Rotten Mango Podcast Summary: Episode #393

Title: Giggly Baby Face Killer Shows HS Friend CORPSE Asking “Are You Squeamish Around Dead Bodies?”

Hosts: Stephanie Soo & Ramble
Release Date: September 27, 2024

Introduction to the Case

In episode #393 of Rotten Mango, hosts Stephanie Soo and Ramble delve into the chilling case of Carly Gregg, a seemingly exemplary 14-year-old high school student who shockingly transformed into a murderer within six months. Known for her academic prowess and popularity, Carly's descent into criminality unfolded rapidly, leaving her community and listeners astounded.

The Crime and Initial Investigation

March 19, 2024:
Carly Gregg sends a panicked text to her friends saying, “I fucked up. I need help. I need help.” At just 14 years old, her life took a dark turn. Initially, Carly's erratic behavior included drinking hand sanitizer as a prank, bringing a knife to school, and stealing exam answers, signaling deeper issues beneath her bright facade.

The Incident:
On the day of the crime, Carly’s friends attempt an intervention, planning to involve her mother, Ashley Smiley, a beloved math teacher. However, when Carly is dropped off at her home, she appears unusually calm. She questions her friend, “Are you squeamish? I need you to not freak out. Have you ever seen a dead body?” This unsettling calmness precedes the revelation of her mother’s corpse in her bedroom.

Evidence:
Key evidence includes footage from a hidden camera in Carly’s refrigerator. The video captures Carly's methodical actions as she retrieves a gun and executes her mother, followed by an attempted murder of her stepfather, Heath Smiley. Carly's nonchalant demeanor during and after the shootings contrasts starkly with the violence she perpetrates.

Notable Quote:
NARRATOR: “[00:02:16] 'She asks the officers, what is this? It’s GSR. It shows which hand you shot with. Okay, obviously you fired with a pistol, correct?'”

The Trial Proceedings

Verdict Delivery:
Carly Gregg stands before the court, listening to each juror's confirmation of her guilty verdict. Her emotional breakdown contrasts with her initial stoicism, highlighting the gravity of her actions.

Sentencing Options:
The prosecution offers a plea deal: 40 years in prison with no parole for pleading guilty, versus going to trial and facing potentially two life sentences for murder and additional charges.

Decision and Outcome:
Carly rejects the plea deal, opting for a trial where she must prove her insanity. The jury ultimately finds her guilty on all counts, sentencing her to life in prison for the murder of her mother, an attempted murder of her stepfather, and additional years for tampering with evidence.

Notable Quote:
NARRATOR: “[05:26] 'So polling a jury is just confirming.'”

Defense: Insanity and Mental Health Claims

The defense argues that Carly was not of sound mind during the crimes, citing potential bipolar disorder and psychotic breaks influenced by medication side effects, such as the switch from Zoloft to Lexapro. They present Carly's journals, which contain distressing messages like, “Please help me,” and references to psychological turmoil.

Notable Quotes:
Carly's journal excerpts reveal her inner turmoil:

• “[04:08] 'Please Help me. Please help me. Please help me.'”
• “[04:10] 'I know one of y'all will read this journal.'”

The defense contends that Carly was experiencing acute mental health issues, exacerbated by self-medication with weed, leading to her violent actions.

Prosecution: Deliberate and Calculated Actions

Prosecutors counter the insanity defense by highlighting Carly's premeditated actions:

• Methodical Execution: Carly deliberately retrieved a gun from under her mother's mattress, exhibited control and coordination during the murders, and attempted to conceal her actions.
• Behavior Post-Crime: After killing her mother, Carly calmly interacted with her pets and messaged her stepfather, indicating a level of awareness and intent inconsistent with psychosis.

Notable Quote:
NARRATOR: “[28:40] 'She walked directly to where the sole object is that could kill her mother, retrieves it in a very methodical manner.'”

Public and Netizen Reactions: The Stepfather’s Role

A significant portion of public discourse centers around Heath Smiley, Carly’s stepfather. While officially a victim, his composed demeanor and overt support for Carly have sparked various conspiracy theories:

• Supportive Behavior: Heath consistently defends Carly, expressing unwavering support despite her attempted murder.
• Suspicious Actions: Netizens question his actions, such as requesting the lifting of a protective order and his interactions with police regarding evidence tampering.
• Speculative Motives: Theories range from Heath’s involvement in the murders to his potential motive for protecting Carly, though no concrete evidence supports these claims.

Notable Quote:
NARRATOR: “[28:42] 'Yes. But he's saying she must not have been in her right mind.'”

Carly’s Demeanor During Trial: Manipulation or Genuine Emotion?

Listeners are divided on Carly's behavior in court:

• Emotional Outbursts: Carly’s sobbing and distress during emotional testimonies, such as her stepfather's 911 call, evoke sympathy.
• Unsettling Calmness: Her occasional giggles, smirks, and detached responses are perceived by some as manipulative or indicative of deeper psychological issues.
• Appearance and Presentation: Carly’s attire and demeanor, including her baby face and styled appearance, are scrutinized for signs of calculated manipulation.

Notable Quote:
NARRATOR: “[42:38] 'Just that she has potentially schizophrenia. She's bipolar. She was not of her right mind, and she's just locked in. But not.'”

Verdict and Aftermath

Carly Gregg is sentenced to life in prison for her crimes. The defense plans to appeal the sentence, potentially on grounds of ineffective counsel. Public opinion remains split:

• Sympathy for Her Youth and Mental Health: Some argue that Carly’s age and mental state warrant a more compassionate approach, such as hospitalization.
• Condemnation of Her Actions: Others assert that Carly’s calculated and violent actions overshadow any mitigating factors, supporting the conviction.

Notable Quote:
NARRATOR: “[54:08] 'Yeah, if she did, that's an Oscar winning performance.'”

Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Stephanie Soo and Ramble conclude the episode by highlighting the complex interplay of mental health, youth, and criminal intent. They invite listeners to share their thoughts and theories, acknowledging the divisive nature of the case.

Final Thoughts:
The case of Carly Gregg serves as a poignant exploration of how swiftly innocence can perish, and how societal perceptions of mental health and youth influence judicial outcomes. The episode underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health support and the challenges in distinguishing between calculated malice and genuine psychological distress.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [02:16]
  NARRATOR: "She fucked up. I need help. I need help."

• [05:26]
  GUEST: "So polling a jury is just confirming."

• [28:40]
  NARRATOR: "She walked directly to where the sole object is that could kill her mother, retrieves it in a very methodical manner."

• [42:38]
  NARRATOR: "Just that she has potentially schizophrenia. She's bipolar. She was not of her right mind, and she's just locked in. But not."

• [54:08]
  NARRATOR: "Yeah, if she did, that's an Oscar winning performance."

Stay Connected:
For more in-depth discussions and true crime stories, visit roottenmangopodcast.com. Share your thoughts and theories about Carly Gregg’s case in the comments section.

Disclaimer:
The defendant in this case has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder by one professional, though this diagnosis is contested. It’s important to note that having a mental health condition does not inherently predispose someone to violence.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:
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Rotten Mango continues to unravel the darkest of crimes, providing listeners with comprehensive analyses and thought-provoking discussions. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring the intricate psychology behind criminal actions.