Closing arguments are underway in the highly publicized Carly Gregg trial in Rankin County, a case that has captivated public attention due to its tragic nature and the complex issues it raises about juvenile crime and mental health. Carly Gregg, only 14 years old at the time of the incident, is accused of the gravest of crimes: the fatal shooting of her mother and the wounding of her stepfather. While the trial proceedings have covered various aspects of the case, a significant portion has been dedicated to exploring the crucial question of Carly Gregg Diagnosis and her mental state at the time of the alleged crimes. This article delves into the testimonies of mental health professionals who have taken the stand, offering contrasting perspectives that are central to understanding the defense’s argument and the prosecution’s rebuttal.
Examining the Testimony of Olivia Leber: Medication and Mental State
Alt text: Olivia Leber, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, testifies in the Carly Gregg trial about her treatment of the defendant for mental health issues.
The prosecution initiated its rebuttal by calling Olivia Leber, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Precise Mind clinic in Madison, who had previously treated Carly Gregg. Leber’s testimony focused on her interactions with Gregg in the months leading up to the tragic events. She detailed treating Gregg for Major Depressive Disorder, initially prescribing Zoloft. However, when Gregg reported feeling like a “zombie” on Zoloft, Leber adjusted her medication to Lexapro. Crucially, this medication change occurred just one week before the death of Ashley Smylie, Gregg’s mother.
During questioning, Leber clarified several key points regarding Carly Gregg’s mental health history as presented to her. She stated that Gregg had never reported auditory hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or homicidal ideations during their sessions. Furthermore, neither Gregg nor her mother had mentioned any experiences of memory loss, dissociation, or derealization. This aspect of Leber’s testimony is significant as it directly contradicts some of the later defense arguments centered around Gregg’s mental state.
Leber specifically addressed the potential side effects of Lexapro, stating that while it can induce suicidal ideations, it is not known to cause homicidal ideations. She also characterized Gregg’s reported anxieties, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances as common among teenagers, suggesting these symptoms were not necessarily indicative of a severe mental health condition that would drastically alter her perception of reality or her ability to understand her actions.
Under cross-examination by defense attorney Bridget Todd, the question of the accuracy of information provided by Gregg during her sessions was raised. Todd questioned whether Gregg might have withheld information, particularly given her mother’s presence during some appointments. Leber conceded that it was possible but noted that Gregg was given opportunities to speak privately without her mother present, implying that she had avenues to disclose sensitive information had she chosen to.
Rebecca Kirk’s Insights: Counseling Sessions and Behavioral Observations
Alt text: Rebecca Kirk, a Licensed Professional Counselor, recounts her counseling sessions with Carly Gregg during her testimony in court.
Rebecca Kirk, a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Magnolia Counseling in Madison, provided further insights into Carly Gregg’s mental state. Kirk testified about seeing Gregg weekly for nine sessions, emphasizing the confidentiality inherent in her profession and the difficultly she felt in testifying, balanced against the legal requirements when a claim of mental insanity is raised.
Kirk’s initial notes indicated Gregg sought counseling to improve her self-esteem and manage her thoughts. While self-harm behaviors like cutting and taking old sleeping pills were mentioned, Gregg’s mother, Ashley Smylie, assured Kirk that these were past issues. Smylie had discovered the cutting through an old iPad containing related information. Smylie also indicated on a form that Gregg was “easily angered,” a point Kirk confirmed Gregg acknowledged and agreed with.
Similar to Leber’s testimony, Kirk stated that Gregg never disclosed illegal drug use, auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, or memory problems. Neither Gregg nor Smylie reported instances of derealization, dissociation, or blackouts. Kirk did note Smylie’s concern about Gregg taking Melatonin.
Interestingly, Kirk recounted that Gregg expressed anger towards friends she perceived as less serious about school. Gregg recognized she was sometimes rude to peers she considered less intelligent and admitted to losing patience with friends who did not value their teachers. This detail paints a picture of a teenager grappling with social dynamics and academic pressures.
The catalyst for Smylie seeking professional help from Leber was the discovery of the iPod containing information about Gregg’s self-harm. Prosecutor Katherine Newman probed Kirk about notes referencing an “existential crisis” and Gregg’s potential atheism. Kirk clarified that while Gregg used the term “existential,” she didn’t explicitly identify as an atheist. Kirk interpreted Gregg’s cutting and depression as possibly linked to her grappling with deeper philosophical questions about the meaning of life.
Kirk described Gregg as introspective, concerned about her character, and aware of her tendency to be dismissive of others she deemed wrong. Newman questioned if Gregg was “obsessed with being great at school,” to which Kirk affirmed Gregg’s strong liking for school. The testimony also revealed Gregg’s interest in literature, specifically mentioning reading “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky during Spring Break. Kirk noted the book’s themes of psychopathy, murder, and insanity, raising questions about Gregg’s engagement with such dark material.
Gregg had also considered she might have Asperger’s Syndrome due to sensory sensitivities, but neither Kirk nor Smylie believed this to be the case. Therapy options discussed included attachment therapy and communication skills, aiming to address Gregg’s anxiety. Gregg reported to Kirk that after the medication change by Leber, she felt less emotional extremes, less laughter, but also less upset by her mother’s anger, suggesting a possible emotional blunting effect from the Lexapro. A detail about Gregg’s haircut and her mother’s concern about her “trying to be a boy” hints at potential tensions or anxieties around identity and parental expectations.
Kirk’s final session with Gregg, just before Smylie’s death, presented a picture of normalcy. Gregg showed no signs of hallucinations or delusions, nor memory or concentration issues. Kirk even considered if her sessions were truly effective, as discussions often revolved around school. However, she planned to delve deeper into other issues in future sessions. Gregg did mention difficulty handling her mother’s anger, describing instances of raised voices, door slamming, and terse communication. They discussed anger management techniques in response.
Kirk’s termination of care summary from May 16, written after her last session but before the incident, reiterated Gregg’s stable condition, absence of suicidal or homicidal ideations, and no indication of medication side effects affecting her mental state. Kirk emphasized she never observed any signs of severe danger or threat during her interactions with Gregg and Smylie. She also confirmed no reports of physical abuse within the home, noting Gregg’s history of abuse from her biological father, but not from Ashley or Heath Smylie.
Cross-Examination of Rebecca Kirk: Delving into “Crime and Punishment” and Potential Withholding of Information
CROSS EXAMINATION OF REBECCA KIRK
Defense attorney Bridget Todd’s cross-examination of Rebecca Kirk probed deeper into the themes of “Crime and Punishment” and questioned the completeness of the information Gregg shared in therapy.
Todd challenged Kirk’s interpretation of “Crime and Punishment,” arguing that the book is not about the psychological dilemma of an insane person but about the consequences of murder and its horror. Todd drew a parallel, asking if Gregg hated her mother, mirroring the protagonist’s hatred for his victim. Kirk responded that Gregg seemed to have complex feelings, trusting her mother’s care and protection but perhaps unsure if the love was reciprocated.
Todd explored the dynamic between Gregg and her mother, asking if Gregg “walked on eggshells” around her and was overly sensitive to her mother’s feelings, not wanting to cause stress or worry. Kirk acknowledged this as a possible conclusion based on Gregg’s statements, but cautioned she could only report what Gregg directly told her.
Todd disputed Kirk’s recollection of Gregg reading “Crime and Punishment,” suggesting she might not have actually read it despite claiming to. Todd then introduced a handwritten report by Smylie detailing Gregg’s intrusive thoughts, “thoughts that got stuck,” sleep difficulties (waking at 2 a.m.), and panic attacks, alongside sadness and withdrawal. This evidence challenged the picture of normalcy Kirk presented and suggested a more troubled mental state.
Both Kirk and Leber confirmed they were not legally obligated to disclose auditory hallucinations if reported by Gregg to her mother. Leber stated she personally likely would have, while Kirk would have pursued further questioning. Kirk admitted being “perplexed” by Gregg’s reluctance to discuss her biological father. Todd raised the crucial question of whether someone fearing a mental health diagnosis might lie to their therapist, to which Kirk agreed, “Sure,” acknowledging the possibility of Gregg downplaying or concealing symptoms.
Todd revisited Gregg’s “existential” periods, linking them to bouts of depression. Kirk conceded that emotional conflict reported by Gregg largely revolved around existential themes and that their final session touched upon reality and life, mentioning Gregg’s view of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a “cult,” but otherwise remaining emotionally reserved. Todd concluded by asking if Kirk was shocked by the events of March 19th. Kirk’s emotional response, “It was the most shocking day of my life,” underscored the unexpected nature of the tragedy from her professional perspective.
Redirect Examination and Dr. Amanda Gugliano: Forensic Evaluation and Competency
REDIRECT OF REBECCA KIRK
On redirect examination by Newman, Kirk emphasized the commonality of anxiety and depression among her clients, contrasting it with the extreme rarity of a patient killing their mother. She further stated she had treated patients with auditory hallucinations, none of whom had committed such acts of violence, attempting to contextualize Gregg’s alleged symptoms within a broader clinical population.
DR. AMANDA GUGLIANO
Alt text: Dr. Amanda Gugliano, Director of Forensic Evaluation Service, testifies about her evaluation of Carly Gregg’s competency to stand trial.
Dr. Amanda Gugliano, Director of the Forensic Evaluation Service at Mississippi State Hospital, testified as a forensic evaluator. She clarified that forensic evaluators maintain objectivity and do not advocate for either side. Their evaluations are not confidential, as information is shared with both prosecution and defense, and they may be called to testify. Gugliano emphasized the importance of corroborating information beyond just the individual’s account, including speaking to family and reviewing records.
Gugliano’s evaluation of Carly Gregg, focusing on competency to stand trial, involved reviewing therapist and counselor records, jail records, and discussions with both Newman and Todd. She interviewed Gregg and attempted to interview Smylie, who did not return her calls. She highlighted the value of family input in providing additional perspectives. Gugliano recorded her evaluations for accuracy and noted that Todd was present during Gregg’s interview, though Todd’s active participation was unusual.
Newman questioned the atypical nature of Todd’s involvement, asking if it was unusual for an attorney to question their client during a forensic evaluation. Gugliano confirmed it was. The interview lasted over four hours, including a lunch break, with Gugliano primarily asking questions and Todd interjecting periodically. Gugliano stated Todd introduced information not previously disclosed in discovery, both during the interview and in prior phone calls, which she found helpful in her evaluation process.
Gugliano testified that Gregg admitted to marijuana use via a vape pen but denied other illegal substances, being evasive about prescription drugs. Gugliano stressed the importance of substance use history in evaluations, as it can significantly impact behavior. She stated that drug use, particularly potent marijuana, can induce psychosis, causing delusions, hallucinations, and mood disturbances.
According to records reviewed by Gugliano, Gregg had not previously reported marijuana use, auditory hallucinations, or time lapses. Todd had informed Gugliano of Gregg experiencing spacing out and time lapses, but Gugliano could not corroborate this information. Newman directly asked if drug use alone could cause psychosis, to which Gugliano affirmed it could.
When asked to identify her primary concern, Gregg reportedly stated her distress about missing school restarting. She also described sadness and rapid mood swings, shifting from happiness to desolation within minutes or longer periods. Gugliano clarified that bipolar disorder typically involves longer-lasting mood episodes, differentiating it from the minute-to-minute fluctuations Gregg described.
Alt text: Carly Gregg communicates with family members in the courtroom during a break in her trial proceedings.
Gregg described feeling detached, prompting Gugliano to explore potential PTSD. Gregg stated she felt less affected by being in jail than she anticipated. Todd suggested this detachment might be due to solitary confinement. Gregg also reported dissociating when her mother was angry, claiming she was dissociating in prison as well. When questioned about blackouts, Gregg suggested this might have occurred during the incident. She also mentioned feeling queasy when thinking about the alleged offenses and expressed typical jail-related anxieties, not paranoia.
Newman questioned Gugliano about auditory hallucinations. Gugliano stated Gregg reported hearing a male voice since age five or six, which Gugliano found “unusual.” Gregg described the voice as constantly present but background noise, making snide comments, but never about her mother or stepfather. This differed from Dr. Andrew Clark’s testimony, who stated Gregg reported voices commanding her to harm her mother. Gugliano found the early onset and constant presence of the voice atypical of psychotic disorders, suggesting it might be internalized dialogue.
Ultimately, Gugliano concluded Gregg was competent to stand trial, finding her memory of relevant facts and the period leading up to the incident consistent with available records and lacking concerning memory lapses.
Text Messages and Brady Violation Allegation: Post-Lunch Courtroom Drama
AFTER THE LUNCH BREAK
Following the lunch break, the trial took a dramatic turn. The defense informed the court about previously undisclosed text messages found on a friend’s phone. These messages, sent by Gregg in November 2023, described an instance of “zoning out.” The defense argued this constituted a Brady violation – a failure by the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence.
Judge Dewey Arthur reviewed the texts. Newman countered that the texts were not exculpatory and that the defense had received a phone extraction from the friend’s phone on June 4, 2024, containing this information. Newman argued the defense’s failure to thoroughly review the data dump was not the state’s fault. She pointed to Todd’s signature confirming receipt of the information and email correspondence indicating the defense was aware of phone extractions. Newman deemed the Brady violation claim “disingenuous.”
Judge Arthur requested proof of the phone dump disclosure. Newman provided documentation, bearing both her and Todd’s signatures. After a brief recess to retrieve printed copies of emails, the proceedings resumed.
CROSS EXAMINATION OF DR. GUGLIANO
CROSS EXAMINATION OF DR. GUGLIANO
Todd resumed cross-examination of Gugliano, questioning potential hindrances to her evaluation and her response to them. Todd highlighted instances where she interjected during Gugliano’s evaluation of Gregg, instructing Gregg not to answer if unsure or prompting her responses. Gugliano acknowledged these interjections but stated she was unsure of Todd’s motivations.
Todd questioned Gugliano’s recommendation for a forensic psychiatrist to further evaluate Gregg, specifically regarding medication effects at the time of the incident and competency at the time of the offense, differentiating between competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the crime.
REDIRECT OF GUGLIANO
REDIRECT OF GUGLIANO
Newman’s redirect clarified that Gugliano had inquired about Gregg’s prescription medication use but received no response. Gugliano also confirmed her evaluation focused on competency to stand trial, not specifically on Gregg’s ability to recall the events of the incident itself. Following a bench conference, the jury was excused for a recess to address the Brady violation issue.
RETURNING TO THE COURT AFTER THE BREAK
Upon returning to court, the state presented evidence confirming the defense had received the phone dump. The defense claimed technical difficulties accessing it. ADA Michael Smith assisted Todd in locating the relevant text message within the data.
Judge Arthur strongly addressed the Brady violation accusation, emphasizing its severity and potential consequences for a prosecutor. He ruled there was no Brady violation and further stated the texts impeached the friend and Gregg, revealing earlier drug use than previously disclosed, undermining Gregg’s credibility. Judge Arthur characterized the texts as indicative of teenage issues, including a crush and drug use, and stated the state was not obligated to exhaustively search for all exculpatory evidence. The defense motion to dismiss based on the Brady violation was denied.
Dr. Jason Pickett: State’s Rebuttal on Sanity and Intent
DR. JASON PICKETT
Alt text: Dr. Jason Pickett, a Forensic Psychiatrist, provides expert testimony for the prosecution, challenging the insanity defense in the Carly Gregg trial.
The state’s next rebuttal witness was Dr. Jason Pickett, a board-certified psychiatrist, emergency physician, and forensic psychiatrist from North Mississippi State Hospital. Pickett outlined Mississippi’s legal standard for insanity, encompassing three prongs: the presence of a base mental illness, understanding the nature and quality of actions, and understanding wrongfulness (knowing it’s against the law). He used the example of mistaking choking someone for squeezing a lemon to illustrate lacking understanding of the nature of an act.
Pickett testified he met with Gregg and Todd for approximately 4.5 hours. Based on this interview, extensive discovery review, and his expertise, he concluded Gregg did not meet Mississippi’s insanity standard at the time of the offense and understood the nature, quality, and wrongfulness of her actions. Pickett referenced reviewing the garage, dining room, and body camera video in his evaluation.
Pickett also noted Todd’s presence and interjections during his evaluation of Gregg. He described Todd’s involvement as going beyond simple prompting, becoming “very leading, close ended questions, leading, redirecting the conversation,” which he documented in his report. Pickett found this level of attorney involvement unusual and potentially calculated, noting most patients do not require such prompting, especially those with hallucinations or dissociative spells who can typically articulate their experiences.
Pickett highlighted mentions of drug use from Gregg’s friends, suggesting potential substance involvement, corroborated by a positive cannabinoid drug screen taken after Gregg’s detention. He suggested drugs might have triggered the conflict with Smylie on the 19th.
WHAT’S IN THE WORDS
Newman presented Pickett with Gregg’s journal. Pickett discussed analyzing journals for genuineness versus theatricality. He noted an entry where Gregg chose “fire” as her element because it is “powerful, beautiful, and deadly,” interpreting this as self-identification. He pointed out the journal’s opening line acknowledging potential readers, suggesting a performative aspect. He also highlighted Gregg’s stated favorite part of a movie being “war crimes and death” and her interest in Harley Quinn’s “crazed and psychotic” criminality. A stabbed hole in the journal was linked to Tom Riddle/Voldemort from Harry Potter.
Pickett listed ten tenets from the journal, including “it’s okay to be evil” and “There is no God,” alongside other philosophical statements. On March 12th, Gregg wrote about enjoying books about “crazy people,” detailing a “psychotic break” and “screaming quite bloodthirstily and ravenously” with alleged voices. After the burner phone iPod discovery, Gregg wrote of relief at the “dishonesty” being over.
Pickett also found concerning text messages, including one stating, “You don’t understand how f-ing psycho I was that day. I almost murdered my parents.” He emphasized analyzing texts and writings holistically, differentiating between theatrical expressions and genuine concerns. Newman asked about gaslighting references in Gregg’s writings. Pickett confirmed instructions on gaslighting ending with “Take advantage, happy hurting.” Other writings included dream descriptions, mentioning depression and “rage” in April, and a notebook entry stating, “Life’s greatest illusion: Innocence.” Pickett deemed texts from the time of the offense particularly revealing.
ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS
Pickett found Gregg’s responses to his questions sometimes resembling “textbook answers,” suggesting a superficial understanding rather than genuine experience. He contrasted this with individuals genuinely experiencing schizophrenia or dissociative disorder who vividly and objectively describe their symptoms, making them harder to conceal. Pickett assessed Gregg’s conversational ability as linear and logical, not delusional. He distinguished reality-based conversation from psychotic delusions, using examples of illogical and fantastical delusions.
Newman referenced Dr. Clark’s diagnosis of manic and hypomanic states and asked Pickett’s opinion. Pickett found no evidence of manic states during his examination or in therapy notes dating back to 2015. UMMC medical records from when Gregg was around 11 also lacked mention of psychotic symptoms. Pickett reviewed medical reports concerning Gregg’s father, Kevin Gregg, noting heavy drug use can mimic bipolar disorder. He cited Kevin Gregg’s tweets detailing and praising drug use, expressing skepticism about Kevin Gregg’s bipolar diagnosis, especially given his doctor’s limited interaction and prescription of controlled substances, including Adderall, which Pickett deemed risky for bipolar patients.
After discussing Bipolar Disorder 2, Pickett disagreed with Dr. Clark’s diagnosis for Gregg. He suggested Dr. Clark relied too heavily on Dr. Hardy’s notes (Kevin Gregg’s doctor). Pickett doubted Carly Gregg had bipolar disorder, citing the lack of psychotic behavior in her medical history. He also questioned the theatrical nature of Gregg’s journal entry about auditory hallucinations, contrasting it with the typical distressing experience of genuine auditory hallucinations. Pickett also found Gregg’s claimed early onset and constant presence of voices atypical and her statement of not “listening” to them inconsistent with genuine auditory hallucinations. He disputed Gregg’s claims of extreme mood swings, stating minute-to-minute fluctuations were inconsistent with bipolar disorder.
DISSOCIATIVE STATES
Pickett noted prior diagnoses of adjustment disorder, distinct from bipolar disorder, and dismissed an eating disorder as a cause for murder. He stated violence in dissociative states is typically accidental. Retrieving a gun, as Gregg allegedly did, requires memory, coordination, and planning, arguing against a dissociative state explanation. Pickett identified malingered amnesia as common, particularly in homicides, reading from research material.
Pickett differentiated between genuine dissociative disorders, occurring without prompting, and zoning out. He acknowledged accounts of Gregg zoning out but questioned if substance abuse could be a factor. He argued genuine dissociative spells are usually linked to trauma and are unpleasant and uncontrollable, making concealment from her mother unlikely. He found Gregg’s claimed memory loss from letting dogs out to the sewer as suspect, noting the unusual length of the claimed blackout. Gregg’s reported queasiness thinking about the incident also suggested malingering, inconsistent with complete blackout amnesia. Pickett defined “malingering” as exaggerating symptoms for secondary gain.
Pickett noted Gregg claimed dissociative episodes since her mother’s death, including during their interview and a court hearing (corroborated by Todd), and every time her mother was angry, suggesting possible exaggeration or misinterpretation of zoning out.
SPECIFIC INTENT
Alt text: Security camera still shows Carly Gregg peering around a corner with a handgun concealed behind her back moments before her mother was shot.
Pickett analyzed video footage of the day of Ashley Smylie’s death, describing a “tense situation.” He interpreted Gregg’s actions – walking purposefully to retrieve the gun, not a “banana” – as demonstrating “intact memory, intact motor function, coordination and… specific intent.” He highlighted Gregg’s act of peeking around the corner while concealing the gun as showing “spatial awareness” and checking if Smylie was in the kitchen, indicating premeditation. Sidestepping to hide the gun from the camera further suggested awareness and an attempt to avoid detection, indicating appreciation of “the nature and wrongfulness” of her actions.
Pickett pointed to the “marksmanship” implied by multiple headshots as indicative of high-level brain function. Unlocking Smylie’s phone with a passcode and texting her stepfather, Heath, with a specific target and message (“You almost home, honey?”) was described as “diabolical,” showing calculated intent, not mental illness. He deemed this act inconsistent with any claimed mental illness. Gregg returning with something hidden, attempting to “play cool,” and yelling “Heath, Heath, Heath?” for logical reasons (knowing who would come home) further demonstrated calculated actions. Pickett noted Gregg’s presence with her dead mother and hiding the camera in the refrigerator as further evidence of organized, intentional behavior, not disorganization. Gregg telling the dogs “It’s okay, it’s okay” was interpreted as a humanizing detail, but not negating her intentional actions.
COMMUNICATING WITH FRIENDS
Gregg texting “I need help” to a friend indicated awareness of a problem, further emphasized by all-caps “I NEED HELP.” Her refusal to disclose the reason (“I can’t tell you why”) suggested awareness of wrongdoing. Her statement about not being suicidal showed awareness of her friend’s concern. Mentioning meeting the friend’s boyfriend, in a dissociative state, was deemed incongruous. Texts to male friends (“I’ve f-ed up”) and providing her address showed understanding and intentional communication. Her reply “You can’t do that” when a friend offered to call 911 further demonstrated awareness. Asking a friend upon arrival, “Are you squeamish around dead bodies?” and telling her not to worry about cameras indicated a clear mind and awareness of wrongdoing. Her statement, “I put three in my mom and I have three more for my stepdad when he gets home,” was further evidence of understanding.
PICKETT’S DIAGNOSIS
Dr. Pickett concurred with prior diagnoses of adjustment disorder and depression, and added generalized anxiety disorder, explaining many symptoms. He also identified Cluster B traits, cautioning against definitive childhood diagnoses. He listed borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders within Cluster B. He linked the condescending voice in Gregg’s journal to narcissism and her writings about future greatness. He noted the confusion between borderline personality and bipolar disorder, highlighting overlapping symptoms like mood swings, self-harm, rage, and unstable relationships, all traits exhibited by Gregg. He suggested borderline personality traits can emerge as early as 12.
Pickett cautiously mentioned “psychopathic traits,” emphasizing he did not use the term lightly in adolescents. He cited the “callous nature” of texting her next intended victim while leaving her dead mother, the violent themes in her journal, and her charm and manipulativeness. He concluded that despite these traits, Gregg’s actions demonstrably showed understanding of the nature, quality, and wrongfulness of her actions on the day of Ashley Smylie’s death.
AFTERNOON BREAK – JUDGE STORMS OUT
Alt text: Judge Dewey K. Arthur displays visible frustration during a recess in the Carly Gregg trial, highlighting the tense courtroom atmosphere.
During the afternoon break, Judge Arthur became visibly aggravated. Defense attorney Bridget Todd raised concerns about the parents of minor witnesses requesting their children’s names not be used, citing a supposed court order preventing media use of names. Judge Arthur, irritated, stated he had tried to prevent name usage and the media was doing its best. He emphasized the jury’s importance, stating they were being forgotten, and called for a 15-minute break for both sides to consider the jury. He then abruptly hammered his gavel and left the courtroom.
AFTER THE BREAK
Pickett resumed testimony, referencing Gregg’s journal entry about manipulation and “happy hurting,” including self-reflection on potential melodrama for attention. He interpreted this as manipulative. He cited Gregg’s poor behavioral control, like the knife incident at school and “promiscuous behavior,” as concerning. Pickett reiterated he was not diagnosing a 15-year-old as a psychopath, but these “concerning traits” factored into understanding the events. Despite these traits, he maintained Gregg understood her actions on the day of the killing. The prosecution tendered the witness.
CROSS EXAMINATION OF DR. JASON PICKETT
Alt text: Defense attorney Kevin Camp cross-examines Dr. Jason Pickett, challenging the prosecution’s expert witness testimony on Carly Gregg’s sanity.
Defense attorney Kevin Camp began cross-examining Pickett, contrasting his training and experience with Dr. Clark’s. Camp questioned Pickett about confirmation bias, whether he sought evidence to support a pre-existing opinion. Pickett reiterated his objectivity and commitment to reporting his findings truthfully. Camp asked about violent tendencies in Gregg’s history, Pickett pointed to journal entries idolizing violent characters and the “happy hurting” reference, but acknowledged no overt violent acts beyond journal entries. Camp highlighted Gregg’s “Life’s greatest illusion is innocence” quote originating from the game Skyrim, and noted Gregg’s screen name “Lazy Assassin,” questioning if Pickett selectively emphasized negative journal content. Pickett clarified his opinion wasn’t solely based on these elements.
Camp and Pickett discussed Gregg’s traumas, medications, diagnoses, and Pickett’s skepticism about Kevin Gregg’s bipolar diagnosis and its genetic implications for Carly. Camp questioned if Pickett aimed to discredit Kevin’s diagnosis to weaken the genetic argument for Carly’s bipolar disorder. Pickett defended his independent assessment, citing frequent misdiagnoses and his thorough review of Kevin Gregg’s case, including family interviews. He detailed reasons for doubting Kevin’s diagnosis.
Camp continued skeptical questioning of Pickett’s methodology. Pickett reiterated the consistency of evidence pointing towards malingering and “large secondary gain.” He argued a truly distressed 14-year-old would seek help from her mother, countering Camp’s point that Gregg concealed issues from her mother by noting Smylie’s involvement in seeking counseling and psychiatric care for Gregg, suggesting mental health concerns were not hidden. Camp pointed to Gregg’s reported “psychotic break” and asked if Pickett deemed it theatrical. Pickett confirmed he found some aspects theatrical.
Camp revisited Pickett’s statement about the rarity of dissociation-related violence and asked if Gregg wasn’t a “rare case.” Pickett conceded the rarity of matricide but not mental illness in adolescents. He reiterated the literature’s scarcity on violence in dissociative states, emphasizing his video and text message analysis indicated intentional, high-level functioning, making malingering more probable than a rare dissociative episode. Camp questioned if jail hallucinations reported by Gregg were considered. Pickett noted these were “per Carly’s” account. He contrasted this with hospitalized schizophrenia patients who eagerly seek help.
Camp referenced Heath Smylie’s testimony about Gregg appearing not to recognize him, but Pickett countered by pointing out Gregg texting Heath to come home and calling his name on camera, indicating recognition. Camp asked if anything could change Pickett’s opinion. Pickett stated objective new information could. Camp questioned Pickett’s experience treating children, which Pickett acknowledged was primarily in emergency settings, not psychiatric. Camp confirmed Pickett had limited courtroom testimony experience but extensive competency and sanity evaluations.
REDIRECT
REDIRECT
Newman’s redirect questioned if more experience inherently makes a better doctor. Pickett responded that even if Dr. Clark’s diagnoses were accepted, his video and text message analysis led him to conclude Gregg understood the nature, quality, and wrongfulness of her actions.
THE STATE RESTS
The prosecution rested its case, concluding the presentation of evidence and expert testimonies concerning Carly Gregg’s mental state and the crucial question of Carly Gregg diagnosis within the legal framework of the trial. The focus now shifts to closing arguments and ultimately, the jury’s deliberation and verdict.
