A Georgia teen accused of killing her mother and stepfather will face trial in Carroll County next month.
On Wednesday, Judge Dustin W. Hightower issued a formal decision to continue with 18-year-old Sarah Grace Patrick’s trial, scheduled for August 3, following the defense’s request for a delay, according to Atlanta’s 11Alive News.
The decision came after the Patrick’s current lawyer, Shawn Hoover, argued during a pretrial hearing Monday that he needed additional time to review the case.
The defendant’s previous attorney, Latoya Williams, left the Carroll County Public Defender’s Office, leaving the newly appointed counsel to scramble for a trial delay.
“There has not been enough time,” Hoover said. “We have to have a continuance…there is more evidence out there.”
In February 2025, Patrick allegedly shot and killed Kristin Brock, 41, and James Brock, 45 inside their Carrollton residence.
Patrick’s 5-year-old sister found the couple unresponsive in their bedroom, while Patrick called 911.
She’s currently facing charges that include:
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Aggravated assault
Authorities said they later uncovered incriminating search queries on Patrick’s phone, reportedly made prior to the murders. The exact search queries have not been disclosed.
She then allegedly mourned on TikTok, while reaching out to true-crime TikTok creators, claiming that the case “would be a really big hit.”
Hoover, however, argued that he had concerns on how the case had been handled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and local law enforcement, citing concerns over forensic procedures.
He highlighted an alleged illegal chain of custody, referencing a “rogue” police officer who gathered evidence outside of normal procedures. Specifically, on a “hunch,” the officer allegedly found a pawned gun and tested it.
“We’re in a murder trial, a double homicide,” Hoover said, according to WSB-TV. “And now rogue officers are bringing in evidence that no one knew before.”
The prosecution argued that the officer was not “rogue” and had simply tested evidence to see if the firearm had been used in the crime. It had not.
“We do not have a rogue officer running wild,” prosecutor Michael Parish countered Monday, adding that numerous weapons were tested, which is standard procedure.
Hoover also stated that records from the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) showed a pattern of domestic violence and prescription drug abuse at the household, but nothing had been done to rectify the situation.
“More needs to be done so I can adequately protect Ms. Patrick’s interests moving forward,” Hoover said.
The prosecution stated that defense has all access to DFCS records, and that any additional evidence gathered will be provided to the defense within 10 days before the trial starts.
Patrick remains behind bars without bail. Check back for updates.
[Featured image: Sarah Grace Patrick/TikTok]
