The legal team representing a Georgia teenager accused of murdering her mother and stepfather is seeking a venue change for her upcoming trial, citing extensive media coverage as a potential barrier to a fair proceeding.
Seventeen-year-old Sarah Grace Patrick has entered a not guilty plea in the February killings of her parents, 41-year-old Kristen Brock and 45-year-old James Brock. The case has drawn significant media attention, which her attorneys argue could influence local jurors.
According to reports from COURT TV, Patrick’s defense attorneys have formally requested that the trial be relocated. They contend that the intense media coverage has created an environment where it would be difficult to assemble an unbiased jury in Carroll County.
“The widespread and inflammatory media attention has saturated the community, making it nearly impossible for Ms. Patrick to receive an impartial trial here,” stated LaToya Williams, one of Patrick’s defense attorneys.
Williams also pointed out that prominent outlets like People Magazine and Court TV have extensively covered the case. The prosecution, however, countered that Court TV does not operate within Carroll County and suggested that media coverage would persist no matter the trial’s location.
In their arguments, the defense highlighted the discussions occurring in online forums about the case. Meanwhile, the prosecution noted that one of these online groups, presented by the defense as evidence, consisted of approximately 3,200 members.
Many of the members are from other countries, meaning they would be ineligible to serve on the jury, according to the prosecution.
Patrick turned herself in at the Carroll County jail in July, months after allegedly calling 911 to report the killings. She’s facing two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.
Patrick contacted emergency services on February 20 after her 6-year-old sister found the couple shot inside their residence in the 1500 block of Tyus Carrollton Road.
Police stated there were no signs of a break-in at the residence, but one of the doors had been left open.
Patrick’s trial is scheduled for January 6.
[Feature Photo via Carroll County Sheriff’s Office]
