What Makes a Murderer? Inside the Mind of Those Who Kill

Delve into the psychological factors and life experiences that drive ordinary people to commit the unthinkable

Author

David Yupa
November 13, 2024

Welcome back, Case Crackers, and a special welcome to our new readers! We’re thrilled to have you dive into another edition packed with true crime insights, shocking stories, and a few interactive surprises. This week, we’re exploring the chilling psychology behind what drives people to murder.

What dark mix of trauma, personality, and motive can turn an ordinary person into a killer? We’ll uncover those mysteries and more. Plus, don’t miss our breaking news, fascinating facts, and a fun game to test your detective skills. Let’s crack some cases together!

🚨Breaking News🚨

Teen Girl Murders Mother, Invites Friend to View Body – Now Faces Life in Prison

15-Year-Old Carly Gregg Convicted for Killing Her Mother and Trying to Murder Stepfather After Her Hidden Drug Life Was Exposed

15-Year-Old Carly Gregg Convicted for Killing Her Mother

“Have You Ever Seen a Dead Body?”

15-Year-Old Carly Gregg Convicted of Murdering Her Mother, Attempting to Kill Stepfather After Hidden Drug Life Revealed

In a shocking Mississippi case, Carly Gregg, then 14, fatally shot her mother, high school teacher Ashley Smylie, after Smylie discovered her daughter’s secret life involving drugs. Following the murder, Carly called a friend over under the pretense of an ‘emergency’ and showed her the body, chillingly asking, ‘Have you ever seen a dead body?’

During the trial, jurors heard how Carly used a .357 magnum to shoot her mother on March 19, after returning home from Northwest Rankin High School, where Smylie taught math. Prosecutors described Carly as a dangerous individual with burner phones, marijuana vape pens, and a pattern of cheating and self-harm. After killing her mother, she lured her stepfather, Heath Smylie, home by texting him as if she were her mother. When he arrived, she shot him in the shoulder; he managed to overpower her, leading to her arrest.

Despite the defense arguing Carly’s actions were influenced by a state of psychosis under acute stress, the jury found her guilty of murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence. The conviction means Carly will spend the rest of her life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A Deadly Secret: Teen Carly Gregg Convicted of Killing Her Mother After Friend Reveals Hidden Drug Use

In a chilling Mississippi case, 15-year-old Carly Gregg was convicted of fatally shooting her mother, high school teacher Ashley Smylie, after her secret life of drug use was revealed. According to prosecutors, Carly’s friend, alarmed by her use of marijuana and possession of burner phones, confided in Ashley on the day of the murder. Shortly after, Ashley confronted Carly, searching her room and discovering hidden vape pens. This confrontation escalated, and Carly allegedly shot her mother with a .357 Magnum.

Ashley Smylie

The trial highlighted Carly’s mental health struggles, with a psychiatrist testifying that she faced severe mood swings, self-harm, and hallucinations, all exacerbated by a recent change in medication. Dr. Andrew Clark described how Carly’s hidden life and her mother’s discovery may have felt like a personal crisis, triggering her violent response. Prosecutors also presented Carly’s journal as evidence, which contained troubling entries such as “there is no God” and “it’s okay to be evil,” suggesting a dark mindset.

The defense argued that these writings reflected a young girl in mental distress, contending that Carly’s actions were a result of overwhelming psychological issues. However, after four days of testimony, the jury deliberated for just two hours before finding Carly guilty of murder, attempted murder of her stepfather, and tampering with evidence. At just 15 years old, she now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Newly Released Video Shows Teen Carly Gregg Moments Before and After Killing Her Mother in Shocking Crime

Home surveillance footage reveals the harrowing moments surrounding 15-year-old Carly Gregg’s alleged murder of her mother, Ashley Smylie. In the video, Carly, dressed in a Nirvana t-shirt, is seen pacing through her Mississippi home with a .357 Magnum handgun concealed behind her back. Facing the camera briefly before sliding out of view, she disappears moments before three gunshots ring out, followed by Smylie’s screams.

After the shooting, Carly reappears in the kitchen, hiding the gun as she sits at the counter, grabs her mother’s phone, and uses it to text her stepfather, Heath Smylie, to lure him home. She also messaged a friend, claiming there was an “emergency” and allegedly asked, “Have you ever seen a dead body?” before showing her mother’s lifeless body to the friend and chillingly mentioning her stepfather would be next.

Additional footage from the garage captures Carly fleeing after allegedly shooting Heath in the shoulder and struggling with him over the weapon. When police arrived, bodycam footage recorded Heath tearfully recounting the horrifying events, saying, “She killed her mom! She tried to shoot me!”

Taking the stand, Heath described his once-sweet stepdaughter as unrecognizable during the incident, saying, “She was not herself … it looked like she had seen a demon or something.” Despite the tragedy, he testified that he and Carly still speak daily and maintain a “good” relationship.

The trial’s closing arguments painted two starkly different portraits of Carly. Prosecutors, led by State Attorney Michael Smith, argued that Carly was fully aware of her actions, saying she “knew the difference between right and wrong.” He emphasized the evidence showing Carly’s attempts to hide the camera and tamper with evidence, asserting that she was “not insane at the time.”

Carly was captured on home surveillance footage walking around the house before allegedly firing three shots at Smylie, who died from a gunshot wound to the face

In contrast, defense attorney Bridget Todd argued that Carly’s severe mental health issues, hereditary in nature, led her into a state of psychosis. The defense claimed that medication changes worsened her symptoms, creating a “perfect storm” on March 19. Todd argued, “This was not a bad kid… This was a kid who was experiencing significant mental health issues.” Although a psychiatrist testified Carly didn’t remember the shooting, court-appointed experts found her competent for trial and ruled that she did not meet the state’s standard for insanity.

The case leaves many haunted by the tragedy of a young girl, her troubled mental state, and the devastating outcome for her family

What’s Next for Carly Gregg? Teen Faces Life Sentence After Turning Down Plea Deal

Before the trial, 15-year-old Carly Gregg was offered a plea deal of 40 years in prison, which she declined, opting instead to pursue an insanity defense. However, the jury was unconvinced, ultimately finding her guilty on all charges.

On Friday, Carly broke down in court as the verdict was read, sealing her fate. After an additional hour of deliberation, the jury sentenced the teenager to life in prison without the possibility of parole, marking a tragic and final chapter for Carly, who will now spend the rest of her life behind bars.

✅ Crime Facts vs Myth ❌

Myth:

Most criminals are strangers to their victims.

Facts:

In reality, most violent crimes are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, family member, or acquaintance. Stranger crimes are relatively rare.

Consider the high-profile case of Laci Peterson, who disappeared in 2002. At first, the public speculated about possible strangers who might have been involved in her disappearance. However, as the investigation unfolded, evidence pointed toward someone close to her—her husband, Scott Peterson. Scott was eventually convicted of her murder, highlighting a key reality in many violent crime cases: the suspect is often someone close to the victim.

tip of the week

🔔 Learn the Lingo 🔔

In the world of true crime, understanding the terminology used in criminal investigations, forensics, and legal proceedings can be incredibly valuable. Terms like "modus operandi," "FOIA," "ex parte," and "chain of custody" frequently appear in case files, documentaries, and news reports. Familiarizing yourself with these terms not only enhances your understanding of cases but also enables you to interpret case files and official documents more accurately.

How to Get Started:

  1. Compile a list of common legal, forensic, and criminology terms.

  2. Learn definitions and real-world applications of these terms.

  3. Practice spotting and interpreting them when reading or watching true crime content.

Example:
Imagine you’re researching a cold case file, and you come across this sentence:

"The suspect’s modus operandi was consistent across all related incidents, suggesting a clear pattern in the way each crime was committed."

Without knowing what modus operandi (often shortened to MO) means, you might miss out on a key insight into the suspect’s behavior. Modus operandi is a Latin term meaning “method of operation.” In criminology, it refers to the distinctive way a criminal commits their crimes—almost like a signature style. Understanding an individual’s MO helps investigators link separate incidents and establish patterns, especially in cases involving serial offenders.

In this example, recognizing that the suspect’s MO is consistent means they likely have a repeatable, identifiable pattern, which may lead investigators to more cases connected to the same person. For a true crime enthusiast, understanding this term can unlock deeper insights into how detectives build connections between crimes.

Richard Allen Found Guilty in the Killing of Two Teens

Richard Allen, 52, was found guilty

in a highly anticipated verdict, Richard Allen, 52, was found guilty on November 11, 2024, of the brutal 2017 murders of Liberty “Libby” German, 14, and Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13. The trial, held at the Carroll County Courthouse in Indiana, concluded after three weeks of testimony and four days of jury deliberation. Allen, a former CVS pharmacy technician, was convicted on two counts of murder and two counts of murder in the course of committing or attempting kidnapping, according to WISH-TV. The conviction marks the end of a years-long quest for justice for the two young teens whose deaths left the Delphi, Indiana community reeling.

The case gained national attention soon after Libby and Abby disappeared on February 13, 2017, while walking along Delphi’s Monon High Bridge, a historic trail approximately 70 miles north of Indianapolis. The following day, the bodies of the two friends were discovered less than a mile from the bridge, with both girls suffering fatal injuries to the throat. A medical examiner testified during the trial that the nature of their injuries suggested a brutal and deliberate attack.

Key evidence presented by the prosecution included a short video clip recorded by Libby on her cell phone just before the attack. In the clip, a man’s voice can be heard saying, “Guys, down the hill,” which police believe was Allen’s voice directing the girls. Law enforcement praised Libby’s quick thinking, calling her “a hero” for capturing footage of the suspect, which became central to the investigation.

A major breakthrough in the case came from forensic evidence found at the scene. An unspent .40 caliber bullet was recovered, which later matched a firearm discovered in Allen’s residence. This link proved crucial for the prosecution, who cited it as evidence connecting Allen to the crime scene.

Allen’s defense team, led by attorneys Andrew Baldwin and Brad Rozzi, introduced an alternate theory involving Odinism, a neo-Pagan belief system often associated with Norse mythology. They argued that the positioning of sticks on the victims’ bodies and the arrangement of clothing could suggest a ritualistic killing by Odinists, whom they claimed had motives tied to ritual practices. The defense further suggested that the positioning of the girls, Abby reportedly wearing Libby’s clothes—pointed to ritualistic elements. However, Special Judge Fran Gull ruled that this theory could not be presented in court, dismissing it as speculative. Despite this, the defense continued to argue that Carly was a scapegoat for other possible suspects.

Throughout the trial, jurors heard from forensic experts, including blood spatter analyst Patrick Cicero, who testified that Libby may not have died immediately from her injuries and might have been dragged before being left at the scene. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr, however, found no evidence of sexual assault on either victim but did not entirely rule it out, leaving lingering questions.

Allen reportedly confessed to the murders multiple times while in custody, though the defense argued that his mental state during these statements was compromised. They questioned his ability to fully comprehend his confessions, given his mental health concerns, a point that became central to the trial.

In closing arguments, State Attorney Michael Smith emphasized that Allen "knew the difference between right and wrong” and dismissed the defense’s claims of ritualistic involvement. Smith highlighted the evidence tying Allen directly to the crime, insisting that his actions were deliberate and that he “tampered with evidence” by allegedly attempting to hide the camera footage. “There’s no doubt that Richard Allen is the one who killed Libby German and Abby Williams,” Smith told the jury.

Ultimately, the jury sided with the prosecution, sentencing Allen to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors declined to pursue the death penalty, though Allen still faces a maximum sentence of 130 years. Statements from the families of Libby and Abby, as well as local authorities, are expected in the coming days as the community begins to find closure in the wake of this tragic case.

🕹️ Crack the Code: The Hidden Suspect 🕹️

Game Description:
A crime has been committed, and a single suspect’s name is hidden in the clues below. Use your detective skills to decipher each hint, then combine them to reveal the name of the suspect. Can you crack the code?

Instructions:
Each hint leads to a letter or number that’s part of the suspect's name. Solve each hint and write down the letters or numbers in order to reveal the suspect’s full name.

Clues:

  1. The first letter of a famous detective’s name who lived on 221B Baker Street.

  2. The third letter in the name of the city where Liberty German and Abigail Williams were found.

  3. The number of letters in the word “suspect” (write as a numeral).

  4. The first letter of the month that Halloween falls in.

  5. The last letter of the word “evidence.”

  6. The second letter in the word “criminal.”

  7. The first letter of the element symbol for gold.

Hint: The suspect’s name is a combination of letters and numbers. Write down each answer in order from 1 to 7 to find out who they are!

Behind the Mind of a Criminal: The Psychology of a Killer

Understanding a killer’s mind is often a complex blend of trauma, personality, and environmental factors. Here are a few psychological patterns commonly seen in violent offenders:

  1. Childhood Trauma: Many violent offenders have traumatic childhoods marked by abuse or neglect, leading to issues with empathy and emotional control.

  2. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): ASPD can cause a lack of empathy or guilt, with some individuals displaying manipulative or exploitative behavior without remorse.

  3. Power and Control: A need for dominance often drives violent behavior, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims.

  4. The “Dark Triad”: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy create a dangerous mix of self-importance, manipulation, and lack of empathy, often seen in individuals who kill for revenge or personal gain.

Examining these factors helps us understand how unresolved trauma and specific personality traits can set the stage for violence.

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