GUILTY SC - Samantha Josephson, 21, Columbia, thought she was getting into Uber, 29 Mar 2019 *Arrest* #2

[TTF14]

On cross examination, DNA witness agrees that DNA of unidentified people also contributed to mixture on some of the evidence.

If I'm on the jury, that's enough for me to surmise someone else committed the murder with the defendant being present, which probably matters not according to the law, but maybe this is the reason for not seeking the DP.

 

[Chelly]

I understand what you're saying but I disagree that plea offers are seldom made where there's no reduction in sentence-- as provided by the state statute. It's very costly to go to trial, and it's often in the best interest of the state, victims, and taxpayers to be done. MOO

Didn't say that.

 

[BeachSky]

Was Samantha fully clothed when she was found?

I know for sure her shirt, sandals, earring.
It is confusing as state was presenting the evidence bags....
Were her pants, bra found on her person? Or...In the monsters trash?
Thanks In advance to those that know.

MOO


Samantha Josephson case: live coverage of Day 2 of testimony | wltx.com
Schenk said Josephson’s body was found laying on her back in a wooded area with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Schenk said her shirt was up and her platform sandals were broken but still attached to her ankle by the straps. Investigators observed stab wounds over much of Josephson’s body, including her feet, and her fingernail appeared to be broken. An earring appeared to be missing from Josephson’s left ear but never recovered. Schenk also said an alternate light source revealed bruising over much of her body. Based on blood striations on her body and the lack of any trail of blood or evidence, Schenk said it appeared that was not the original crime scene and Josephson’s body had been moved to the location.

 

[Gardenista]

I know for sure her shirt, sandals, earring.
It is confusing as state was presenting the evidence bags....
Were her pants, bra found on her person? Or...In the monsters trash?
Thanks In advance to those that know.

MOO


Samantha Josephson case: live coverage of Day 2 of testimony | wltx.com
Schenk said Josephson’s body was found laying on her back in a wooded area with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Schenk said her shirt was up and her platform sandals were broken but still attached to her ankle by the straps. Investigators observed stab wounds over much of Josephson’s body, including her feet, and her fingernail appeared to be broken. An earring appeared to be missing from Josephson’s left ear but never recovered. Schenk also said an alternate light source revealed bruising over much of her body. Based on blood striations on her body and the lack of any trail of blood or evidence, Schenk said it appeared that was not the original crime scene and Josephson’s body had been moved to the location.

Bra was on her

 

[Seattle1]

Wonder if the reason for no DP is because her parents don’t believe in it

I don't recall much in advance reporting for the DP decision on this case but by all accounts, it seems the qualifications were met:


While not all details about Josephson’s death are currently known, it does appear possible that this crime will qualify for the death penalty. In order for a South Carolina murder to qualify for the death penalty it is necessary that one of the statutory aggravating circumstances spelled out in S.C. Code § 16-3-20(C)(a) apply. One of the listed circumstances is that the murder was committed while in the commission of a kidnapping. Since Rowland has been charged with both Murder and Kidnapping, it seems that the statutory requirement for an aggravating circumstance may be met.

The decision to pursue the death penalty is made by the elected solicitor. Solicitor is a South Carolina term for District Attorney. Columbia is part of South Carolina’s Fifth Judicial Circuit comprised of Kershaw and Richland counties. The elected solicitor for that circuit is Bryon Gibson. The decision is not going to be made lightly, and won’t be known until there has been a full opportunity to review the totality of the evidence and confer with law enforcement and the victim’s family.

Will Nathaniel Rowland be Prosecuted for the Death Penalty? | Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC

 

[Chelly]

Cathy Russon

@cathyrusson
·
1h

#FakeUberMurderTrial - The defendant's DNA was not found under the victim's fingernails HOWEVER we just learned that the victim's DNA was found under the defendant's fingernails.
@LawCrimeNetwork
#SamanthaJosephson #NathanielRowland

 

[BUF]

I know for sure her shirt, sandals, earring.
It is confusing as state was presenting the evidence bags....
Were her pants, bra found on her person? Or...In the monsters trash?
Thanks In advance to those that know.

MOO


Samantha Josephson case: live coverage of Day 2 of testimony | wltx.com
Schenk said Josephson’s body was found laying on her back in a wooded area with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Schenk said her shirt was up and her platform sandals were broken but still attached to her ankle by the straps. Investigators observed stab wounds over much of Josephson’s body, including her feet, and her fingernail appeared to be broken. An earring appeared to be missing from Josephson’s left ear but never recovered. Schenk also said an alternate light source revealed bruising over much of her body. Based on blood striations on her body and the lack of any trail of blood or evidence, Schenk said it appeared that was not the original crime scene and Josephson’s body had been moved to the location.

Here you go…

Investigator Dawn Claycomb stood up from the stand and pulled Josephson’s clothing out of a brown paper bag.

The first piece was a blood-soaked bra the victim had on that night. Then Claycomb pulled out a lace bralette Josephson had on over her bra, that was also covered with a large amount of blood.

The investigator then pulled Josephson’s shirt out of the evidence bag and held it up. There was so much blood on the shirt the investigator said they could not tell its original color.

Claycomb also held up the wedge sandals Josephson was wearing that night, saying the shoes weren’t on her feet, only held on by the ankle strap. Those shoes were also soaked in blood.

Claycomb also showed pictures of the pants Josephson was wearing, which had several defects from alleged knife wounds.

Rowland Trial Day 3: Gruesome evidence presented from night Samantha Josephson died

 

[BUF]

Did you know that a septillion is a number followed by 42 zeros?

Octillion is a number followed by 27 zeros.

 

[StarryStarryNight]

The defense is trying to make a big deal about his DNA not being under her fingernails, but look where her DNA was......everywhere! Including under his fingernails!
I’m sure the defense will try and say someone else killed her because of the mixed DNA but even if that was true, and I don’t believe it, NR was there, and he knows who killed her.
Why would anybody falsely accused of a possible capital crime cover for someone?
Why is he the only one trying to sell her phone?
Why is he the only one trying use her card at an ATM?

 

[BUF]

The judge just appointed the jury foreperson!

 

[Seattle1]

The defense is trying to make a big deal about his DNA not being under her fingernails, but look where her DNA was......everywhere! Including under his fingernails!
I’m sure the defense will try and say someone else killed her because of the mixed DNA but even if that was true, and I don’t believe it, NR was there, and he knows who killed her.
Why would anybody falsely accused of a possible capital crime cover for someone?
Why is he the only one trying to sell her phone?
Why is he the only one trying use her card at an ATM?

^^bbm

I certainly don't believe that NR holds true to some 'no snitching' code and/or principle!

Nonetheless, whether or not NR delivered the stab wounds to the victim, I think there's no doubt that he was present, and would still be guilty (of all charges) by association, acting in concert, aiding and abetting, accessory after the fact, possession of the stolen property, at a minimum. MOO

 

[Seattle1]

Stephen Fastenau[URL='https://twitter.com/StephenFastenau']@StephenFastenau[/URL]

27 zeroes in octillion, SLED analyst says during ongoing testimony and cross-examination about DNA evidence.

3:02 PM · Jul 23, 2021

Replying to
@StephenFastenau
“Very strong support” that three gloves in plastic bag found in Maria Howard’s trash contained DNA of Samantha Josephson and Nathaniel Rowland, DeWane says.

1:04 PM · Jul 23, 2021

Replying to
@StephenFastenau
Prosecutor Dan Goldberg and DNA analyst Ryan DeWane go through numerous areas where blood found in black Impala, all testing as highest likelihood of including Samantha Josephson’s DNA.

12:54 PM · Jul 23, 2021

Replying to
@StephenFastenau
SLED agent says Rowland’s DNA not found under Josephson’s nails or nail clippings. Secondary test on left fingernails showed presence of two males’ DNA, neither Rowland. Defense in its opening argument had focused on fact Rowland’s DNA not found on Josephson but others’ had.

12:20 PM · Jul 23, 2021·

Replying to
@StephenFastenau
SLED forensic scientist says DNA from Nathaniel Rowland’s right fingernails tested and found “very strong support” that it included Samantha Josephson’s DNA. That’s the highest SLED goes towards saying something is a DNA match. Same for blood tested on Rowland’s shoe, sock.

12:03 PM · Jul 23, 2021

 

[CrimeDawg123]

I've been wearing bras for almost 50 years. Never heard of a bralette.

 

[Seattle1]

I've been wearing bras for almost 50 years. Never heard of a bralette.

Given SJ was wearing both a bra and bralette, one might say the bra was for support, and the bralette was for pretty -- mostly worn to be seen. MOO

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 23, 2021
Day 4: Trial of UofSC student Samantha Josephson’s accused killer (wistv.com)
[...]

There were several SLED DNA experts who testified.

Ryan DeWane took the stand. She was the serologist, a blood serum analysis scientist, who studied the DNA in the case.

The state showed her a beanie that had been found in Rowland’s car. She said it had Rowland’s DNA and Samantha Josephson’s DNA as well.

[...]

DeWane also said Josephson’s DNA was under Rowland’s fingernails.

[...]

A Wells Fargo security expert showed a video of a man trying to use Josephson’s debit card at a drive-thru ATM in Sumter.

Another expert, Danny Conyers, said the man was wearing what appeared to be houseshoes which were the Nike Slides found in Rowland’s car.

The man in the video at the ATM tried to cover his face with a hoodie.

According to Conyers, he tried nine different times to use Josephson’s card but was ultimately unsuccessful.

[...]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=834380677188522

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=587008545631681

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 23, 2021
Samantha Josephson case: live coverage of trial of alleged killer | wltx.com
[...]

Ryan Dewane
Dewane, a forensic scientist who works in SLED's DNA casework department, took the stand for roughly three hours going over her work in identifying DNA evidence and establishing a likelihood of a person's own DNA being in each swab or cutting provided by investigators.

[...]

Rachel Nguyen
Nguyen, a forensic serologist with SLED with a specialization in forensic serology explained how she would work to extract DNA from evidence using special chemicals and special instrumentation. The DNA would then be placed in another instrument to provide data for a DNA analyst.

[...]

Verona Herrera
Currently with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Herrera was with SLED as a forensic serologist during the investigation of Josephson's death. She specialized in identifying bodily fluid on evidence to see what should be shared with DNA analysts.

[...]

Kimberly Mears
A SLED forensic scientist specializing in finding and identifying latent prints testified on multiple items she examined and whether she could find prints.

She was unable to find fingerprints on an aluminum bottle and aluminum can, a bottle of LA's Totally Awesome Cleaner, Clorox germicidal wipes, a spray bottle of Dollar General Home Window Cleaner, Top Job bleach, Whal clippers, and three plastic gloves. A print was found on the multi-tool in evidence but was inconclusive because there wasn't enough detail.

[...]

Eric Grabski
Grabski took the stand for his role in the investigation. He's currently with a company called Envista Forensics but was a SLED officer on the Fugitive Apprehension Team at the time of the case. He specialized in tracking cell phones and explained how he would do so using cell phone towers and various records provided through a warrant or court orders by cell phone companies - in this case, Verizon.

[...]

Destiny Catina
A former coworker and girlfriend of Rowland took the stand and described their relationship, his car - a black Chevrolet Impala - and where they went.

She said they worked together at FedEx and started dating. Rowland lived with his sister at the time and they occasionally visited his mother who lived about an hour out of town. She also said they on some occasions went to the Five Points area of Columbia.

[...]

Danny Conyers
Now retired, Conyers was a financial crimes investigator for Wells Fargo and had worked in that particular field for 44 years. He explained that he was contacted by an investigator who asked if a specific financial card had been used.

[...]

The defense cross-examined him suggesting that he didn't know outright that the person in both videos was the same since the person (or persons) had covered themselves.

He said this was true but that they were both wearing those same shoes.

[...]

 

[AnnInOhio]

I've been wearing bras for almost 50 years. Never heard of a bralette.

Don't feel bad - I had to look it up too.

 

[Niner]

Monday, July 26th:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9:30am ET) - SC - Samantha "Sami" Josephson (21) (last seen on video March 29, 2019 @ ~1:30am, Columbia, found Friday (3/29/21) afternoon in a rural area by turkey hunters in a field near a wooded area about 40 feet off a dirt road along Black Bottom Road close to the town of New Zion in Clarendon County) - *Nathaniel David Rowland (24/now 27) arrested & charged (3/30/19) & indicted (4/18/19) with murder, kidnapping, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, refusal to stop for police command, & possession of 28g or less of marijuana. Plead not guilty. Bond denied.
Trial began 7/19/21 with jury selection & ended 7/20/21. Trial started on 7/20/21. Jury is 7 women & 5 men & Alternates: 3 women & 1 man. 10 women & 6 men (8 people are Black, 2 people are Hispanic, 1 person is Indian & 5 people are white).
Case & court info from 3/30/19 thru 4/20/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/19-7/20/21 & Trial (Day 1-3) 7/20/21-7/22/21 reference post #660 here:
Found Deceased - SC - Samantha Josephson, 21, Columbia, thought she was getting into Uber, 29 Mar 2019 *Arrest* #2
7/23/21 Friday, Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Danny Conyers, financial crimes investigator (retired) with Wells Fargo fraud dept. Showed CCTVs footage outside of bank ATM. 2 attempts were made on ATM card with incorrect pin #; at another bank where the same person tried to use ATM 9 times. Destiny Catina, former gf. Eric Grabsky, former SLED agent & cellular location analysis expert, explaining to jurors technical issues & acronyms in lead up to talking about what phones of Josephson & Rowland show about their location the night Josephson disappeared. Kimberly Mears is a forensic scientist for SLED, fingerprint analyst. Verona Herrera, used to work for SLED, evidence processing technician & forensic serologist. Rachel Nguyen, works for SLED as forensic serologist. Ryan DeWane, DNA scientist for SLED. Expert in DNA analysis & serology. Results: Samantha's DNA found under defendant's fingernails (right hand), but Rowland's DNA was NOT found under Samantha's fingernails; Samantha's & defendant's DNA found on flip-flop in trunk of car; Samantha's DNA found on passenger back seat of car; Samantha's DNA found on front seat headres; Samantha's DNA found on front seat seat-belt; Samantha's DNA on black gloves & paper towels found in white Family Dollar bag discarded in trash; the soles of child's shoes found in his girlfriend's closet have Samantha's DNA on them; Rowland's pants has Samantha's & his DNA on them; Rowland's utility tool has Samantha's DNA on it; hair on the multi tool was hers. Judge appointed the jury foreperson. Trial continues at 9:30am on Monday, 7/26/21.

 

[Gardenista]

 

[girlhasnoname]

I really can't imagine much of legitimate defense being brought forward. I say that and then we had the case of Mollie Tibbets, where the perp claimed masked men kidnapped him and forced him to participate.

#Justice4Sami