Dateline: True Crime Weekly – January 23, 2025

Hosted by Andrea Canning and produced by NBC News, this episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly delves into gripping murder trials, historical case updates, and essential consumer advice to protect against disaster-related scams.

1. A Verdict in Chattanooga: The Murder Trial of Jason Chen

Case Overview: In a landmark case out of California, Jason Chen stood trial for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Jasmine Pace. Eight years after Pace was found stabbed 60 times and disposed of in a suitcase near a creek, Chen was charged with first-degree premeditated murder and abuse of a corpse.

Trial Proceedings: The courtroom atmosphere was tense, marked by emotional testimonies from both families. Andrea Canning discusses the rapid conclusion of the ten-day trial, highlighting the jury's swift deliberation.

Key Testimonies and Evidence:

• Medical Examiner’s Testimony ([05:17]): “All 60 of the wounds were in a very focused small area... she was already bound in that fetal position,” explained the medical examiner, reinforcing the premeditation angle for the prosecution.

• Defense’s Argument ([05:42]): A neighbor testified, recounting screams and yelling at 2:11 AM, suggesting a spontaneous altercation. “It kind of sounded like when you're already upset, but you're trying to prove,” stated Andrea Canning, referencing the defense’s narrative of a heated fight.

• Prosecution’s Rebuttal ([06:31]): A tech investigator debunked the defense’s claim about a Tinder message, revealing no relevant data from Chen’s phone records, thereby weakening the defense's stance.

Verdict and Sentencing: After less than an hour of deliberation ([08:25]), the jury found Jason Chen guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and abuse of a corpse. The sentencing resulted in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after a brief 20-minute deliberation.

Emotional Impact: Family members delivered poignant remarks during sentencing. Jasmine Pace’s sister highlighted the personal loss, stating, “You haven't just torn apart our family. I pray for your mother. You have torn apart two families” ([09:00]).

2. Dateline Roundup

a. Tupac Shakur’s Accused Killer Appears in Court

Thirty years after the tragic murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur, his accused killer, Duane Davis, appeared in court. Andrea Canning and producer Sue Simpson recount how Davis allegedly implicated himself in a 1996 drive-by shooting by mentioning in his 2019 memoir that he provided the gun used in the murder. Despite defense attempts to dismiss the case due to procedural delays and lost evidence, the judge upheld the charges, pushing the trial forward to March ([26:11]).

b. The West Virginia Pharmacist Accused of Poisoning Her Husband

Natalie Cochran, a West Virginia pharmacist, faces trial for allegedly poisoning her husband with insulin. Recent testimonies revealed how Michael Cochran’s health deteriorated under Natalie's care, with friends noting her refusal to seek medical help. An FBI chemist confirmed the presence of insulin in a recovered vial, though the defense questioned its use as a murder weapon stored in the fridge ([25:44]).

c. Avoiding Natural Disaster Scams

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Los Angeles wildfires, NBC News senior consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Wynn provides crucial tips to avoid disaster-related scams:

• Verify Fundraisers: Use official hubs like GoFundMe’s verified pages. “They use these great images that really tug on your heartstrings... a quick Google search can reveal if they’re stock photos,” Wynn advises ([28:50]).
• Government Assistance: Be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from FEMA. “If someone is asking for your personal financial information, that is a red flag,” she warns ([30:40]).
• Contractor Verification: Ensure contractors are licensed by checking their credentials before hiring ([31:42]).

3. Upcoming Trials and Legal Developments

a. Monica Simontilli’s Trial

Monica Simontilli, the widow of Hollywood hairstylist Fabio Simentilli, is accused of orchestrating her husband’s murder alongside her lover, Robert Louis Baker. Eight years after Fabio’s 2017 murder, the trial is set to begin next week. Key evidence includes:

• Home Security Footage: Prosecutors allege Monica was engrossed in her phone monitoring security systems during the murder ([15:14]).
• Financial Motive: A substantial life insurance policy of $1.6 million is believed to be the driving force behind the alleged plot ([17:06]).
• New Witness: Christopher Austin, a third suspect, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is expected to testify against Monica ([18:43]).

b. Karen Reed’s Retrial

Karen Reed, accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, faced a deadlocked jury in her initial trial. In her upcoming retrial, a dog expert will testify for the defense, suggesting O'Keefe’s injuries were due to a dog attack rather than being hit by a car. This development represents a significant advantage for Reed's defense team ([23:32]).

4. Emotional and Community Reactions

The trials have elicited strong emotional responses from the families and communities involved:

• Jason Chen’s Case: His mother and brother expressed heartbreak and devastation after the guilty verdict, emphasizing the profound impact on both families ([09:50]).
• Monica Simontilli’s Trial: Supporters rallied in New England, demonstrating unwavering faith in Monica’s innocence despite the chilling allegations ([24:26]).

5. Production and Upcoming Content

Andrea Canning previews next week's episodes, including insights into Bryan Coburger's summer trial and a captivating story about a Pittsburgh dentist predicting his own death. For more detailed information and updates on featured cases, listeners are encouraged to visit dateline.truecrimeweekly.com and engage with the podcast on social media (@datelinenbc).

Notable Quotes:

• Mario Garcia on Medical Examiner’s Findings ([05:17]):
  “All 60 of the wounds were in a very focused small area... she was already bound in that fetal position.”

• Jim on Defense’s Argument ([06:04]):
  “It kind of sounded like when you're already upset, but you're trying to prove...”

• Vicky Wynn on Disaster Scams ([28:50]):
  “They use these great images that really tug on your heartstrings... a quick Google search can reveal if they’re stock photos.”

• Monica Simontilli’s Accusation ([15:14]):
  Andrea Canning references, “Monica was glued to her phone watching her home security system when the intruders had broken into the home and were murdering her husband.”

Conclusion:

This episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly offers a comprehensive look into ongoing and historical crime cases, highlighting the intricate details of each trial and their broader societal impacts. Additionally, Vicky Wynn’s consumer tips provide valuable guidance in navigating post-disaster scenarios safely. Stay informed and engaged with Andrea Canning and the team as they continue to unravel the most compelling true crime stories each week.