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The case of Carly is dissected as her defense team presents an insanity defense while the prosecution argues her actions were deliberate with an awareness of her conduct.

The defense argues Carly was experiencing a psychotic break and was not mentally sound at the time of the crime

The defense portrays Carly as a young girl overwhelmed by significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and potential bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and not fully responsible for her mother’s murder. They assert that she was compliant with her medication, but the medication actually exacerbated her symptoms. During a state of acute stress, Carly supposedly experienced a state of psychosis, and the defense describes this as a 'perfect storm' where she blacked out and could not control her actions. Carly was diagnosed after the murder with bipolar two and reported having auditory hallucinations throughout her life. She had previously seen a therapist occasionally for depression but had never mentioned hearing voices until after the murder.

The defense also suggests that Carly's father's mental health condition and her family history implied a higher risk of schizophrenia, although no diagnosis was found for him. They argue that variations in her medication led to a psychotic break, mentioning that she was initially on [restricted term], which made her feel like a zombie, and then was switched to [restricted term].

In addition, the defense produces journal entries where Carly questions her mental state, even asking, "Do I have schizophrenia?" and they mention her self-medicating with weed, which was purported to be volatile for her mental health.

The prosecution disputes the insanity defense, arguing Carly's actions were calculated and showed awareness

The prosecution challenges the insanity defense by showing evidence of Carly's calculated behavior. They indicate that Carly intentionally retrieved a gun and texted her stepfather, actions which seem to bear the markings of planning and awareness. They also argue that in situations like the body cam footage, where Carly is able to confirm the type of weapon used and inquire about her stepfather, she demonstrates awareness and memory of the event.

The prosecutors argue that Carly's blackout seemed conveniently timed just before the murder and yet she was able to use her mother's phone code and text her stepfather, a contradiction suggesting an awareness of her actions. They affirm Carly had mental health problems such as anxiety ...

Stephanie Soo narrates a chilling incident that culminates in the murder of a mother as related evidence unfolds in court.

The hidden camera footage captures Carly's actions before and after the shooting

Soo describes how the hidden camera footage reveals Carly's calculated movements on the day of the crime. Carly is shown entering the home quietly, with the footage capturing her release of the family's two golden retrievers and careful walk through the kitchen. She stealthily checks the living room and moves with something concealed behind her back, believed to be a gun. Moments later, the camera picks up the sound of a gunshot, followed by two more rounds. Carly then reappears, her calm demeanor intact as she places the gun out of the camera's sight on the counter. The camera, which is normally mounted on a high shelf in the kitchen, is discovered behind stacks of water bottles in the refrigerator, suggesting someone had tried to hide it.

Other evidence, including Carly's text messages and the 911 call, further incriminates her

The call and the texts

Further evidence against Carly emerges as her text messages and a 911 call are presented in court. Carly had sent texts to her stepfather, Heath, luring him back to the home where she then fired shots at him. Heath's distress is palpable in the 911 call that was played during the trial, where he exclaims in agony upon finding his wife Ashley's body and describes being shot by his stepdaughter Carly.

Heath Smiley, overwhelmed with emotion, tells the operator, "She killed her, she killed her mom, she's dead on the floor of my daughter's stepdaughter's room." When the dispatched officer arrives, Heath is fou ...

Carly’s courtroom behavior and appearance have attracted attention and criticism throughout the trial, with many seeing her actions as strange and her presentation as an attempt at manipulation.

Carly's courtroom behavior is seen by many as strange and manipulative

Carly is described as smirking, giggling, and making odd facial expressions at inappropriate times

During the trial, Carly’s behavior has been called into question by many. Observers have described her as smirking, giggling, and making odd facial expressions at times that seemed inappropriate. For example, Stephanie Soo noted that Carly exhibited a full smirk when discussing her Harry Potter obsession with villains. In a particularly stark interaction, when Heath was asked to identify the person who shot at him, they both smiled at each other as he pointed to Carly.

Interestingly, Carly appeared remarkably calm when she emerged from the storm drain after the crime, a demeanor that contrasts greatly with the heightened emotions she displayed during the trial.

Her emotional displays, such as crying, are criticized as forced and insincere by observers

Carly was highly emotional during the trial, especially when hearing Heath’s 911 call. Observers, however, criticized these emotional displays, characterizing Carly’s crying as insincere. For instance, she only cried when called a victim and when her defense attorneys emphasized her closeness with her mother, prompting some to view these tears as forced. Observers noted her crying at seemingly random times, such as when an unrelated witness was being sworn in, which further fueled skepticism about her sincerity.

Carly's appearance and presentation in court also draws scrutiny

The defense is accused of dressing Carly in a way to make her appear younger and more innocent

Carly’s attire was a point of concern for many. Her polished, "doll-like" appearance, marked by plaid dresses, collared dress shirts, cardigans with gold buttons, and frilly sleeves, was notably different from her attire at the time of her arrest. The defense's choice of clothing le ...

There are numerous theories and debates about Carly's motivations and culpability in the brutal crime she committed, largely colored by perceptions of her intelligence, young age, and the complexity of her family dynamics.

Many struggle to reconcile Carly's young age and high intelligence with the brutality of the crime

Friends of Carly, such as Jason and Jenny, noticed a shift in her behavior, which included smuggling knives and cheating on exams—actions that were out of character, leading them to plan an intervention. Despite her high ACT scores and intelligent background, Carly’s behavior was erratic and risky. The state’s expert psychiatrist saw her anger towards her friends and desire to appear a certain way as elements of personality rather than psychosis. Carly’s own writings suggest a deep fascination with complex criminal concepts and various forms of manipulation. On the defensive side, Carly’s mental health issues and her biological father’s bipolar disorder are suggested as extenuating circumstances.

Some see Carly as a tragic figure, a victim of her own mental health issues and family dysfunction

There are viewpoints that pin Carly's actions on undiagnosed and untreated mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, exacerbated by medication. These perspectives view her as a tragic figure, overwhelmed by her own psychological challenges and family dysfunction.

Others view her as a calculating, manipulative individual who knew exactly what she was doing

Conversely, some label Carly as a highly intelligent and fully aware individual capable of premeditated behavior, potentially dismissing the notion that mental illness significantly influenced her actions.

The role of Carly's stepfather, Heath, generates significant debate

Heath Smiley's behavior during and after the crime has generated significant debate. There are contrasting views on his level of complicity in the crime, the nature of his relationship with Carly, and the possible psychological effects he may have experienced.

Some believe Heath may have been involved or complicit in the crime, while others see his support for Carly as a sign of his own psychological trauma

Heath’s lethargic and emotionless testimony sparked controversy, with possible explanations ranging from the raw nature of the events to a response to medication ...