Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime - Episode 485: Samantha Josephson
Introduction In Episode 485 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the tragic and harrowing case of Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old University of South Carolina student who was abducted and murdered in 2019. Released on March 14, 2025, this episode serves as a solemn cautionary tale aimed at raising awareness about personal safety, especially for young women using ride-sharing services.
Background of Samantha Josephson Samantha Josephson was a vibrant and compassionate individual, known for her lively personality and deep empathy. Born on August 13, 1997, in Princeton, New Jersey, she grew up in Robbinsville, where she was particularly close to her older sister, Sydney. Aspiring to make a difference, Samantha pursued a political science degree at the University of South Carolina (USC), where she became actively involved in campus life, including pledging a sorority and maintaining a loving relationship with her boyfriend, Greg.
The Night of Disappearance On the night of Thursday, March 28, 2019, Samantha celebrated her upcoming graduation and acceptance to Drexel University's law school at a popular local bar, The Bird Dog, located in the Five Points neighborhood of Columbia, South Carolina. Around 2:00 AM on Friday, March 30, Samantha called an Uber to head home after a fun night with friends.
- Key Quote:
Heath (02:22): “This horrific crime is something that anybody could fall victim to or avoid falling victim to with one small change.”
Mistaken Identity and Abduction Surveillance footage captured Samantha waiting outside The Bird Dog, wearing an orange top and jeans, using her phone to call for her ride. Due to the Uber driver's cancellation six minutes prior, Samantha mistakenly entered a dark-colored Chevy Impala at approximately 2:12 AM, believing it to be her Uber.
- Key Quote:
Heath (08:22): “She was very ready to go. So when this car pulls up, she just gets in. She's like, here's my Uber.”
The Impala had been cruising the neighborhood since 1:30 AM, suggesting premeditation. Tragically, the car sped away with Samantha inside, leading to her untimely death.
Investigation and Discovery Samantha’s friends and family grew increasingly worried when she failed to return home or attend her scheduled work shift. A missing person report was filed around 1:30 PM, and Samantha’s body was discovered the next day by hunters in Clarendon County, South Carolina.
- Key Quote:
Daphne (04:09): “That lit up a room every time she entered. She had absolutely no chance.”
Police quickly focused on the Chevy Impala, linking it to Samantha’s disappearance. The vehicle was found to contain blood, and further investigation revealed that Nathaniel Rowland, a 24-year-old with suspicious behavior, was linked to the case.
Arrest and Evidence Nathaniel Rowland was pulled over by police approximately 10 hours after Samantha’s body was found. Blood was discovered inside his Impala, and forensic evidence, including a double-bladed multipurpose tool with Samantha’s blood and hair, tied him directly to the murder.
- Key Quote:
Heath (11:43): “The vehicle was pulled over around 2:30 AM... inside, they found narcotics and multiple cell phones belonging to Nathaniel, as well as a rose gold iPhone and a set of pink keys wedged under the driver's seat, which detectives believed belonged to Samantha.”
Surveillance footage placed Nathaniel at various suspicious locations, attempting to use Samantha’s debit card, and interacting with her phone post-murder.
Trial and Conviction Nathaniel’s trial commenced on July 20, 2021, after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his defense’s attempts to undermine the evidence, the overwhelming physical and circumstantial evidence led to his conviction for kidnapping, first-degree murder, and possession of a deadly weapon.
- Key Quote:
Judge Newman (45:46): “The evidence in this case was so overwhelming... Every law enforcement officer that was available participated in working on this case.”
Nathaniel was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Attempts to appeal his conviction in 2024 were denied, solidifying his status as the perpetrator.
Aftermath and Legacy Samantha’s family transformed their grief into activism. They successfully lobbied for Sammy’s Law, enhancing ride-share safety by mandating visible driver identifiers and scannable QR codes. Additionally, they founded the What's My Name Foundation (SAMMY), promoting safety measures through their acronym: Stop, Ask, Match, and Inform.
- Key Quote:
Daphne (48:32): “Make sure that you stop before you get into a car. Just don't get into any car that you see. Make sure that you ask if the person knows your name. Match the license plate. That's really important.”
Samantha’s story has empowered countless individuals to adopt safer practices when using ride-sharing services, ensuring her legacy contributes positively to community safety.
Conclusion and Safety Tips The episode concludes with Daphne and Heath emphasizing the critical steps individuals can take to avoid similar tragedies:
- Stop before entering a vehicle.
- Ask if the driver knows your name.
- Match the license plate with the app information.
- Inform someone of your ride.
- Key Quote:
Heath (50:54): “We all got to, you know, find these good tips and talk about these cautionary tales so that we can stay as safe as we can.”
Final Thoughts Going West: True Crime Episode 485 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that can lurk in everyday situations. By sharing Samantha Josephson’s story, Daphne and Heath not only memorialize her life but also equip listeners with knowledge to protect themselves and others.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Heath (02:22): Emphasizing the case as a crucial cautionary tale.
- Daphne (04:09): Highlighting Samantha's vibrant personality.
- Heath (08:22): Discussing Samantha’s mistaken entry into the Impala.
- Heath (11:43): Detailing the arrest and evidence against Nathaniel.
- Judge Newman (45:46): Affirming the strength of the evidence.
- Daphne (48:32): Outlining the SAMMY acronym for safety.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, offering a clear and engaging narrative for those unfamiliar with Samantha Josephson’s tragic story.