Death in the Dorms: Season 1, Episode 5 – Samantha Josephson

Introduction

In this poignant and gripping episode of ABC News' 20/20, titled Death in the Dorms: Samantha Josephson, host Deborah Roberts delves into the harrowing true crime story of Samantha Josephson, a promising University of South Carolina senior whose life was tragically cut short. The episode meticulously chronicles Samantha's background, the night she disappeared, the ensuing investigation, her eventual murder, and the legislative changes that followed her untimely death.

Samantha Josephson: A Bright Future

The episode opens with heartfelt tributes from Samantha's family and friends, painting a vivid picture of a vibrant young woman with a promising future. Samantha, born on August 13, 1997, was a dedicated student and aspiring lawyer with dreams of making a significant impact on the world.

• Samantha's Mother shares, “[...] she would do anything for the people she cared about” ([02:38]).
• Marcy, a close friend, describes Samantha as “the life of the party” and “a really good person” ([03:26]).

Samantha's dedication to her studies and her tight-knit relationships highlight the profound loss felt by those who knew her.

The Night Samantha Went Missing

The narrative shifts to the night of March 29, 2019, when Samantha decided to return home after a night out with friends at Five Points, a popular bar district near the university.

• Sydney, Samantha's sister, recounts the last interaction with Samantha: “Thursday night she called me to ask if she could use my credit card for the Uber” ([10:23]).
• That evening, Samantha never made it home, and her phone died, triggering immediate concern among her friends and family.

Initial Investigation and Growing Concern

As Samantha failed to return, her friends and family swiftly mobilized to find her. The urgency and fear palpable in their actions underscore the deep bond Samantha shared with her community.

• Samantha's Mother narrates the frantic attempts to locate her daughter: “She never came home that night. And he [Greg] told me he was going to leave to go to Columbia to help his friends track down Sammy” ([13:16]).
• The University of South Carolina community was left in shock, with even acquaintances feeling the impact of her disappearance: “It just really hits you that it's [a murder].” – Timothy Boddy ([18:01]).

Discovery of Samantha's Body

Tragedy struck when Samantha's body was discovered in a remote area of Clarendon County by two individuals while turkey hunting. The gruesome nature of her injuries immediately indicated foul play.

• Lieutenant describes the scene: “There is tons of blood. I have never seen that much blood in any crime scene that I've ever been on in my 26 years” ([36:04]).
• The authorities quickly identified the body as Samantha through DNA analysis: “The blood located in the vehicle was that of Samantha Josephson” ([36:36]).

Arrest and Investigation of Nathaniel Rowland

The investigation took a critical turn with the arrest of Nathaniel David Rowland, a 24-year-old South Carolina resident. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence linked Rowland to the crime scene and the vehicle in which Samantha was found.

• Detective Odom explains the breakthrough moment: “…one of the Columbia PD investigators said, we got to get to Five Points. One of our officers just stopped the dark Chevrolet Impala” ([30:07]).
• Detective Odom further details Rowland's suspicious behavior and the forensic evidence tying him to the crime: “The phone matched the description of Samantha's phone” ([31:42]).

Rowland's arrest marked a significant milestone in the case, with overwhelming evidence pointing to his culpability.

Trial and Conviction

The legal proceedings were fraught with emotion and complexity, as family members and friends sought justice for Samantha. The trial, although delayed due to COVID-19, culminated in Rowland's conviction on multiple counts, including murder and kidnapping.

• Sydney reflects on the courtroom emotions: “I remember telling them, this is what I want. I want the death penalty” ([44:11]).
• The jury's swift decision underscored the strength of the evidence against Rowland: “After just an hour of deliberation, the jury found Roland guilty of three counts” ([53:45]).

Aftermath and Sammy's Law

In the wake of Samantha's death, her family and community channeled their grief into advocacy, leading to the enactment of Sammy's Law in New Jersey. This legislation mandates rideshare companies to implement safety measures, such as scannable QR codes on vehicles to verify rides.

• Samantha's Mother expresses pride in the legislative changes: “Since we've started the foundation, we've gotten so many emails and messages from people either saying, thank you because, you know, this saved me” ([57:26]).
• Sydney highlights the law's impact: “It's called Sammy's Law. And that law did go through where you had to have a QR code on the car window so that you could confirm your ride before getting in” ([56:24]).

Sammy's Law represents a tangible legacy of Samantha's life, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Personal Tributes and Foundation

The episode concludes with touching tributes from those closest to Samantha, who continue to honor her memory through the establishment of a foundation dedicated to rideshare safety and victim support.

• Marcy shares her personal loss: “I miss her laugh. I miss being able to text her when my parents are annoying me” ([58:07]).
• Sydney emphasizes the ongoing mission: “I want her to be remembered as a bright, fun, loving, great friend, great daughter” ([58:32]).

These heartfelt remembrances underscore the enduring impact Samantha had on her community and the collective resolve to ensure her legacy fosters positive change.

Conclusion

Death in the Dorms: Samantha Josephson serves as a solemn reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young adults and the paramount importance of safety measures in ridesharing services. Through meticulous reporting and personal narratives, the episode not only recounts a tragic event but also celebrates the resilience and advocacy that emerged from Samantha Josephson's untimely death. Her story continues to inspire legislative action and community support, ensuring that Samantha's legacy endures beyond her life.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Odom: “We do have to look at him. We have to look at him” ([33:03]).
• Samantha's Mother: “I would have liked to have hugged her and held her at the time” ([25:18]).
• Timothy Boddy: “We will not forget Samantha Josephson's name” ([55:07]).
• Prosecutor: “She was dragged into the woods and left alone, covered in her own blood” ([52:56]).

Key Takeaways

• The importance of community vigilance and swift action in missing persons cases.
• The critical role of forensic evidence and surveillance in solving crimes.
• The profound impact of personal loss driving legislative and societal changes.
• The enduring legacy of victims in advocating for safer environments.

Final Thoughts

This episode of 20/20 not only sheds light on a tragic crime but also illustrates the collective effort to find justice and implement meaningful changes to prevent future tragedies. Samantha Josephson's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those she left behind and their commitment to ensuring her memory contributes to a safer, more vigilant society.