Criminal Procedure because it fails to state the specific factual grounds and specific legal authority in support of the allegations. They said the Rankin County jury got the verdict correct, and there were no errors by the court that adversely affected the defendant.

Gregg is currently being held at the Youthful Offender Facility while in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).

The fatal shooting happened just after 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2024, in the 200 block of Ashton Way.

  • Carly Gregg (Courtesy: MDOC)
  • Ashley Smylie (Courtesy: Rankin County School District)

When deputies arrived at the location, they found Heath Smylie suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. He told deputies that he arrived home and found his wife deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. He claimed his step-daughter, who was then 14, was armed with a pistol.

According to Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, Heath Smylie stated Gregg shot him in the shoulder. He was able to take the weapon from Gregg, who then ran into the backyard and jumped over a fence.

Bailey said additional deputies responded to the scene, along with the Mississippi Highway Patrol’s (MHP) helicopter. Just after 5:30 p.m., Gregg was located not far from the residence and taken into custody without incident.

During her initial court appearance, Gregg pled not guilty to the charges.