THE family of a teen accused of shooting dead both her parents was torn apart in court as they fought for and against the girl’s bond release.
Sarah Grace Patrick, 17, was arrested on suspicion of murdering her mum, Kristin Brock, 41, and stepdad, James Brock, 45, in the family home in February.
Carroll County Sheriff’s OfficeSarah Grace Patrick, 17, was arrested and charged with the murders of her mum and stepfather[/caption]
FacebookKristin Brock, 41, and her partner James Brock, 45, were shot dead in the family home in February[/caption]
Fox 5 AtlanticSarah sobbed in court during her bond hearing[/caption]
She attended court for it to be decided whether she would remain locked up until her trial, with some family in support while others warned Sarah would flee from the justice system.
Sarah’s five-year-old sister discovered Kristin and James’s bodies, and the teen called 911, according to Fox 5.
In the days following their deaths, Sarah put out pleas for information about their killer on social media.
But in a shocking twist, the teen handed herself in on July 8, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
In the emotional, two-hour bond hearing, advocates for Sarah described her as a church-girl without any criminal history.
Her pastor told the court she had “made a personal decision to be baptized” and “continued to attend services regularly”.
The pastor revealed that Sarah often calls him from jail to pray.
Another supporter said: “Hurting someone simply isn’t in her nature or character,” adding: “she remained incredibly kind, respectful and especially patient”.
Sarah’s biological father, Doniel ‘DJ’ Patrick, has vehemently defended his daughter on social media, and insists she is not behind the brutal killings.
His girlfriend, Katie, told the Daily Mail: “Sarah Grace maintains her innocence, we believe her.”
DJ told friends ahead of the hearing that he believed it would be a “great day”, but broke down in court wearing a “I stand with Sarah Grace” t-shirt.
But prosecutors and argued that if Sarah was allowed to leave jail she could try to run away or intimidate witnesses.
Kim Bowling, James’s sister, told the judge: “If the defendant can kill her own parents in such a violent manner, I fear for my own safety and the safety of my family and friends.
“I urge you to consider this in your decision.”
TikTokSarah reportedly posted on social media about her mother’s death before handing herself in[/caption]
The family home where the couple died11Alive
Trysten Brock, Sarah’s stepbrother, warned that she would “absolutely attempt to flee rather than stand trial if given the opportunity”.
In the end, Judge Dustin Hightower sided with the prosecution and ordered Sarah to be held without bond.
He said that she posted a “significant flight risk” and a “risk of witness intimidation”.
The judge continued: “This is not daytime ‘Court TV,’ and this is not for entertainment.
“We’re here to simply apply the law and I’m going to do that to the best of my ability.”
FacebookThe couple were found dead by Sarah’s five-year-old sister[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
