A Georgia teenager accused of shooting her mother and stepfather dead in their home is seeking a delay in her upcoming murder trial, citing the emergence of potentially groundbreaking evidence.
Sarah Grace Patrick, 18, appeared in court on Monday with a seemingly blank expression as her lawyer, Shawn Hoover, argued for more time to process new information. Hoover claimed that a "rogue officer" has come forward with evidence that was previously unknown to the defense. He also expressed concerns about the forensic processes conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Prosecutors for the state have denied that any officer acted improperly, stating that a weapon was tested and found not to be involved in the case. The judge is expected to rule on the request for a delay by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.
Patrick was 17 at the time of the shootings on February 20, 2025, and was arrested in July 2025. She is accused of fatally shooting her mother, Kristin Brock, 41, and her stepfather, James Brock, 45, while they slept in their Carrollton home. Carrollton is located approximately 50 minutes outside of Atlanta.
Patrick is being tried as an adult and faces two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. If convicted, she could face life in prison. She has not formally entered a plea but is understood to deny the charges.
At the time of the incident, Patrick was in the house and called 911 after her then-five-year-old half-sister discovered the bodies. Initially, the deaths appeared to be a tragic mystery with no immediate suspects.
In the months following the killings, Patrick posted numerous videos on social media platforms, including TikTok, about the murders. She also delivered a eulogy at her parents' funeral. Some law enforcement officials and loved ones found her public displays of grief suspicious, while supporters maintained they were natural reactions to loss.
Patrick's demeanor in court on Monday was described as emotionless, a stark contrast to her appearance at a bond hearing in August 2025. At that hearing, exclusive photos showed her smiling and laughing with another inmate while awaiting court proceedings, although her expression later changed as she waited for the judge's decision.
Her request for bail was ultimately denied, and she has remained in custody since her arrest. Her legal team is seeking more time to investigate the claims of new evidence, emphasizing the need to adequately protect Patrick's interests moving forward.