Showing Up for Carly: A Journey of Mercy, Justice, and Love

By Warrior Mom, Jodi B. Stocker

I've only seen it on TV — people marching for justice, carrying signs, lifting their voices, demanding mercy. I never thought I'd be one of them. But on September 16-20th, I stood in Mississippi with Carly's Warriors, fighting for Justice and Mercy for Carly Madison Gregg and supporting the family I've come to love so very much. 

Why We Came

When Carly was sentenced to life without parole at just 15, we didn't even know until her trial aired on Court TV. We weren't there then — but this year, we promised to show up. Our goal was simple: to give Carly and her family new memories of hope, to help replace the pain of last year.

What We Did

We honored Ashley with purple pinwheels, heart stones, roses, and prayers for mercy. We stood in purple at the Rankin County Justice Center and carried banners and chanted at the Mississippi Supreme Court. We gathered for Ashley's Celebration of Life, hugging, praying, and promising to carry her light forward.

Our Promise

We vowed to Ashley and to Carly's family that we would never stop fighting. Today, we believe we are closer to Justice and Mercy than ever before.

Because in the end, love always wins.