RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. ( WJTV ) – The trial of the Rankin County teenager accused of killing her mother began on Monday, September 16.

Jury selection began Monday morning in the trial of Carly Gregg, and opening statements were made by the prosecution and the defense Monday afternoon.

The first witness was called to the stand after opening statements, and the court played the recording of the 911 call made by Gregg’s step-father after he was allegedly shot by the teen on March 19, 2024. While the recording was being played for the court, Gregg could be seen crying next to her attorneys.

According to the defense, a family history of mental illness led up to the shooting. However, prosecutors believe evidence and other witnesses will testify to Gregg’s behavior. They said she had a secret life with burner phones, social media accounts and a boyfriend.

Last week, the court denied a motion to transfer Gregg’s case to Youth Court. The state said Gregg cannot plead insanity because of voluntary intoxication. They said she admitted she used marijuana just days before her mother was killed.

During a court appearance in August, Gregg rejected a plea deal in which she would be sentenced to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). The case will now go to trial, and Gregg faces up to life in prison.

A grand jury previously indicted Gregg on the counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and tampering with evidence.

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

When deputies arrived at the location, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The man told deputies that he arrived home and found his wife, who was identified as 40-year-old Ashley Smylie, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. He claimed his 14-year-old step-daughter was armed with a pistol.

According to Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, the victim stated Gregg shot him in the shoulder. The man was able to take the weapon from the teenager, 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. Her bond was set at $1 million. She is being held in the Rankin County Adult Detention Center.

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