CARROLLTON, GA – A 17-year-old girl is facing adult charges after authorities say she fatally shot her mother and stepfather inside their home, an act that left her 6-year-old sister to discover the tragic scene.
Sarah Patrick, of Tyus, was arrested in connection with the February deaths of James Brock, 45, and Kristin Brock, 41. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office announced the charges Tuesday, describing the younger sibling’s discovery as the most heartbreaking aspect of the case.
Deputies responded to a 911 call from Patrick on February 20 and arrived at the family’s residence on Carrollton Tyus Road. Inside, they found the Brocks dead from multiple gunshot wounds. At the time, both Patrick and her younger sister lived in the home with the victims, authorities said.
Officials detailed that the 6-year-old girl, initially unaware of the magnitude of what had happened, found her parents’ bodies and informed Patrick, who then contacted emergency services. Investigators said Patrick was inside the house throughout the incident.
According to investigators, an extensive investigation led to Patrick’s arrest. Authorities emphasized the medical hardships James Brock had endured, including several heart surgeries, highlighting the tragedy of his life being violently cut short after surviving so much.
“This is a significant loss for their family, especially the young child, who not only lost her parents but was present at the scene,” Carroll County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Hulsey said at the news conference.
Patrick is charged as an adult with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Law enforcement said the investigation remains active, with authorities reviewing whether other family members might have been involved in the aftermath or attempted to help conceal the crime.
When asked whether the teenager had attempted to hide details immediately following the shootings, authorities said Patrick did not fully disclose what happened at first, but cautioned against speculation about her mental state or motives.
Patrick’s biological father reportedly turned her over to authorities after learning police had issued arrest warrants linked to the double homicide.
Detectives are continuing to interview Patrick and said it is possible additional arrests may be made as the investigation continues.