In March 2019, Samantha Josephson, a white 21-year-old from New Jersey, was finishing her senior year at the University of South Carolina. Additionally, Josephson suffered a severed hyoid bone, as well as stab wounds to her face, neck, shoulder, torso, back, lung, leg, and feet. Strangulation will break it, but Beaver suggested a stab wound damaged Josephsons hyoid bone. Josephsons bare footprint was on the cars rear window, a sign that she had tried to kick her way out. Instead of the seemingly competent white woman who gave the opening statement, a black woman handled the close. A man was arrested on murder and kidnapping charges, and an autopsy showed that she died from multiple sharp injuries. In a virtual hearing, family members for both Josephson and Rowland delivered statements in front of Judge DeAndrea Benjamin. As her boyfriend drove her to work, Miss Howard noticed dried blood on the dashboard and the back seat. However, when they asked the man to step out of the vehicle, he fled on foot. States that do not comply would be penalized by losing 1% of federal highway funding. Her arguments made no sense. Her work shirt was still wet from being washed, but she put it on. In the end, the defense called no witnesses, and Mr. Rowland did not testify. Uber added new safety features to the rideshare app after the killing. 5. [16], When investigators searched the trash behind Rowlands girlfriends residence, they uncovered cleaning supplies and a two-bladed knife, both of which had Josephsons blood on them. Her story was corroborated by phone records; at 5:31 a.m., she sent him a text, Wya, meaning, Where you at?, Mr. Rowland eventually showed up in his black Impala. Josephson was out with her friends in Columbia's Five Points entertainment district onMarch 29, 2019, when she allegedly entered Rowland's car thinking he was an Uber driver. [45][46] The federal Sami's Law was referred to several subcommittees[44] and in July 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved it. . As reported by WYFF4, Josephson got separated from her friends, and reportedly contacted Uber for a ride back to her apartment. Best Buddies Turkey Ekibi; Videolar; Bize Ulan; samantha josephson autopsy 27 ub. At one point, he went the wrong way down a one-way street. According to surveillance footage, at 2:09, a black Chevrolet Impala, driven by Rowland, pulled up beside her. Samantha Josephson's murder prompted several measures to increase awareness and safety when using rideshare services. The Prestigious school where Princes William and Harry were educated is EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Prince William's potentially awkward visit to homelessness charity. A phone tech from Cellular City testified that a man came to his shop that night, wanting to sell a rose gold iPhone 7 Plus for $300. It was later determined Josephson was brutally murdered. He sentenced Nathaniel Rowland to life in prison. We will probably never know. Josephson's parents also established the What's My Name foundation, which raises awareness about rideshare safety and encourages providers to enact policies that help riders ensure they are getting into the right car. Many stab wounds to her ear, lower back, side, arms, elbows, and leg, including a 7cm deep wound on her thigh, which was the deepest. The human body typically has at least a gallon of blood, according to Dr. Thomas Beaver, who examined Josephson's body after death. Mr. Rowland faced three charges: Murder; kidnapping; and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. She asked him where he got it, and he said he had found it. Dr. Thomas Beaver, a forensic pathologist, did the autopsy and found that Josephson had 120 stab wounds, mostly on the right side of her body. He also read off a few texts from Howards phone to Rowland. Coverage will be updated throughout the day each day, until a verdict is reached. This is what one would expect to see if someone were trying to defend themselves from a stabbing, the forensic pathologist said. [50], Josephson was awarded a posthumous political science degree in May 2019 at what would have been her graduation ceremony. My heart goes out to you and your family. SLED agent Delila Jazic testified that she obtained a search warrant for Maria Howards home. After she came home from work, Miss Howard saw Mr. Rowland wearing blue surgical gloves and cleaning his car with wipes. "Her dream was my dream and her death was my death," Samantha's mom Marci Josephson told the judge . #FakeUberMurderTrial The defendants DNA was not found under the victims fingernails HOWEVER we just learned that the victims DNA was found under the defendants fingernails. Nipsey Hussle probably knew how to . A defensive wound to her palm that went completely through her hand. The contents of this website are copyright 1990-2023 New So Rowland left with the phone. A pathologist described how slain USC student Samantha Josephson's died during day six of the Rowland murder trial. I dont have an answer to that. Prosecutors admitted they never identified a motive for the gruesome attack and believe "it was absolutely a random act of violence.". 2023 Court TV Media LLC, part of The E.W. . During re-direct, he said she might have hit items in the car such as the door or window. Many posts include a white bunny, such as this selfie taken in his car. Later that night, surveillance cameras from two ATMs caught a man of the same size and build as Mr. Rowland unsuccessfully trying to withdraw money using what the ATMs detected to be Josephsons bank card. That changed on March 29, 2019, when Samantha Josephson mistook Rowland's black 2017 Chevy Impala for her Uber ride. Decide for yourself what the target means. As reported by WYFF4, Josephson got separated from her friends, and reportedly contacted Uber for a ride back to . Why, to put it bluntly, didnt he rape Josephson? [15][7][16], Using a two-bladed knife, Rowland proceeded to inflict roughly 120 stab wounds upon Josephson. [emailprotected]. She had stab wounds from head to toe. In June 2019, New Jersey Gov. On Monday, the fifth . She was awakened later that night when the police came to her house to question her. Howard was Rowlands girlfriend at the time of the Josephsons murder. She had gotten into a car thinking it was her Uber, police said. His face was not clear because he pulled his jacket up to cover his nose and mouth. [13], Josephson spent the night before her death in the Five Points district in downtown Columbia with friends. Miss Josephsons iPhone was in the car and child safety locks were turned on. Samantha L. Josephson, 21, passed away Friday March 29, 2019. Samantha Josephson was last seen getting into a vehicle she thought was her Uber ride around 2 a.m March 29, 2019 in the Five Points area of Columbia, S.C. . When Miss Howard saw a news report about Samantha Josephsons disappearance, and saw a video of her boyfriends car, she knew what had happened, but she was afraid to call the police. . He was caught[23] and was arrested at 3:00 am on March 30. Cameras also caught a sheet tied to the drivers side headrest. Last edited on 20 February 2023, at 21:20, Possession of a firearm during commission of a violent crime, "ROWLAND, NATHANIEL DAVID (00386010) INMATE", "A college student got into a car she thought was her Uber, police say. Why did Nathaniel Rowland kill Samantha Josephson? Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. The video shows Samantha Josephson, 21, on her phone near a crowd gathered outside a bar in Columbia's Five Points entertainment district at around 2 a.m. Friday. Man Convicted of Murdering College Student Samantha Josephson in Mistaken Uber Case. Following his arrest, authorities reportedly made a number of gruesome discoveries inside the vehicle. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. Every speck of evidence led to you. The judge added that this was the most severe murder he had seen, and that leniency was not part of his DNA. The defense, on the other hand, has suggested other people were involved in killing Josephson. 21-year-old University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson was out with friends in Columbia's Five Points on March 29, 2019. Their questioning has also shown that while Josephson appeared to fight her attackershe had several stab wounds that went all the way through her handsnone of Rowland's DNA was found on her or under her fingernails and no visible marks were found on Rowland after his arrest. The Tragic Murder Of Samantha Josephson Explained. [28], On July 20, 2021, Rowland's trial began. The toe straps were broken off, but her sandals were still attached to her ankles. Investigator Dawn Claycomb stood up from the stand and pulled Josephsons clothing out of a brown paper bag. For what? He could not say for certain that she was not strangled, however, he said. Samantha Lee Josephson was born in Princeton, New Jersey, and grew up in Robbinsville, New Jersey. . Oscar Cainer tells all. Dr. Beaver found three wounds he considered lethal: Josephsons bloody underwear is shown to the jury. Samantha also got a scholarship to study law at Drexel . She was found on her back, fully clothed, with her shirt pulled up toward her head. Samantha Josephson, the University of South Carolina senior who was allegedly kidnapped and brutally killed after getting into a car that she mistook for her Uber, suffered "heinous, cruel and . [6][7][8], The killing attracted national attention and led to discussion about the dangers of ridesharing and the importance of ensuring that a rideshare car is being driven by a registered driver prior to entering. A 21-year-old University of South Carolina student killed after mistaking a man's car for an Uber was stabbed up to 120 times, the pathologist who testified Monday in court said.. Those performing Samantha Josephson's autopsy found even a routine test challenging, as there was so little blood left in her body during the examination, said Dr. Thomas Beaver. These placards, which are to be placed on the driver and passenger side back windows, must have the driver's name and photo, along with their license plate number. Prosecutors, for reasons they did not disclose, did not seek the death penalty. The state announced Monday afternoon that it . If convicted Rowland, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has maintained his innocence. [18], Josephson's roommates became concerned and reported her missing the day after she accidentally entered the vehicle. Prosecutors allege that Josephson, a University of South Carolina senior from New Jersey, stepped into the defendants black Chevy Impala outside of a bar on March 29, 2019 thinking the vehicle was her Uber. But the killing of Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old college student in South Carolina who was stabbed to death after getting into a car she mistook for her Uber last weekend, has brought national . SLED agent Britt Dove also took the stand. My prayers are with you now and in the coming days. Samantha Josephson clbrait la fin prochaine de ses tudes universitaire avec des amis lorsqu'elle a tragiquement perdu la vie. Policy | Do Not Sell My Info | Privacy Center | Cookie Policy | Terms Of Use, Court TV Videographer Visited Moselle Crime Scene After Jury, Early Motion for Mistrial in Obsessed Ex-Boyfriend Murder Trial, Murdaugh Prosecution Closing Argument: Biggest Moments, Murdaugh Prosecutor Wraps Closing Argument: "Don't Let Him Fool You Too", Murdaugh Prosecutor: Maggie and Paul Were Killed By Family Weapons, Court TV Visits Moselle Crime Scene After Jury View, Prosecutor Outlines Alex Murdaugh's 'Gathering Storm', Obsessed Ex-Boyfriend Murder Trial: Prosecution Opening Statement, Items Seized from Home of Kohberger's Parents. The Tragic Murder Of Samantha Josephson Explained. In April 2019, Senator Anna Kaplan introduced the Samantha L. Josephson Ridesharing Safety Act, to the New York Senate. [4] A trial began on July 20, 2021. Samantha Josephson's last known image, as she is waiting for her Uber. He detailed Josephsons horrifying wounds, noting those that those would have been delivered when she was alive. If the races had been reversed, this case would have been a huge media sensation and there would have been immediate accusations of racism. The media would have rooted mercilessly through the killers background, looking for evidence. [17] When Rowland, who was driving around the Five Points area where Josephson was kidnapped, was pulled over he got out of the car and ran away. The final moments, her bare feet kicking and fighting for her life. Note the black fist. Josephsons autopsy also revealed the extent of her blood lossthe human body normally has several litres of blood, but Josephson's body only contained 20 millilitres (0.70impfloz; 0.68USfloz). [Image of Samantha Josephson via Columbia Police Department], Have a tip we should know? His Impala jumps a curb to pull into an empty handicapped space next to Josephson. At the time of the incident, she was just weeks away from graduation. We're continuing to follow that trial on the death of Samantha Josephson, who prosecutors say mistook Rowland's car for her Uber ride in Five Points. Josephsons roommate testified in court that she began to worry about her friend when she learned Josephson had not showed up at work that day. None of Rowlands DNA was found on Josephsons defensive wounds, said attorney Alicia Goode. The bag also contained blue surgical gloves, a shirt, and a pair of pants that had DNA from both people, and paper towels that tested positive for Josephsons blood. The crossed-arms image in this post is the Wakanda Forever salute. Samantha Josephsons DNA was found on his bandana, shoes, and socks, and under his fingernails. Miss Howard noticed that the car smelled of chlorine, and she saw a bottle of bleach in the car. All of the evidence, each speck of the evidence not simply beyond a reasonable doubt, but as the highest standard the law requires all points to your guilt. WLTX 7/26/2021. 'Zero: that's the amount of DNA on Samantha Josephsons body that matches Nathaniel's,' Goode said. Her blood was also found on Mr. Rowlands daughters shoes. "I close my eyes and I feel what she endured at [Rowland's} hands 120 times. The investigator then pulled Josephsons shirt out of the evidence bag and held it up. Despite this list, Josephsons body was neither taped nor burned. Tom Davis , Patch Staff Posted Mon, Apr 1, 2019 at 7:05 am ET | Updated Wed, Apr 3, 2019 . [38] The act requires ride-share drivers to display a printed license plate number on the front of their vehicles and, as of July 1, 2020, to have illuminated signs on their vehicles. In opening arguments in Richland County Judicial Center in Columbia, prosecutors previewed evidence and testimony they said would implicate Rowland. Her killer got to her first. In addition to facing fines, one guilty of misrepresenting themselves as an authorized TNC driver may be incarcerated for up to 30 days while one who uses ride-sharing in the furtherance of criminal activity may face up to 2 years of incarceration. Josephsons roommates called him the next morning, saying she had not come home, so he drove two hours to Columbia to look for her. Josephson, who was a senior at the time of her death, had planned to graduate in 2019 and go on to study law at Drexel University School of Law. Conspiracy of silence': British spy chiefs face calls to release intelligence on Covid origins after FBI Do not sell or share my personal information. Wasn't an issue for my friend who I saw get stabbed to death before a punch was thrown either. The death of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson, who mistook her alleged killer for an Uber driver, has turned a national spotlight on ride-hailing safety and led to some changes, including . "This is one of my hardest posts. The prosecution rested their case on Monday. The defense did not put one up. Hes a handwriting expert who works with SLED. Surveillance video from a nearby Wendys showed Mr. Rowland in his black Impala that night. The foundation works to educate people about ride-share safety, along with supporting charitable foundations and awarding college scholarships. Instead, the University of South Carolina student from Robbinsville, New Jersey, found herself trapped in the back seat because Rowland had the childproof lock on, investigators said. Josephsons blood was also found on a sock and a bandana, both owned by Rowland. The evidence includes surveillance camera footage of Josephson entering Rowland's car, as well as a witness who the prosecutors say watched Rowland clean the blade he allegedly used to repeatedly stab Josephson. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Columbia Police Department via AP Josephson's blood and cellphone were found in Rowland's vehicle after her body was discovered in woods off a dirt road in Clarendon County . Police say Josephson, a 21-year-old senior at . Josephson's death in 2019 drew national attention to safety concerns about ride-hailing services and prompted changes. Posted at 09:48h in michael deluise matt leblanc by Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old University of South Carolina from Robbinsville, New Jersey who was set to graduate and go to law school, was found dead in March of 2019 in South Carolina, Defendant Nathaniel Rowland speaks with his attorney, Alicia Goode, right, during his trial in Richland County Court on July 20. [37], Josephsons murder prompted lawmakers in North Carolina to propose the Passenger Protection Act. Samantha Josephson - South Carolina student, 21, 'stabbed 100 times by killer after getting in car she thought was Uber' . After all these years, why it is that we even bother with DNA testing? she asked. . But the victims DNA was allegedly found under Rowlands fingernails. We've seen crime scene and autopsy pictures. Rowland seen on video using Samantha . This bone sits at the back of the tongue. It is being streamed across the country by Court TV. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several key investigators took the stand Thursday in day three of the trial of Nathaniel Rowland. They reportedly found Samantha Josephson's cell phone, towels, cleaning products, and "a large amount" of what was later confirmed to be Samantha Josephson's blood. The bladed multi-tool resembling a double-handled knife was exhibited on the fourth day of trial for Nathaniel Rowland, who faces murder and kidnapping charges in the death of 21-year-old Samantha . Salant, Jonathan D. (December 23, 2022). The image of Samantha fighting for her life has haunted her parents for the past 28 months. February 27, 2023 . She told them everything she had seen. If he liked lit places, he could have found one with young blacks. The public defender, Ashley Goode, cross-examined Jazic asking if she documented any scratches on Rowland at the police station. Mr. Rowlands girlfriend and the mother of his child, Monica Howard, testified that Mr. Rowland came home the night before the killing, but when she woke up the next morning to go to work, he was gone. Mr. Rowland again said, Mind your business. She also noticed a spotted sheet, covered with blood, tied to the drivers side headrest. An Uber customer gets a photo of his driver, but Josephsons driver that night was a black man of the same build as the killer. The South Carolina student mistakenly got into the back seat of Nathaniel Rowland's Black Impala, believing it was her Uber driver. [27] According to Richland County deputies, hours after the alleged kidnapping Rowland sold some of the items stolen from the woman, including the Playstation 4, at a pawn shop. Claycomb also held up the wedge sandals Josephson was wearing that night, saying the shoes werent on her feet, only held on by the ankle strap. Prosecutors have taken a methodical approach to the entire trial. Their daughter was at Miss Howards mothers house, and they went to pick her up. In the videos, Josephson is standing by herself on the sidewalk in front of the busy restaurant, talking on her phone, as Mr. Rowlands car drives past her and pulls into a parking space to turn around. Jamison was tasked to take a piece of paper with a list on it and compare it to Rowlands handwriting. GRAPHIC WARNING: Details included in this article may be disturbing to some readers. Mr. Rowland was sitting in his car alone when police found his vehicle at about 2:30 a.m. There was no sign of a struggle at that location where she was found. [17] Specifically, the pathologist determined that she suffered approximately 120 separate stab wounds. Her shirt, which was orange, was so soaked with blood that it looked red. The presiding judge, Clifton Newman, was black, and several of the jurors were black. [17][9][18][19][20] Investigators believe Rowland dragged Josephsons body to the New Zion field where she would later be discovered. CASE BACKGROUND | Trial of man accused in UofSC student's kidnapping, death set to begin. The jury took a little more . Mr. Rowlands shirt was also found in the bag. Born in Princeton, Samantha was a student at The University of South Carolina majoring in political science. [45][46] Josephson's death promoted the University of South Carolina to launch a campaign titled "What's My Name" to help students stay safe while using ride-sharing services. Many of the wounds, especially those in her right neck and right shoulder, were close together, most likely resulting from being rapidly inflicted stab wounds. One of Rowlands strikes went completely through her right hand, as she likely used it to protect herself. Today is the 2 year anniversary of losing my baby! Although she had contacted Uber for a ride, asThe U.S. Sunreported, authorities determined Josephson got into the wrong car. They called the police. Josephsons hyoid bone was also broken, he said. . The sentencing hearing was held immediately after the verdict. The jury took a little more than an hour to find Nathaniel Rowland guilty of the charges in the death of Samantha Josephson in Columbia, South Carolina in March 2019. She called to tell him she had sent for an Uber to take her home, and he tracked her ride, using the Find My Friend app. Jamison testified it was highly probable that Rowland wrote the list. The man was almost immediately captured and identified as 24-year-old Nathaniel David Rowland. Judge Newman also said he was convinced of the defendants guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 'Zero. Beaver said that Josephson also sustained wounds to her head, and had defensive-type injuries to a palmnamely, two parallel stab wounds that went through her hand. She was found dead in a field", "Benson, DeAngelo and Vainieri Huttle Bill "Sami's Law" Requiring Rideshare Driver, Car Identification Passes Assembly", "Nathaniel Rowland Trial: His DNA not found on Samantha Josephson, but someone else's was, defense saysn", "Nathaniel Rowland found guilty of the murder of Samantha Josephson", "Nathaniel Rowland sentenced to life in prison", "Life in prison for man in killing of South Carolina student who mistook his car for an Uber", "Pathologist speaks for the dead, tells jury in Rowland trial how USC student died", "Missing college student confirmed dead in South Carolina", "Grieving dad eulogizes daughter Samantha Josephson during tear-filled ceremony", "Slain USC student Samantha Josephson was 'sweet as can be,' planned to study law", "A South Carolina student thought she had gotten into her Uber, police say. Probably, we are not supposed to know. Samantha Josephson. Josephson, who was a senior at the time of her death . She was stabbed with both the double and single blades. [24], On June 9, 2020, Nathaniel Rowland was denied bond. Williams said Rowland wouldnt take $125 for the phone because he wanted more money. But on cross-examination, Beaver told a defense attorney that he Googled hundreds of pictures of knives after the autopsy to figure out what could have caused the unique wounds and sent investigators a photo of a different-looking weapon. Police stopped . Miss Howards McDonalds visor was found in the trunk; it also had Josephsons blood on it. Additionally, Josephsons DNA was collected from Rowlands fingernails. STEPHEN 'What sentimental tosh!' Similar laws were passed in New York and North Carolina, and federal legislation to protect rideshare passengers has also been proposed. The $35 a college student has in her bank account? It is popular with white University of South Carolina students, and the surveillance videos show many young whites there. South Carolina lawmakers enacted a measure that requires drivers to make license plate numbers visible in the front of their vehicles and creates criminal penalties for people who impersonate ride-hailing drivers. The real driver testified at trial that when he showed up, she wasnt there. [10] She attended the University of South Carolina (USC), where she majored in political science. It's not on her clothing, not under her ripped and torn fingernails, it's not on her ankles.'. Not all of the 120 or so wounds would have caused Josephson's death, but . @LawCrimeNetwork #SamanthaJosephson #NathanielRowland pic.twitter.com/vZQ9eXqQuI, Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) July 23, 2021. [43] The bill, which is also titled "Sami's Law," was introduced on June 13, 2019. Then why do we do it? When she learned she had been accepted to Drexel Law School on a full scholarship, she decided to celebrate at the Bird Dog, a pub in the Five Points night-club area of Columbia. As the night ended, she ordered an Uber to take her home . I just wish the state would have done more in finding out who the actual person was, instead of being satisfied with detaining me and proving my guilt., Mr. Rowlands mother tried to tell Judge Newman that her son was innocent, but he cut her off. He was heterosexual, she was attractive, and rape is almost obligatory in cases like this. Hes a phone expert who showed where Josephsons phone pinged the night she disappeared. The double-bladed multi-tool had both Mr. Rowlands and Samantha Josephsons DNA on it. The sentencing of Nathaniel Rowland, 27, came the same day jurors found him guilty of the March 2019 murder of Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old University of South Carolina senior. However, while emphasizing her mistake of getting in the wrong cr, thinking it was her Uber ride, the msm either downplayed or ignored the savagery of the crime. The first piece was a blood-soaked bra the victim had on that night. Maam, Im not going to hear any claims of innocence, he said. During the trial, the Cellular City employee identified Mr. Rowland as the man who tried to sell him the phone. Four hours later, authorities received a call from hunters, who found a body in a secluded area nearly 65 miles away from where Josephson was last seen. In May 2019, legislators in South Carolina passed the Samantha L. Josephson Ridesharing Safety Act. On the evening of March 28, 2019, 21-year-old University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson was out with her friends in the Five Points village in Columbia, South Carolina. Inside Frogmore Cottage: Plush home Harry and Meghan have been 'evicted' from by King Charles boasts a roomy A royal princess at Eton? She was last seen getting into a car at approximately 2 a.m. on March 29. Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday. Cette Amricaine a t tue le 29 mars 2019 aprs tre . Josephson's death was the . A stab wound behind her ear, through her skull, and into her brain. She is survived by her parents Seymour and Marci Josephson, a sister Sydney Josephson, and maternal grandmother Roberta Hausman. The image of Samantha fighting for her life has haunted her parents for the past 28 months. Former USC student Samantha Josephson thought she was getting into the Uber she booked in March of 2019. .