A teenager from Rankin County is reportedly considering changing her defense strategy to claim insanity after being charged with the murder of her mother and the shooting of her stepfather.
On Wednesday, Carly Gregg’s attorney filed a one-page notice of intent to use the defense of insanity in her murder trial.
A woman is facing accusations of fatally shooting her mother, Ashley Smilye, in March. Following the incident, authorities report that Gregg confiscated her mother’s cell phone and messaged her stepfather to inquire about his expected arrival time.
Gregg reportedly fired a shot at him, but fortunately, he did not cause any harm. Later on, she is alleged to have requested a friend’s presence under the pretense of an urgent matter, and inquired if the friend had any experience with encountering deceased individuals.
Gregg has remained in custody since then. On Monday, she declined a plea deal that offered 40 years in prison.
According to Gregg’s attorneys, her behavior may have been influenced by a change in medications prior to the shooting, as well as other mental issues.
A trial by jury has been scheduled for September 16.
