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Name:
PATRICK, SARAH GRACE
Date of Booking:
07/08/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
MURDER
MURDER
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Article:
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
7/9/25
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE Arnold Ragas (Public Defender)
What this means: Arnold Ragas is a public defender, which means he’s a lawyer provided by the government for people who can’t afford their own. He is officially telling the court that he will be the lawyer representing this person in their case.
7/9/25
NOTICE OF DEFENDANT ELECTION TO PROCEED UNDER OFFICIAL CODE OF GA ANNOTATED SECTION 17-16-1, ET Seq. Latoya Williams (Public Defender)
What this means: “Notice of Election to Proceed”: This is the defendant formally telling the court, in writing, that they want to use the rules outlined in OCGA § 17‑16‑1 and the following sections (meaning “et seq.” stands for and the ones that follow).
OCGA § 17‑16‑1, et seq.: This refers to Georgia’s Criminal Procedure Discovery Act—laws that set out how both the defense and prosecution exchange information (like witness statements, evidence, etc.) before trial. These rules typically apply in felony cases. By filing this notice, the defendant (through the public defender, in this case) is effectively saying: “We choose to proceed under these discovery rules.” That means they are opting into the mutual discovery process, where both sides agree to share relevant information and evidence.
7/11/25
MOTION FOR BOND
What this means: This just means the defense is asking the judge to set a bond (money the defendant pays to get out of jail while waiting for trial).
7/22/25
RULE NISI
What this means: A Rule Nisi is the court scheduling a hearing where the judge will decide whether to approve or deny a request. It informs all parties that they are required to come to court.
8/1/25
AMENDED RULE NISI – MOTION FOR BOND- 8/19/25 AT 9:00AM
What this means: “Amended” means changed, updated, or corrected. A Rule Nisi is a court hearing that has been scheduled to decide on a request (or “motion”) made in a case. In this case, the hearing date for Motion for Bond was changed.
8/11/25
REQUEST TO USE A RECORDING DEVICE PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (Court TV)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. Court TV filed this request.
8/11/25
REQUEST TO USE A RECORDING DEVICE PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (11 Alive)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. Court TV filed this request.
8/11/25
REQUEST TO USE A RECORDING DEVICE PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (WXIA)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. WXIA, also known as 11Alive news, filed this request.
8/13/25
REQUEST TO USE A RECORDING DEVICE PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (Times-Georgian Staff)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by the Times-Georgian news agency.
8/18/25
ORDER APPROVING RECORDINGS
What this means: The court or judge has granted permission for news agencies to make recordings (like audio or video) during the court proceedings.
8/19/25
INDICTMENT
What this means: An indictment is a formal written charge saying that someone is accused of committing a crime. It usually comes from a grand jury, which reviews the evidence and decides if there’s enough reason to put the person on trial.
8/19/25
ORDER- BOND DENIED
What this means: The judge has decided NOT to allow the defendant to pay money (bond) to get out of jail before the trial.
9/2/25
SECOND ORDER ON REQUESTS TO RECORD PROCEEDINGS
What this means: The judge ordered prosecutors to tell victims and witnesses that if they don’t want the court proceedings recorded, they must say so—either in writing or during the hearing. The judge is also allowing the media to have only one camera, one microphone, one recording device, and one laptop in the courtroom.
9/2/25
REQUEST TO USE A RECORDING DEVICE PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (WSB-TV)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by WSB-TV, also known as Channel 2 news.
9/22/25
LEAVE OF ABSCENCE
What this means: Lets a lawyer, party, or court official be temporarily excused from attending a hearing or court duties. It is approved by the court for valid reasons like personal or medical matters.
11/6/25
NOTICEPRINTED – party notice printed court event: non-jury court date: the 17th day of November 2025 judge: Dustin w. Hightower
What this means: A party notice has been printed regarding the upcoming court event. The matter is scheduled for a non-jury court proceeding. The case will be heard before the assigned judge.
11/13/25
THIRD ORDER ON REQUESTS TO RECORD PROCEEDINGS
What this means: The judge is simply making sure everyone in the case is told that the hearing will be recorded. This gives each person a chance to object if they have a legal reason. If no one objects, the recording will be allowed. If someone does object, the judge will decide what to do.
11/13/25
REQUEST TO USE A RECORDING DEVICE PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (WANF-TV)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by WANF-TV.
11/19/25
MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE-The defense has not received all the discovery from the District Attorney’s Office.
What this means: The defense has not received all the discovery from the District Attorney’s Office. The remaining materials are needed to properly prepare the case. We request that the DA provide the full discovery promptly.
11/19/25
DEFENDAT’S MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE DUE TO PRESUMPTIVE AND ACTUAL PREJUDICE CAUSED BY EXTENSIVE PRETRIAL PUBLICITY.
What this means: The defendant has filed a motion to change the trial venue, citing extensive pretrial publicity that may have caused both presumed and actual bias. The motion seeks to ensure an impartial jury and a fair trial.
11/20/25
STATE RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE
What this means: The State’s response addresses the defendant’s request to postpone the trial. It explains whether the prosecution agrees or objects to the delay and provides reasons to support its position.
11/21/25
ORDER DENYING MOTION – ORDER DENYING REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE
What this means: The court has reviewed a request and decided not to grant it. In this case, the defendant’s request for a continuance is denied, so the trial or hearing will proceed as scheduled. The judge determined there is no sufficient reason to delay the proceedings.
11/25/25
RESPONSE – MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE
What this means: Is the State’s formal reply to the defendant’s request to move the trial. It explains whether the motion should be granted or denied, addressing factors like pretrial publicity and potential juror bias. The response presents the State’s arguments for either keeping the trial in the current location or allowing the change.
12/1/25
NOTICEPRINTED – party notice printed court event: calendar call court date: the 16th day of December 2025 Judge: Dustin w. Hightower
What this means: A party notice has been printed regarding the upcoming court event. The matter is scheduled for a non-jury court proceeding. The case will be heard before the assigned judge.
12/1/25
ORDER DENY MOTION- ORDER DENYING MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE
What this means: The court has reviewed a request and decided not to grant it. Specifically, an “Order Denying Motion to Change Venue” means the judge has decided the trial will remain in its current location. The court determined that there is no sufficient reason, such as juror bias or pretrial publicity, to move the trial to a different venue.
12/1/25
MOTION IN LIMINE
What this means: Is a request to the court to decide before trial whether certain evidence can be shown to the jury. Its purpose is to keep unfair, irrelevant, or improper evidence out. This helps make sure the trial is fair.
12/1/25
DEFENDAT’S REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATE OF IMMEDIATE REVEIW
What this means: Asks the court to allow an appeal or higher court review right away. This is typically requested when a court’s ruling could significantly affect the defendant’s rights or the trial. It seeks to have the issue reviewed immediately rather than waiting until the end of the case.
12/3/25
STATE’S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT’S REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATE OF IMMEDIATE REVIEW
What this means: The state requested that the court deny the defendant’s request for immediate review as the defendant requested to change venue.
12/3/25
ORDER DENYING CERTIFICATE OF IMMEDIATE REVIEW
What this means: The judge denied the defendant’s request to appeal the venue decision immediately. The court explained that it is too early to decide whether the defendant can get a fair trial elsewhere and that jury selection (voir dire) must happen first to see if impartial jurors can be found locally.
12/9/25
ORDER LIMITING ACCESS TO COURT FILE
What this means: The judge granted the defendant’s request to restrict public access to certain sensitive evidence-related filings. This means some documents will not be publicly viewable to protect fairness or privacy.
12/9/25
FOURTH ORDER ON REQUEST TO RECORD PROCEEDINGS
What this means: The judge approved video and audio recording of the jury trial starting January 5, 2026. Recording is only allowed when the judge is on the bench, ensuring court control over coverage.
12/9/25
ORDER CONCERNING USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (48 HOURS/CBS/CHARLOTTE FULLER)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by 48 Hours/CBS/Charlotte Fuller.
12/9/25
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (ATLANTA NEWS FIRST)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by Atlanta News First.
12/11/25
ORDER CONCERNING USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (LAW & CRIME NETWORK)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by Law & Crime Network.
12/15/25
DEFENDANT’S NOTICE OF EXPERT TESTIMONY (DR. ROBERT SHAFFER)
What this means: The defense notified the State that it plans to call Dr. Robert Shaffer as an expert witness. His testimony will involve forensic and neuropsychological evaluations of the defendant and review of evidence.
12/15/25
NOTICE OF DEFENDANT’S DISCOVERY
What this means: The defense formally notified the court and prosecution about discovery materials it is providing or relying on. Discovery is the evidence-sharing process required before trial.
12/15/25
ORDER CONCERNING USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (KEVYN STEWART, STEPHON HERRON, MICHELLE MANDELL)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by Kevyn Stewart, Stephon Herron, and Michelle Mandell.
12/15/25
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (WXIA)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by WXIA, also known as 11Alive news.
12/15/25
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (BILLY HEATH, KEVYN STEWART, STEPHON HERRON, FOX 5)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by Billy Heath, Kevyn Stewart, Stephon Herron, and Fox 5.
12/17/25
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
What this means: This document confirms that the State officially provided documents or evidence to defense counsel. It serves as proof that required materials were properly delivered.
12/19/25
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY AUTHENTICITY)
What this means: The District Attorney certified that electronic evidence provided to the defense is authentic. This helps establish reliability of digital evidence.
12/23/25
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY AUTHENTICITY)
What this means: A second certification confirming authenticity of electronic discovery materials. This may involve additional or updated evidence.
12/23/25
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (LAW & CRIME NETWORK)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by Law & Crime Network.
12/23/25
FIFTH ORDER ON REQUEST TO RECORD PROCEEDINGS
What this means: The judge issued another consolidated order addressing multiple recording requests. This helps manage extensive media interest in the case.
12/29/25
LEAVE OF ABSENCE FILED BY STATE’S ATTORNEY, MICHAEL PARRISH
What this means: The State’s attorney notified the court of planned time off from April 4-12, 2026. This helps the court avoid scheduling conflicts.
12/29/25
LEAVE OF ABSENCE FILED BY STATE’S ATTORNEY, MICHAEL PARRISH
What this means: The State’s attorney notified the court of planned time off from July 17-24, 2026. This helps the court avoid scheduling conflicts.
12/31/25
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
What this means: The State confirmed it delivered additional documents or evidence to the defense. This keeps the record clear that disclosure obligations were met.
12/31/25
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (WSB-TV, FOX 5, ATLANTA NEWS FIRST, COURT TV)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by WSB-TV, Fox 5, Atlanta News First, and Court TV.
1/2/26
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (WXIA, ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by WXIA and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
1/5/26
MOTION FOR BOND – MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE BOND RECONSIDERATION
What this means: The defense filed a motion asking the court to reconsider granting the defendant a bond.
1/7/26
RULE NISI (MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE BOND RECONSIDERATION)
What this means: The court scheduled a hearing to consider the bond reconsideration request. A “rule nisi” simply sets a date for the judge to hear arguments. The hearing date is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
1/13/26
NOTICE PRINTED – party notice printed court event: non-jury court date: the 27th day of January 2026 judge: Dustin W. Hightower
What this means: The court issued formal notice of the upcoming non-jury hearing. This confirms the date, judge, and purpose of the court event. The hearing date is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
1/27/26
CRIMINAL NON-JURY CALENDAR (MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE BOND RECONSIDERATION)
What this means: The court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether the defendant’s bond should be changed. No decision is made until after this hearing. The hearing date is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
1/26/26
SIXTH ORDER ON REQUESTS TO RECORD PROCEEDINGS
What this means: The judge issued the sixth decision about whether media or others are allowed to record court hearings. Courts often review and approve or limit recording to make sure it does not interfere with a fair trial.
1/26/26
REQUEST TO USE OF RECORDING DEVICES PURSUANT TO RULE 22 ON RECORDING OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (LAW & CRIME, LADYWELL FILMS, COURT TV)
What this means: Someone is asking the judge for permission to record the court hearing. There are special rules (called Rule 22) that say how and when recording is allowed in court. This request was filed by Law & Crime, Ladywell Films, and Court TV.
1/29/26
ORDER DENYING BOND
What this means: The judge decided the defendant will remain in custody and not be released at this time. The court found there has been no significant change in circumstances and believes the defendant could flee, try to influence witnesses, or pose a danger to the community or family members.
2/3/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY SUBSTITUTION FILED
What this means: Sarah Grace Patrick’s legal representation changed as attorney R. Shawn Hoover from the Georgia Public Defender’s Office filed a notice to substitute as her new defense counsel, replacing attorney Latoya Williams. Hoover works in the Specialized Unit of the public defender’s office. Attorney changes can happen for various reasons including caseload management or specialized expertise needs. The case number referenced is Indictment No. 25CR711 in Carroll County Superior Court.
2/19/26
ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY FILED
What this means: The prosecution in Sarah Grace Patrick’s case filed a certificate verifying that electronic evidence and discovery materials have been properly authenticated and maintained. This document, filed in Carroll County Superior Court case 25CR0711, confirms that digital evidence has been handled according to legal standards and can be used in court proceedings. This is a routine step in cases involving electronic evidence.
5/28/26
SEVENTH ORDER ON REQUESTS TO RECORD PROCEEDINGS ISSUED
What this means: Carroll County Superior Court Judge issued an order governing media coverage of upcoming proceedings in Sarah Grace Patrick’s case (SUCR2025000711). The order covers two scheduled events: a Calendar Call set for 7/13/26 and a jury trial set to begin 8/3/26. This is the seventh such order issued in the case, and it supersedes all prior recording orders.
Under the order, WSB-TV has been designated as the pool reporter for media coverage, meaning WSB-TV is responsible for recording and sharing footage with all other approved media organizations. WSB-TV is permitted to bring one camera, one microphone, one recorder/transmitter, and one laptop into Courtroom 4A. All recording equipment must be set up by 8:30 AM each morning of the proceedings.
Both parties — the prosecution and defense — are required to notify their witnesses about the recording requests. The prosecution must also notify the alleged victim(s). Any witness, party, or alleged victim who wishes to object to media recording must do so in writing or on the record before or at the start of proceedings.
7/18/26
JURY TRIAL CALENDAR CALL
What this means: This is a scheduling session where the court confirms readiness for trial. Attorneys report on any remaining issues before trial begins. The hearing date is scheduled for July 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
8/3/26
CRIMINAL JURY TRIAL
What this means: This is the scheduled start of the jury trial. Jury selection and presentation of evidence will begin unless delayed by the court. The hearing date is scheduled for August 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
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