SEQUESTERED Podcast

BONUS EPISODE: Jason Chen Case Update – Motion for New Trial Denied

Host: Sara Reid
Date: May 5, 2026

Overview of Episode Theme

Sara Reid, juror #11 from the original Jason Chen trial, delivers an urgent case update: Jason Chen, convicted of the brutal murder of Jasmine Pace, has had his motion for a new trial denied. This bonus episode breaks down the key developments in the latest court hearing, revisits what the motion entailed, recounts pivotal moments from the original trial, and reflects on the ongoing resolve of Jasmine Pace’s family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Motion for a New Trial

• On May 4, 2026, Jason Chen appeared in Chattanooga, Tennessee, seeking a new trial ([01:02]).
• Chen's Claims: The defense argued that Chen did not receive a fair trial, citing:
  • Mishandling or questions around the custody of evidence
  • Issues surrounding the search of Chen’s apartment
  • The presence of Jasmine Pace’s family (including some who testified as witnesses) in the courtroom during the trial ([01:55])

2. Arguments Raised

• Attorney Amanda Morrison (defense) emphasized improper courtroom procedures, notably the presence of Jasmine’s family members who were also witnesses ([01:55]).
  • Morrison argued this may have influenced testimonies.
• Judge Boyd Patterson responded directly, stating:

  "The Constitution does allow victims families to be in the courtroom."
  – Judge Patterson [02:28]

• Patterson reviewed all concerns raised in the motion and clarified that:

  "All of those were litigated at length and the court ruled on the same conclusions that were arrived at."
  – Judge Patterson (as summarized by Sara Reid) [02:35]

3. Recap of the Original Case and Verdict

• Sara Reid’s Account ([02:53]):
  • Sara recalls her experience as a juror:

    "I sat through that trial for nine days in January of 2025. I heard the evidence. I watched the exhibits come in. I listened as the state methodically laid out what happened to Jasmine Pace, a 22-year-old whose life was taken in November of 2022."

  • Jury found Jason Chen guilty of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.
  • Details of the crime: Jasmine Pace was stabbed 60 times, placed in a suitcase, and discarded on the banks of the Tennessee River.
  • The verdict: Life in prison without parole.

    "That is not easy to carry, but it is what the evidence showed for that brutal and horrendous crime."
    – Sara Reid [03:36]

4. The Judge’s Ruling and What It Means

• Judge Patterson’s denial means:
  • The prior jury verdict stands.
  • Sentence remains unchanged: life without the possibility of parole.
• Remark by District Attorney Cody Womp:

  "Jasmine's family has stayed with this case through every challenge for the last three and a half years."
  – District Attorney Cody Womp [04:28]

5. Newsroom and Family Response

• Reporter Lily Butler’s Summary ([04:33]):
  • Judge Patterson’s ruling puts “to rest one last challenge.”
  • Cody Womp reflects on the significance for Jasmine’s family:

    “She thinks Jasmine would be proud to see her family and friends there in the courtroom one last time.”

  • Recap: Jury found Jason Chen guilty and sentenced him to life in prison.

6. Next Steps and Continuing Coverage

• Chen’s attorneys now have 30 days to file the next appeal.
• Sara highlights the enduring courage of Jasmine’s family throughout the lengthy trial and appeals process ([05:07]).
• Commitment to update listeners on further legal developments.

Notable Quotes

• Judge Boyd Patterson:

  "The Constitution does allow victims families to be in the courtroom." [02:28]

  "All of those were litigated at length and the court ruled on the same conclusions that were arrived at." (as summarized by Sara Reid) [02:35]

• Sara Reid (host, juror #11):

  "I sat through that trial for nine days in January of 2025... And at the end of that trial, the jury I served on found Jason Chen guilty of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse." [02:53]

  "That is not easy to carry, but it is what the evidence showed for that brutal and horrendous crime." [03:36]

• District Attorney Cody Womp:

  "Jasmine's family has stayed with this case through every challenge for the last three and a half years." [04:28] "She thinks Jasmine would be proud to see her family and friends there in the courtroom one last time." (via News Channel 9 report) [04:33]

Important Timestamps

• [01:02]: Sara Reid introduces the motion for a new trial and recaps Jason Chen’s conviction.
• [01:55]: Defense attorney Amanda Morrison raises concerns about courtroom procedure and evidence.
• [02:28]: Judge Patterson affirms the rights of victims’ families to be present.
• [02:53]: Sara Reid recounts the original trial, evidence, and the jury’s verdict.
• [04:28]: DA Womp’s comments on Jasmine’s family’s resilience.
• [04:33]: News Channel 9’s Lily Butler summarizes Judge Patterson’s ruling and the impact on the family.
• [05:07]: Sara outlines the next legal steps (potential appeal) and reiterates the jury’s role in justice for Jasmine.

Tone and Final Thoughts

Sara Reid maintains a personal, reflective, and empathetic tone throughout, emphasizing the victim-centered nature of the podcast. She balances recounting the factual procedures and developments with an acute awareness of the human toll and emotional tragedy at the core of the case.

For Listeners:

• Full story is available in Season One.
• Further updates will be shared as the case evolves.
• Listeners can learn more or hear prior episodes at sequesteredpod.com.