Going West: True Crime

Episode 579: Sarah Grace Patrick – Teen Accused of Killing Parents
Date: February 3, 2026
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman

Episode Overview

In this episode, Daphne and Heath dive into the tragic and controversial case of Sarah Grace Patrick, a Georgia teenager accused of murdering her mother, Kristen, and stepfather, Jamie Brock, in February 2025. As the community grapples with grief and suspicion, digital breadcrumbs—including Sarah’s own TikTok posts—further complicate the narrative. With her upcoming trial drawing intense public attention, the hosts dissect the family’s dynamics, the evidence (or lack thereof), and the swirling theories of motive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background: The Patrick-Brock Family ([03:30] - [07:28])

• Sarah Grace Patrick, born in 2008, was the only child of Kristen and Daniel Patrick, who divorced in 2019.
• Kristen remarried Jamie Brock, forming a blended family with nine children (including step and half-siblings).
• The home where the murders occurred is rural but not completely isolated, located near Carrollton, GA, just west of Atlanta.
• Family dynamics were fraught: custody battles, arrests, and contentious relationships (Kristen at one point accused Jamie of abuse on social media).

2. Discovery of the Crime ([07:53] - [10:30])

• February 20, 2025: Sarah (16 at the time) was woken by her five-year-old sister, who had found both parents shot dead in bed.
• Sarah claimed she didn’t hear gunshots due to TVs being on; the five-year-old reported otherwise.
• The house showed no sign of forced entry or struggle, except for one door that looked as if it had been pried open—possibly staged.
• The community was shocked—rumors and suspicions quickly surrounded Sarah.

3. Sarah’s Eulogy and Initial Reactions ([10:30] - [13:51])

• Sarah gave a eulogy at the joint funeral, which raised eyebrows:
  • “Everything we went through does not define what kind of person or what kind of mother you were.” ([11:11] - [12:48])
• Quote:

  "It almost sounds like an award show speech...Like, everyone's like, she's thanking people like it's the Oscars..." — Daphne ([12:48])

• Some felt her sorrow was genuine, while others alleged the speech felt rehearsed or odd, fueling suspicions.

4. Crime Scene Details & Early Theories ([14:14] - [17:30])

• The only forced door led directly to the bedroom; the other doors were unlocked. Was the scene staged?
• Sarah suggested the killer “must have known them,” citing knowledge of the house layout.
• Her account of hearing only Jamie's heart pump alarm, not the gunshots, furthered skepticism, as gunshots in such a small home would be heard.

5. Sarah's Social Media Activity and the 'TikTok Teen Murderer' Narrative ([17:30] - [21:16])

• Sarah posted openly about her grief on TikTok (user: sgrace04282), sobbing in videos and directly asking true crime creators for coverage.
• She messaged one creator, “I think it would be a really big hit…Plus I can give you intel, just I can't give you anything that could break the case.”
  • Quote:

    “Her candor just appeared a bit careless and it seemed like she was trying to use this tragedy to get attention.” — Heath ([20:50])

• Community divided: was she traumatized or callously seeking attention? The narrative shifted after her arrest.

6. Arrest and Legal Proceedings ([21:16] - [27:30])

• July 8, 2025: Sarah arrested, charged with two counts of aggravated assault and murder.
• Sarah’s father, Donal, contended she was tricked into a police interview, believing she was giving a victim statement.
• Both sides of the family were split: Sarah’s father and maternal grandfather steadfastly defended her innocence; stepfather’s family insisted on her guilt.
  • Quote:

    “Somebody assassinated them, and it was not my daughter.” — Donal Patrick ([25:22])

  • Quote:

    "It's all speculative stuff. Nothing puts the gun in her hand. They don't have the gun." — Dennis Nolan, Sarah’s grandfather ([25:46])

7. Media Portrayal & Social Judgment ([33:58] - [39:03])

• Sarah’s social media presence earned her the nickname "TikTok Teen Murderer." Many continue to advocate her innocence.
• Defense tried to block salacious details (regarding drugs, sexual behavior) from court, suggesting possible motives but also fighting media prejudice.
  • Quote:

    “They're trying to find a motive here, and the defense is saying, well, we need to exclude all of those things.” — Heath ([36:45])

8. Potential Motives and Family History ([39:03] - [41:48])

• Online supporters claim Sarah suffered abuse and may have acted in self-defense; no evidence supports this yet.
• Old Facebook posts show:
  • Kristen once publicly accused Jamie of abuse: “Please let me know if you see James Brock so you can warn me. He's trying to kill me.” ([40:41])
  • Sarah publicly pushed back against allegations about her biological father, referencing abuse by the "ex stepdad."
• Prosecutors say some of Sarah’s family have “turned their backs” on the investigation, refusing to speak to authorities who, they believe, are prosecuting the wrong person.
  • Quote:

    “We've tried very hard to have a good relationship with them. They've turned their back because they do not believe we are prosecuting the right person…” — Prosecutor ([42:48])

9. Courtroom Developments and Ongoing Trial ([43:11] - [50:05])

• Tensions flared at bond hearings—with Sarah’s friends wearing “I Stand With Sarah” shirts and family members reading victim impact statements.
• Bond denied twice: latest hearing in January 2026. Judge cited lack of significant new evidence.
  • Quote:

    “Based on doing that, I am going to stand with the original order… bond will continue to be denied.” — Judge Hightower ([46:46])

• Sarah is held separately from other inmates, spending much time in solitary due to her age.
• Hints of digital and forensic evidence exist (gunshot residue found on a glove in Sarah’s room, alleged searches on her devices), but the murder weapon remains missing.

10. Mental Health Evaluation and Trial Outlook ([50:05] - End)

• Defense team announced Sarah would be evaluated by a neuropsychologist; rumors exist of prior mental health issues, but her grandfather denies it.
• Trial is set for August 3, 2026. Sarah will be tried as an adult.
  • Quote:

    “If they say they have a mountain of evidence, we imagine that there is a lot more that will come out.” — Daphne ([52:04])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [11:11] - Sarah Brock’s Eulogy:
  “I didn't have a single clue how much I needed y' all till now. For James, thank you for all the life lessons you taught me and for being the best bonus dad ever. ... For my mother, everything we went through does not define what kind of person or what kind of mother you were.”

• [12:48] - Daphne:
  “It almost sounds like an award show speech. Like, everyone's like, she's thanking people like it's the Oscars.”

• [20:50] - Heath:
  “Her candor just appeared a bit careless and it seemed like she was trying to use this tragedy to get attention.”

• [25:22] - Donal Patrick (Sarah’s father):
  “Somebody assassinated them, and it was not my daughter.”

• [25:46] - Dennis Nolan (Sarah’s grandfather):
  “It’s all speculative stuff. Nothing puts the gun in her hand. They don’t have the gun.”

• [36:45] - Heath:
  “They're trying to find a motive here, and the defense is saying, well, we need to exclude all of those things.”

• [46:46] - Judge Hightower:
  “Bond will continue to be denied. I do not find a significant material change in circumstances...”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:30] – Case beginnings, family context
• [07:53] – Discovery of the bodies
• [10:30] – Sarah’s eulogy; family and community reactions
• [14:14] – Crime scene analysis
• [17:30] – Sarah’s TikTok campaign
• [21:16] – Arrest and immediate aftermath
• [33:58] – “TikTok Teen Murderer” and court evidence debate
• [39:03] – Abuse allegations and family statements
• [43:11] – Courtroom developments, ongoing trial context
• [50:05] – Mental health and trial timeline

Conclusion

The episode is a thorough exploration of one of the most divisive true crime cases of recent memory. The hosts remain conscious of the nuances—acknowledging Sarah Patrick’s youth and trauma, the complexity of digital-age mourning, and the layers of family dysfunction. With much evidence still under wraps and a trial looming, the Going West hosts promise future updates as new revelations come to light.

Next Steps:

• The trial is set for August 2026, with the hosts pledging a follow-up episode to cover developments and new evidence as it becomes available.
• Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on the case and follow on social media for updates.

For full context, listeners are encouraged to check Going West on their preferred podcast platform and follow @goingwestpodcast for the latest.