Carly Gregg's mental health questioned, contradictory statements in trial

Counterwitnesses for the state testified Thursday that a Rankin County teenager accused of shooting her mother denies hearing voices, contradicting earlier testimony from the defense's expert witness.

Carly Madison Gregg, 15, is accused of murdering her 40-year-old mother, Ashley Smylie, and attempting to murder her 39-year-old stepfather, Heath Smylie, at the family's Brandon home in the 200 block of Ashton Way on March 19. Gregg was 14 at the time of the crimes.

On Tuesday, the state concluded its evidence. On Wednesday, the defense concluded its evidence.

On Thursday, the state called Olivia Leber, a psychiatric nurse, as a rebuttal witness. Leber said she first met Gregg in January 2024. At that time, Gregg filled out a form and checked “no” when asked if she heard voices.

According to Leber, Gregg has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and an adjustment disorder. Leber noted that while Gregg had mentioned he was depressed, it was not chronic. Leber said Gregg had normal responses during their first appointment.

“She denied hallucinations or delusions,” Leber said.

At a follow-up appointment in February, Leber said Gregg had no problems with long-term memory and “no abnormal or psychotic thoughts.”

'Please help me':Diary, sketchbook and medical records show that Carly Gregg struggled with mental health problems

Leber said she last met Gregg on March 12, a week before the shootings. At that appointment, Gregg's medication was changed after he complained he felt “like a zombie.” Leber said she instructed Gregg to slowly taper off the Zoloft she was taking while she started a new medication, Lexapro. According to Leber, Gregg never reported hearing voices or having memory lapses.

“If you stop taking your medication abruptly, there is always a risk that symptoms will return, possibly even worse…” Leber said.

The state also called rebuttal witness Rebecca Kirk, a licensed professional counselor who met with Gregg nine times before the shootings. In January, Gregg and Ashley reported that Gregg was having intrusive and disturbing thoughts, was easily angered and had trouble sleeping, according to Kirk's testimony. Gregg denied hearing voices.

Kirk said Gregg showed no suicidal or homicidal tendencies in the last session and did not report any side effects from her medications.

“Rebecca, as a therapist, how many people do you see who complain of depression or anxiety?” asked prosecutor Kathryn Newman.

“Almost every single one of them,” Kirk said.

“And how many of them later killed their mothers?” asked Newman.

“None before,” Kirk said.

Leber and Kirk’s statements contradicted several times the testimony of the defense expert, Dr. Andrew Clark.

Clark, a psychiatrist, testified Wednesday that Gregg was going through a mental health crisis at the time of the shooting.

“She had mood swings, eating disorders, self-harming, hearing voices and difficulty sleeping until January 2024,” Clark said.

'A sweet little girl':Stepfather testifies in trial of Carly Gregg, who is accused of murdering her mother

Clark also gave another description of what Gregg felt on March 12. Clark read a diary entry in the courtroom that was allegedly dated March 12:

“I think I had a psychotic episode earlier. The whole ordeal is pretty silly. I actually talked to one of the voices in my head. Well, I didn't hear it until this morning, but I'm not doing that until then. My friend and I were practically screaming bloodthirsty and starving. Thank God a physical confrontation wasn't possible. I sound crazy,” Clark read.

Clark said he believes the Lexapro addressed Gregg's mental health issues and upbringing and led to the violent outburst, which he said Gregg cannot remember because her memory is “blank.”

“Her memory came back when she was standing on the side of the road after crawling out of a drainpipe, wet, and the police officer came by and took her away,” Clark said.

At Wednesday's hearing, prosecutor Michael Smith noted how “convenient” it was that Gregg could remember what happened before school, during school and when she was arrested, but could not remember the period of time during which Gregg allegedly murdered her mother.

Carly Gregg's mental health questioned, contradictory statements in trial

You may also like...

Recent Posts

Carly Gregg's mental health questioned, contradictory statements in trial

You may also like...

Lilly's weight loss drug reduces diabetes risk by 94% in three-year study, says company

Latest injury report for the Oregon Ducks before Week 1 against the Idaho Vandals

Trump appeals judge's recusal in civil fraud case

Recent Posts