Dateline NBC: The Pin at Apartment 210
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Dateline NBC, titled "The Pin at Apartment 210," host Blaine Alexander delves into the harrowing true-crime story of Jasmine Pace, a young woman whose disappearance led to a relentless family-led investigation and ultimately a shocking conviction. This detailed account captures the emotional journey of Jasmine's family as they navigate despair, determination, and the pursuit of justice.
Jasmine Pace's Background and Disappearance
Jasmine Pace, affectionately known as Jazzy, was a vibrant 22-year-old from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Balancing college studies with a job at her family's construction company, Jasmine was known for her sweet demeanor, love for reading, and active social life. On November 23, 2022, Jasmine vanished under mysterious circumstances, sparking immediate concern among her family and friends.
Notable Quotes:
- Katrina Pace (Jasmine's Mother) [03:04]: "She loved her family. She put everything she had into being there for everybody else."
- Gabby Pace (Jasmine's Half-Sister) [01:23]: "A couple of days go by and I hadn't heard from her."
The Family's Investigation
Struggling with the sudden loss of their matriarch, Granny Pace, and Jasmine's unexpected disappearance, the Pace family embarked on a personal investigation. Their efforts included tracking Jasmine's digital footprint, accessing her phone records, and even breaking into locations they believed held clues. Their relentless pursuit demonstrated both their desperation and unwavering love.
Notable Quotes:
- Blaine Alexander [02:45]: "How far would you go for your family, for the people you love most in the world?"
- Katrina Pace [05:17]: "She's 22. She's on your phone plan. Who is she talking to? Like, let's unravel this."
Discovery at Apartment 210
Following a cryptic pin sent by Jasmine at 2:18 AM on the night of her disappearance, the family traced her location to Apartment 210. Ignoring police warnings, they forcibly entered the apartment, uncovering disturbing evidence: Jasmine's personal belongings organized meticulously, indicating someone else had tampered with her life. This unauthorized intrusion would later have significant legal repercussions.
Notable Quotes:
- Katrina Pace [12:35]: "I'm more so just numb to everything that at first you feel just so much anger."
- Gabby Pace [19:17]: "At first they said, no, we haven't seen that girl. No, we haven't seen that girl."
The Role of Jason Chen
Jason Chen, a man Jasmine had been casually dating, became the prime suspect. Through meticulous tracking of his movements and inconsistencies in his alibis, the Pace family and law enforcement zeroed in on him. Jason's background revealed previous troubling behavior, including hacking incidents targeting his former roommate, raising suspicions about his involvement in Jasmine's disappearance.
Notable Quotes:
- Detective Zach Crawford [30:38]: "We homed in on the day after Jasmine disappeared."
- Ryan Barrett (Former Roommate) [32:17]: "Insane. I just. He had done a lot of crazy things to me. But murder was not what I was expecting them."
The Arrest and Trial
Jason Chen was arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder. The trial was a tense affair, with prosecutors presenting overwhelming evidence of premeditation, including the discovery of Jasmine's body with 60 stab wounds and her disposal in a suitcase. Defense attorney Josh Weiss contested these claims, arguing self-defense and disputing the timeline of events.
Notable Quotes:
- Prosecutor Paul Moyle: Highlighted the brutality and calculated nature of the crime.
- Josh Weiss (Defense Attorney) [39:36]: "Jason Chen is guilty, but he's not guilty of the crime that he's charged with."
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
The prosecution emphasized the premeditated aspects of the murder, showcasing the evidence of extensive planning and the violent nature of the crime. They dismantled the defense's claims of self-defense by presenting forensic evidence that contradicted Jason's statements. Conversely, the defense portrayed Jason as a victim of an escalating argument, lacking intent for murder.
Notable Quotes:
- Katrina Pace [38:35]: "He's on social media on Tinder, hitting on girls, and Jasmine is dead in his apartment. Which really says everything you need to know."
- Detective Zach Crawford [27:17]: "This showed an extremely large amount of volume of blood. The Largest that I had seen to that point in terms of blue star reaction in my career. I vividly remember looking at Sergeant Emory and Detective Seich, and we all said, we have homicide."
Conviction and Sentencing
After a compelling trial, the jury swiftly convicted Jason Chen of first-degree premeditated murder. The sentence handed down was life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Jasmine's family found a semblance of closure, though the emotional scars remain profound.
Notable Quotes:
- Lester Holt [42:20]: "We the jury, find the defendant, Jason Chen, guilty of first degree premeditated murder."
- Katrina Pace [42:42]: "I assumed that they were going to find Jason guilty, but that it might be over a period of hours or days. What we now know is that we had done our job."
The Family's Perspective and Impact
Jasmine's family played a pivotal role in ensuring justice was served. Their determination not only led to the discovery of vital evidence but also highlighted the challenges families face when law enforcement avenues are insufficient. The emotional toll on the family was immense, but their perseverance ensured that Jasmine's legacy was honored.
Notable Quotes:
- Gabby Pace [43:35]: "The world needed to hear that. They didn't just need to look at her as a victim of a crime. They needed to look at her as like this most blessed person that would have just shown random acts of kindness to anybody."
- Katrina Pace [43:55]: "She put everything she had into being there for everybody else. She always put herself last. I mean, she got joy out of doing for others and being a loving, compassionate, kind, warm human being."
Conclusion
"The Pin at Apartment 210" serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which love and determination can drive a family seeking justice. Through unwavering resolve and collaboration with law enforcement, Jasmine Pace's family not only uncovered the truth behind her tragic demise but also ensured that her memory lives on as a beacon of kindness and resilience.
Notable Moments and Quotes Overview
- Family’s Desperation: "When you're desperate, you just don't stop moving." – Katrina Pace [02:52]
- Breaking into the Apartment: "Terrified of what you're about to find?" – Gabby Pace [02:10]
- Realization of the Pin: "It was scary. I think that that's when I think fear really set in." – Katrina Pace [18:50]
- Trial Dynamics: "Jason Chen is guilty, but he's not guilty of the crime that he's charged with." – Josh Weiss [39:45]
Final Thoughts
This episode underscores the profound impact a family can have in the face of tragedy. Jasmine Pace's story is a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the pursuit of truth, even when faced with overwhelming odds.