210: Family Nightmare: Did the Step Dad Know? | The Twisted Case of 14-year-old Carly Gregg

Carly Gregg’s background features a challenging mental health history, marked by anxiety, depression, and turmoil from a young age, which ultimately intersected with her involvement in a serious crime.

Carly experienced significant mental health issues from a young age, including anxiety and depression

Carly began experiencing symptoms of anxiety by age six, prompting her mother, Ashley, to seek professional help. As a child, her challenges were compounded by her parents' tumultuous divorce, her father Kevin's substance abuse, and the loss of her sister. These personal issues deeply affected her mental well-being.

At age 6, Carly began showing symptoms of anxiety and her mother Ashley sought professional help for her

Carly’s anxiety symptoms were evident early on, leading Ashley to seek therapy for her daughter who was reportedly having hallucinations and hearing things. Throughout this time, Ashley was diligent in trying to help Carly manage and overcome her mental health challenges.

Throughout her childhood, Carly struggled with her parents' divorce and her father's substance abuse issues, which contributed to her mental health challenges

The divorce exacerbated Carly's struggles, particularly given the troubled environment at her father’s house. Allegations of Kevin using drugs around Carly and forcing her to drink beer at just 12 years old portray a distressing family dynamic.

Carly was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder by her therapist, Dr. Rebecca Kirk

Carly grappled with major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder—complex conditions that were aggravated by the instability in her home life. Despite these difficulties, Carly maintained a façade as an intelligent, high-achieving student.

Carly was prescribed medication like [restricted term] and [restricted term] to manage her symptoms, but they often made her feel "like a zombie"

Her treatments included medications such as [restricted term] and [restricted term]. Carly transitioned from [restricted term] to [restricted term] due to severe side effects, but even on medication, her struggles were significant. Dr. Andrew Clark later posited that Carly's medications might not have been properly addressing her condition or could have been exacerbating her issues, suggesting a misdiagnosis.

The defense argued that Carly was experiencing a severe mental health episode or "psychotic break" at the time of the crime

The severity of Carly's mental health was brought to light by the defense, which argued that Carly was having a "psychotic break" during the crime.

Carly's therapis ...

People are speculating about the motivations behind Carly Gregg's actions, some theorizing Carly had an inappropriate relationship with her stepfather which may have influence her actions.

Some theorized that Carly had a secret, inappropriate relationship with her stepfather Heath Smiley

During Carly Gregg's trial, her behavior toward her stepfather, Heath Smiley, stirred suspicions of a secret affair between them. Observers noted Carly seemed giddy when Heath was mentioned, similar to a schoolgirl with a crush. Heath remained in close contact with Carly, fighting a no-contact order to communicate with her nearly every day. Their interactions, including Heath mouthing "I love you" to Carly and her joyful smile in response, were deemed strange by many, likening their exchange to that of lovers. Additionally, inconsistencies in their communication, such as Carly texting Heath if he was coming home and Heath replying "no" despite coming home at the usual time, further fueled the speculation. Some people believe that Carly and Heath might have been involved in Ashley’s murder together, hoping for Carly to be acquitted by reason of insanity, allowing them to benefit from Ashley's life insurance policy.

Allegations surfaced that Carly had a "secret boyfriend" on a burner phone, leading some to speculate this may have been Heath

The theory of a secret relationship is further supported by allegations that Carly had a secret boyfriend she texted with on a burner phone, leading to suspicion that this might have been Heath Smiley. The unusual way Heath looked at Carly during the trial, with so-called loving eyes and mouths "I love you," added to public speculation about the nature of their relationship.

Others believed Carly's actions were driven by her own narcissism and desire for control

Contrasting theories focused on Carly's own psychological makeup as the driving force behind her actions.

Carly was described as very intelligent and sensitive to any perceived criticism, potentially suggesting an underlying personality disorder

Carly was described as highly intelligent and sensitive to criticism, raising the possibility of her having an underlying personality disorder. The prosecution painted her as evil and narcissistic, wanting to demonstrate her intelligence and maintain control over every situation.

Carly's diary entries showed an interest in "evil" characters and a fascination with crime, leading some to view her as manipulative

Carly’s own diary entries reinforced the impression that she was fascinated with evil characters and crime. She wrote about gaslighting with apparent glee and equated herself with powerful yet deadly figures like villains from popular culture. This fascination extended to a peculiar interest in crime scenes and the enactment of violence, suggesting not just a passing curiosity but a deeper fixation on the dark aspects of human behavior.

The ...

Carly Gregg's trial revealed a complex mix of evidence from the prosecution and arguments from the defense, as they attempted to unravel the events leading to the tragic shootings.

The prosecution presented physical evidence and witness testimony to demonstrate Carly's guilt

The prosecution depicted Carly as an intelligent and manipulative individual who had committed premeditated murder.

Security camera footage showed Carly's calm, calculated actions before and after the shooting

At the trial, the prosecution presented security camera footage demonstrating Carly's calculated behavior around the time of the crime. The video captured Carly letting the dogs out and then retrieving a gun from her parents' room after realizing her mother was snooping in her bedroom. Although the shootings themselves were not filmed, the mother's screams were audible on the footage, and Carly was seen walking calmly back into the kitchen area after killing her mother.

Carly's own text messages and diary entries were used to paint her as an intelligent, manipulative individual

The prosecution used Carly's text messages and journal entries to paint a picture of her character. They suggested that Carly had intentionally planted evidence of instability to utilize as a defense. Carly's texts after the shooting and her own words about knowing someone would read her diary were used to imply that Carly had deliberately designed her actions to affect her mother Ashley Smiley’s death. They argued that Carly's use of a deadly weapon to shoot the victim three times in the head showed clear evidence of intent to kill.

The defense argued Carly was not guilty by reason of insanity due to her mental health issues

The defense painted a different picture, arguing that severe mental health issues clouded Carly's judgment at the time of the crime.

Carly's therapist and a psychiatrist testified about her diagnoses and the potential impact on her actions

To reinforce the plea of insanity, Carly's therapist and a psychiatrist testified about her mental health problems. Dr. Andrew Clark, a defense psychiatrist, diagnosed Carly with bipolar disorder and discussed her symptoms, including blackouts during the murder and hearing voices, although the voices did not instruct her to do an ...