New indictment leads to arrest in 2020 Hamilton County murder case

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett and District Attorney Coty Wamp announced the indictment and arrest of Sanel Durakovic for a murder in 2020.

On January 7, 2020, Patrick Godwin was shot in the 8500 block of Horseshoe Bend Lane in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Durakovic was previously indicted for this offense.

However, the state dismissed the case to allow the ongoing investigation to continue as the trial date neared.

HCSO says this new indictment and arrest come after a five-year long investigation into the homicide of Godwin.

On June 24, 2025, HCSO presented the case to the Hamilton County Grand Jury.

This resulted in the grand jury returning a True Bill for the arrest of Durakovic, for Premeditated First Degree Murder.

Durakovic was arrested on June 25, 2025 without incident.

Sheriff Garrett released a statement on the indictment and arrest, saying this is the beginning of justice being served for Godwin.

“The indictment and arrest of Sanel Durakovic is a crucial first step in the judicial process and the pursuit of justice for Patrick Godwin.  To the family, friends, and neighbors who loved Patrick —You never stopped seeking justice and let me assure you, neither did your Sheriff’s Office.  My detectives and I have remained unwavering in our commitment to this case since it tragically occurred on the night of  January 7, 2020.  The professional and diligent work of our detectives in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office made this indictment and arrest possible.  Your sheriff’s office is and will remain committed to pursuing justice for victims of violent crime and their families no matter how long it takes.”

-Sheriff Austin Garrett

District Attorney Coty Wamp also released on the indictment and arrest, saying victims of violent crimes take precedence in her office.

“Executive Assistant District Attorney Andrew Coyle has worked hard to ensure that we are ready to prosecute the defendant all the way to trial.  Most importantly, Patrick Godwin will finally have his day in court.  Justice for victims of violent crime will continue to be the number one priority of my office.”

-District Attorney Coty Wamp