Overview

• Superior Court Judge Dustin Hightower denied pretrial release, keeping 17-year-old Sarah Grace Patrick in Carroll County jail custody.
• The case was scheduled for grand jury consideration later Tuesday, with arraignment expected on September 22 and a trial start targeted for January 5 if there are no delays.
• Prosecutors confirmed she will be tried as an adult and emphasized the seriousness of two murder and two aggravated assault charges.
• Officials previously described having "mountains of evidence," and the district attorney’s office has not ruled out additional arrests.
• Victims’ relatives urged detention over safety and flight concerns, while the defense cited her lack of criminal history, no driver’s license, church involvement, and solitary housing due to her age.