A psychiatrist who evaluated Carly Gregg after her arrest for allegedly shooting her mother and injuring her stepfather testified in court that she was experiencing a mental crisis at the time of the incident.
A psychiatrist who evaluated Carly Gregg after she was charged with killing her mother and injuring her stepfather testified in court on Tuesday that she was experiencing a mental crisis at the time of the incident.
Dr. Mark Leiser, a forensic psychiatrist who evaluated Gregg in May 2023, testified that she had a history of mental illness, including depression and anxiety. He said that in the weeks leading up to the shooting, Gregg had been experiencing a decline in her mental health.
Psychiatrist Testifies Carly Gregg Experienced Mental Crisis During Fatal Shooting
"She was having thoughts of suicide and homicide," Leiser said. "She was also experiencing delusions and hallucinations."
Leiser said that on the day of the shooting, Gregg was in a "psychotic state." He said that she was not able to distinguish between reality and fantasy, and that she believed that her mother and stepfather were trying to harm her.
"She was convinced that her mother was going to kill her," Leiser said. "She believed that her stepfather was going to help her mother kill her."
Leiser said that Gregg's mental state at the time of the shooting was consistent with a diagnosis of psychosis. He said that she was not responsible for her actions, as she was not able to appreciate the wrongfulness of her conduct.
Gregg's attorney, John Colette, asked Leiser if he thought that Gregg was dangerous. Leiser said that he did not believe that she was a danger to herself or others at the time of his evaluation.
"However, I cannot predict her future behavior," Leiser said. "I cannot say for certain that she will not be dangerous in the future."
Colette also asked Leiser if he thought that Gregg should be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Leiser said that he could not make that determination.
"That is a decision that the jury will have to make," Leiser said.
The jury is expected to begin deliberating on Gregg's case on Wednesday. If she is convicted, she could face life in prison.
In addition to the psychiatrist's testimony, the jury also heard from several other witnesses, including Gregg's mother and stepfather. Gregg's mother testified that she had been trying to help her daughter with her mental health issues, but that she had refused to take her medication.
Gregg's stepfather testified that he was in the kitchen when he heard gunshots. He said that he ran to the living room and saw his wife lying on the floor, covered in blood. He said that Gregg was standing over her, holding a gun.
The trial is expected to continue for several more days.
