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

[ilovechili]

No future hearings, etc. listed as of right now.

SC Judicial Branch

Yes. You are correct.

Thank you both! Appreciate it.

 

[ilovechili]

Just checking for updates.

Bumping for SJ.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 14, 2019
VIDEO: How the Samantha Josephson death investigation unfolded
University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson was kidnapped and killed when she got into a car she thought was her Uber ride. See how the investigation unfolded and how the community responded to her death.

MAY 17, 2019
“This is your worst nightmare” – Ride-share safety bill moves forward
The parents of a college student from New Jersey, killed after getting into what she thought was her Uber, are urging lawmakers to pass new legislation.

"Sami's Bill” - named for Samantha Josephson - would mean drivers have to prominently display ID, including a bar code that can be read by a cellphone.

Riders would put the QR code up to the car, and then if it's your ride it turns green. The ride-share then starts.

[...]

MAY 22, 2019
Lyft riders will soon be able to dial 911 from the app
Lyft has announced it's stepping up its safety measures and introducing a panic button for riders.

The new initiatives, announced Tuesday, follows a demand for increased safety after the death of University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson.

[...]

One new Lyft safety initiative is an increased visibility of license plates in the app. Lyft has increased the size and prominence of this information for riders.

Many riders have already seen this change, but it will continue rolling out to other customers in the next few months.

Lyft also introduced rider emergency assistance. In the next few weeks, riders will have the ability to access 911 from the Lyft app.

[...]

JUN 4, 2019
Killing of college student inspires proposed rideshare rules in NC
RALEIGH

Drivers for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft would need to be at least 21 years old and display their company logo and vehicle’s license number on the front where passengers can easily see them, under a bill introduced in the state House on Tuesday.

The bill, known as the Passenger Protection Act, would also make it a crime to impersonate a rideshare driver and allocate $100,000 for an awareness campaign aimed at college students on how to identify legitimate Uber and Lyft drivers. It would also launch a study that could result in additional proposed regulations next year.

[...]

JUN 5, 2019
NC House committee approves bill aimed at improving ride-sharing service safety
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) - A House committee gave approval Tuesday to a bill aimed at improving safety when people use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

The issue has received greater attention after police in South Carolina say a man murdered 21-year-old Samantha Josephson when she got into a car she believed was her Uber.

[...]

 

[girlhasnoname]

MAY 14, 2019
VIDEO: How the Samantha Josephson death investigation unfolded
University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson was kidnapped and killed when she got into a car she thought was her Uber ride. See how the investigation unfolded and how the community responded to her death.

MAY 17, 2019
“This is your worst nightmare” – Ride-share safety bill moves forward
The parents of a college student from New Jersey, killed after getting into what she thought was her Uber, are urging lawmakers to pass new legislation.

"Sami's Bill” - named for Samantha Josephson - would mean drivers have to prominently display ID, including a bar code that can be read by a cellphone.

Riders would put the QR code up to the car, and then if it's your ride it turns green. The ride-share then starts.

[...]

MAY 22, 2019
Lyft riders will soon be able to dial 911 from the app
Lyft has announced it's stepping up its safety measures and introducing a panic button for riders.

The new initiatives, announced Tuesday, follows a demand for increased safety after the death of University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson.

[...]

One new Lyft safety initiative is an increased visibility of license plates in the app. Lyft has increased the size and prominence of this information for riders.

Many riders have already seen this change, but it will continue rolling out to other customers in the next few months.

Lyft also introduced rider emergency assistance. In the next few weeks, riders will have the ability to access 911 from the Lyft app.

[...]

JUN 4, 2019
Killing of college student inspires proposed rideshare rules in NC
RALEIGH

Drivers for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft would need to be at least 21 years old and display their company logo and vehicle’s license number on the front where passengers can easily see them, under a bill introduced in the state House on Tuesday.

The bill, known as the Passenger Protection Act, would also make it a crime to impersonate a rideshare driver and allocate $100,000 for an awareness campaign aimed at college students on how to identify legitimate Uber and Lyft drivers. It would also launch a study that could result in additional proposed regulations next year.

[...]

JUN 5, 2019
NC House committee approves bill aimed at improving ride-sharing service safety
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) - A House committee gave approval Tuesday to a bill aimed at improving safety when people use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

The issue has received greater attention after police in South Carolina say a man murdered 21-year-old Samantha Josephson when she got into a car she believed was her Uber.

[...]

So happy to see positive changes coming from this tragedy. It doesn't bring Sami back, but it can/will save another victim going forward IMO. Peace and strength to the Josephson family.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 14, 2019
"Sami's Law" Rideshare safety bill introduced to Congress
Spurred by the slaying of a USC student in South Carolina, lawmakers in NJ are sponsoring new federal rules for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to make users feel safer and know when drivers are legitimate.

The bill has been titled as "Sami's Law."

[...]

Slain USC student Samantha Josephson is namesake of ride-share law proposed in US Congress
[...]

If enacted, the bill proposed on Friday would require front license plates and illuminated windshield signs for ride-share vehicles in addition to scannable QR codes, or quick-response codes, on the sides of vehicles.

The bill, titled "Sami's Law," would penalize states that do not comply by removing 1% of their federal highway funding.

Josephson's parents met with lawmakers in May to advocate for policies protecting ride-share passengers.

[...]

Samantha Josephson murder: Slain USC student is namesake of ride-share law proposed in US Congress
[...]

“They have already made an enormous impact at home, as New Jersey has passed legislation that mirrors the federal version of Sami’s Law,” Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said in a prepared statement. “But Sami’s murder underscores that we need federal legislation so that ride-share customers are equally protected in all 50 states.”

[...]

 

[cass523]

Sami's Law: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signs bill requiring more ID for rideshares

Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Signs “Sami’s Law” to Enhance Protections for Rideshare Passengers

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 26, 2019
3 months after Samantha Josephson's body was found in Clarendon Co., questions remain
[...]

On Wednesday afternoon, we went back to the area where the USC student was found and talked people who live there. No one wanted to speak on camera but some say they're still surprised by what happened and they want more answers in the case. Some still don't believe that Nathaniel 'Nate' was the one who killed Josephson and some are not sure what to think.

We talked with Rowland’s father, he didn't want to go on camera but says his family can't afford an attorney for their son. He says he hopes his son will get the help he needs in his case. Rowland says they’ve visited him in jail but haven't had the chance to see him in person.

He remains certain his son is innocent, claiming there’s no conclusive evidence Nathaniel killed Josephson.

People in this small close-knit town still have questions, but hope justice is served in Josephson’s death.

 

[ilovechili]

Quiet case.

Bumping for SJ and her family.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 8, 2019
As Bars Close, Groups Trying to Forge New Path in Changing Five Points
[...]

On July 8, the merchant-based Five Points Association and the Coalition of Five Points Neighborhoods — a group formed by leaders of 10 neighborhoods that surround the shopping and entertainment district — announced a formal agreement in which they will work together on a number of initiatives. The entities plan to meet quarterly, and to work with the city and USC to push for certain improvements in Five Points, including increased parking, more pedestrian-friendly streets, an enhanced level of business recruitment and more safety efforts.

[...]

Outgoing USC President Harris Pastides was among those who attended the July 8 news conference. He also advocated for a safer Five Points, and in doing so referenced Martha Childress, the USC student who was paralyzed when she was hit by a stray bullet in Five Points in 2013, and Samantha Josephson, the student who was allegedly abducted and killed earlier this year when she got into a car she mistakenly believed to be her Uber ride in the nightlife district.

“Two of my darkest days in the presidency were the nights that Martha Childress got shot and Samantha Josephson got abducted,” Pastides said. “This cannot happen again. We need a safe Five Points. We need it to be a beautiful shopping, eating village, a place to hang out. St. Patrick’s Day parades, color the fountain green during the daytime, and safe for everyone at night.”

 

[ilovechili]

Bumping. When will there be court action on this case? Or, alternatively, why isn't there any?

He sits in jail is that right, with no proceedings scheduled?

 

[PommyMommy]

Bumping. When will there be court action on this case? Or, alternatively, why isn't there any?

He sits in jail is that right, with no proceedings scheduled?

The last activity on record was May 13 - Motion to Compel Discovery and Disclosure of Evidence. I don't see a scheduled court appearance. MOO

SC Judicial Branch

 

[Seattle1]

The last activity on record was May 13 - Motion to Compel Discovery and Disclosure of Evidence. I don't see a scheduled court appearance. MOO

SC Judicial Branch

Is NR being charged in two different counties?

The last activity I see for Richland County was 5/7/19 but it's for his selling stolen goods to pawn shop.

Don't see anything for 5/13/19.....

 

[Seattle1]

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A Preliminary hearing for Nathaniel Rowland scheduled for Thursday, May 9th at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center has been canceled.

The hearing will not be conducted because Rowland was indicted by the Richland County Grand Jury on April 18th for murder, kidnapping, refusal to stop for police command, possession of 28g or less of marijuana, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Rowland is facing charges for his connection to the kidnapping and murder of Samantha Josephson, 21, when she mistook Rowland’s car for her Uber on March 29th. Josephson body was later found in Clarendon County.

Rowland’s next court appearance is unknown at this time.

Preliminary hearing for Nathaniel Rowland canceled

 

[KatzEye]

Is NR being charged in two different counties?

The last activity I see for Richland County was 5/7/19 but it's for his selling stolen goods to pawn shop.

Don't see anything for 5/13/19.....

I was trying to put the link showing that date here, but the SC Judicial Branch site is acting wonky and going back to the home page.

The case number you are looking for is : 2019A4010201357

ETA: Click on "actions" after you get there.

 

[Seattle1]

Is NR being charged in two different counties?

The last activity I see for Richland County was 5/7/19 but it's for his selling stolen goods to pawn shop.

Don't see anything for 5/13/19.....

I was trying to put the link showing that date here, but the SC Judicial Branch site is acting wonky and going back to the home page.

The case number you are looking for is : 2019A4010201357

ETA: Click on "actions" after you get there.

Thank you!

I had to "switch view" and then I could see the murder case with current motions.

I'm afraid this is going to be a long process before justice is seen for SJ.

 

[ilovechili]

I have to say I don't understand this. Is this due to how grand juries work?

Or is it that we have a ton of defense motions/delay? Don't they even get court dates scheduled to decide on motions and to be argued by each side?

I am going to need to go look it up and I will but if anyone would like to explain it in the meantime, that would be great.

How many cases we see a quick arrest and then they just sit idle forever or seem to? I have seen quite a few.

Jmo.

 

[al66pine]

JUL 8, 2019

As Bars Close, Groups Trying to Forge New Path in Changing Five Points
...On July 8,...push for certain improvements in Five Points, including...and more safety efforts.
... Samantha Josephson, the student who was allegedly abducted and killed earlier this year when she got into a car she mistakenly believed to be her Uber ride in the nightlife district...

sbm @PommyMommy Good catch on the story. From same article:
State Sen Hartpoolian asked “Should there be 2,000 kids at 1 a.m. roaming these streets, most of whom are under 21, most of whom are intoxicated?... The suits ...in shutting establishments down here have shown us 85 percent of the kids that are being served here in many of these establishments are underage, and they are being overserved...."

I wonder if these figures are accurate or exaggerated? Sounds like a local Mardi Gras or St.Pat's celebration. Could the area commonly be like that --- week nights? week-ends? Or just special events?
Regardless of frequency, seems generally alcohol could contribute to confusion & disorder in the 5 Pts area. Could be true -- even for ppl not drinking.

Jmo, could be wrong.

 

[mks762]

sbm @PommyMommy Good catch on the story. From same article:
State Sen Hartpoolian asked “Should there be 2,000 kids at 1 a.m. roaming these streets, most of whom are under 21, most of whom are intoxicated?... The suits ...in shutting establishments down here have shown us 85 percent of the kids that are being served here in many of these establishments are underage, and they are being overserved...."

I wonder if these figures are accurate or exaggerated? Sounds like a local Mardi Gras or St.Pat's celebration. Could the area commonly be like that --- week nights? week-ends? Or just special events?
Regardless of frequency, seems generally alcohol could contribute to confusion & disorder in the 5 Pts area. Could be true -- even for ppl not drinking.

Jmo, could be wrong.

85% are underage? That seems excessive, but probably not tooooo far off I guess. It's been 9 years since I graduated but I was going to 5 points underage and only once did a cop ask me for my ID and I got away with it. It's a really fun place that's hard to imagine if you've never been, but (clearly) it's also not a safe place. There isn't a night of the week where you can't find drink specials. Really the only reason to be in 5 points at night is because you're going to bars. There are a few restaurants but at 1 am, I'd say 99% of the people there are drinking/have been drinking. I think increased police presence inside bars and increased lighting would be a good step to making things more safe. Like I said, it's been almost a decade since I went to South Carolina (YIKES!!!) so things may have changed since I was there but that was my experience.

 

[ilovechili]

Checking for news and bumping for SJ.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 30, 2019 - 911 recording is included in the article
911 tape released in USC student murder case
The City of Columbia released the 911 tapes and calls for service in the murder and kidnapping of University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson.

[...]

When Josephson went missing, her roommate called 911 to file a missing persons report.

In the 911 call, her roommate explains that she was concerned that Josephson had not shown up for work that morning.

"We went out in Five Points last night and she still hasn't made it home, her phone's dead. We don't think she went home with a guy or anything, like we're actually, like worried. So, she missed work this morning."

[...]

Police release 911 call that launched Samantha Josephson investigation
[...]

After giving the 911 dispatcher details of Josephson’s appearance, police came to the apartment to take a missing person’s report.

[...]