Episode 04: Inside the Crime Scene

Summary

SEQUESTERED Podcast: Episode 04 - Inside the Crime Scene

Overview

Episode 04 of the SEQUESTERED podcast, titled "Inside the Crime Scene," delves deep into the pivotal moments of the State of Tennessee v. Jason Chen trial. Narrated by Sara, Juror #11, this episode offers an intimate exploration of the evidence presented, the strategies employed by both prosecution and defense, and the emotional toll on those involved. Through detailed courtroom scenes, witness testimonies, and Sara’s personal reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding Jasmine Pace’s tragic murder.

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1. Juror Life and Courtroom Atmosphere

The episode begins by immersing listeners in the daily routine of the jurors. Sara describes the structured environment, highlighting the fixed jury seating arrangement and the solemn entry into the courtroom:

"By now we, the jurors are moving into the routine of our new job... everything just kind of moves into their spot." [00:21]

A notable moment occurs when the courtroom is transformed into the crime scene for the first time, marking a departure from routine and heightening the gravity of the proceedings:

"Today we were stepping into the crime scene." [04:58]

2. Prosecution's Presentation of Evidence

a. Michelle Johnson – Crime Scene Investigation

Michelle Johnson, a seasoned crime scene investigator, takes the stand to detail her findings at Jason Chen's apartment. Her meticulous description sets the stage for understanding the severity of the crime scene:

"Blood was everywhere, smeared behind the couch, on the door frame, spattered on the wall and soaked into the tile grout and carpet." [05:30]

b. Blue Star Reaction and Its Significance

Johnson explains the application and results of the Blue Star forensic agent, emphasizing its intensity:

"[06:07] Paul Moyle: How would you describe the blue star reaction that you yourself observed inside Mr. Chen's apartment?
[06:14] Michelle Johnson: Very intense and long duration. It was probably the most I've ever seen on reaction."

She further details the presence of Blue Star reactions in various areas of the apartment, reinforcing the widespread violence:

"[06:14] Michelle Johnson: Very intense and long duration."
"[06:48] Sarah Reid: Next, the prosecution displayed a diagram of Chen's apartment..."

c. Presentation of the Blood-Stained Carpet

A critical piece of evidence is the blood-stained carpet, meticulously presented by the prosecution. Johnson and Prosecutor Paul Moyle demonstrate its significance:

"The blood, deep reddish brown, oxidized with time, had not just soaked in, but seeped through, penetrating both the carpet and the padding beneath it." [08:30]

Sara reflects on the overwhelming presence of the blood stain:

"From this angle, I could see the underside of the carpet facing up where the stain was most clearly visible... The sheer scale of it was staggering." [09:02]

d. Glass Fragments and Defense's Challenge

The prosecution introduces minute glass fragments to counter the defense's narrative that Jasmine attacked Jason with a broken wine glass. Moyle’s precise questioning seeks to dismantle the defense's claims:

"[10:49] Michelle Johnson: Okay, here's a picture of the carpet that they brought out here..."
"[14:46] Michelle Johnson: Those are the fragments."
"[14:50] Paul Moyle: Included that came from foreign."

These fragments, when magnified, reveal their minimal size, undermining the defense’s assertion of a violent struggle initiated by Jasmine.

e. Evidence from Jason Chen's Car

Investigators scrutinize Chen's impounded Toyota Camry, focusing on the trunk's rubber mat that bears tracks resembling suitcase wheels. The forensic comparison solidifies the connection between the suitcase found at Suck Creek Road and the one in Chen's apartment:

"With the jury watching, investigators conduct a side by side comparison... proving this was more than just a theory." [16:09]

3. Defense's Counterarguments and Planting Doubt

The defense strategically questions the application of the Blue Star test and the integrity of the evidence:

"[19:24] Paul Moyle: Did you ever watch their body?
[19:27] Michelle Johnson: No."

By highlighting potential contamination and the absence of secondary tests, the defense seeks to introduce reasonable doubt about the prosecution's evidence reliability.

4. DNA and Forensic Evidence

a. Greg Martis – DNA Collection

Greg Martis discusses the meticulous collection of DNA samples from Jasmine and her family members, establishing a concrete genetic profile:

"[39:04] Paul Moyle: And specifically, on the 30th of November, 2022, were you working as a crime investigator?
[39:10] Greg Martis: Yes, I was..."

b. Jerry McElroy – Fingerprinting

Jerry McElroy emphasizes the importance of fingerprint analysis and maintaining the chain of custody, crucial for upholding the evidence's integrity.

c. Rachel Bachelet – Digital Evidence

Rachel Bachelet presents the extraction of data from Jason Chen's SIM card, revealing a phone number linked to Jasmine, thereby connecting digital evidence to the physical case:

"And then a discovery from the SIM card. Bakolets identified the phone number associated with it. And it wasn't Chen's. It was Jasmine's." [40:23]

5. Juror's Perspective and Emotional Impact

Throughout the episode, Sara offers a personal lens into the trial's emotional weight. She shares her contemplations and the strain of sequestered jury duty:

"During sequestration I had a lot of time to think and honestly I kept wishing I had a speaker so that I could just listen to a great book." [20:35]

Her reflections underscore the human element behind the legal process, highlighting the profound responsibility of seeking justice for Jasmine Pace.

6. Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

As "Inside the Crime Scene" concludes, Sara hints at the forthcoming developments in the trial, promising deeper insights into Jasmine's autopsy and her relationship with Jason Chen. The episode leaves listeners anticipating a more detailed unraveling of the case's intricate facets.

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Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Forensic Evidence: The detailed presentation of blood stains, glass fragments, and DNA evidence builds a compelling case against Jason Chen, despite the defense's efforts to sow doubt.

• Emotional Narration: Sara's firsthand account as a juror adds depth, illustrating the psychological toll and moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with determining justice.

• Strategic Legal Maneuvers: Both prosecution and defense employ calculated strategies to either solidify evidence or introduce reasonable doubt, showcasing the intricate dynamics of a high-stakes murder trial.

Notable Quotes

• "It was just time to move in and do the job. It was only day three of the trial after all." – Sarah Reid [02:15]

• "The salary would give this was more than just a theory." – Narrator [16:09]

• "I kept wishing I had a speaker so that I could just listen to a great book." – Sarah Reid [25:45]

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Closing Thoughts

Episode 04 of SEQUESTERED masterfully navigates the dense web of forensic evidence and legal strategy, all while maintaining a poignant narrative through the eyes of a juror. By blending factual courtroom proceedings with personal reflections, the podcast not only informs but also deeply engages its audience, honoring Jasmine Pace's memory through a meticulous search for truth and justice.

For more insights and exclusive content, visit SequesteredPod.com.

Transcript

[Sarah Reid]

Hey, it's Sarah. Juror number 11 from the sequestered podcast. Here's exciting news. Dateline NBC has just released a new episode titled the pin at apartment 210. In this episode, DATELINE correspondent Blaine Alexander explores the investigation, the trial, and the key moments that define the search for justice in the murder of Jasmine Pace. If you've been listening to Sequestered, you know how personal this case became for me. I had the opportunity to briefly share about my experience as a juror in this episode, and I feel incredibly honored to be a part of something that helps amplify Jasmine's story on a national level. This episode isn't about the trial or the jurors. It's about Jasmine, her voice, her family, and the lasting impact of what happened. Now streaming on Peacock. You can watch this episode of Dateline tonight or anytime you want. So check it out and help us continue to honor Jasmine Pace's memory. Go to peacocktv.com to start your free trial. Before we begin, please be advised that this episode contains graphic descriptions of violence as presented during the trial. Please take care while listening. It's Wednesday, January 15, 2025. By now, we, the jurors are moving into the routine of our new job. The lobby call at our hotel has become a steady expectation and once we're in our jury room at the courthouse, everyone just kind of moves into their spot. I think by this point we had all gotten a taste for the task at hand. There is no exiting this scenario. It was just time to move in and do the job. It was only day three of the trial after all. A knock at the door signaled it was time. We gathered our things, lined up, and took the solemn walk across the hallway into the courtroom. The door of the courtroom held open by one of our deputies as we stepped inside. Everyone is standing as we make our way into the jury box. I I make it to my seat in the front row third chair in I mentioned in a previous episode that 14 of the blue office style jury chairs were bolted to the ground. Seven in the front row and seven in the back. But there were 16 jurors sitting through this trial. The four alternates wouldn't be selected until just before the deliberation phase, so that meant two extra chairs had to be added to accommodate all 16 of us. A matching freestanding blue office chair on wheels sat at the end of each row. The back row's extra chair stayed put throughout the trial, but the front row, now that was a different story. The way the jury box was designed meant that the extra chair had to be added after we all took our seats. So every single time we entered the room, 15 of us would file in with the entire courtroom standing, mind you, and quietly take our seats in the utter silence that filled the air. And then. Clunk. A bailiff would maneuver the final 30 pound rolling blue office chair into the last block of space in the front row of the jury box. Then the last juror was finally able to take her seat. This too had become a part of the routine. But today felt different. When we stepped into the courtroom this time, my eyes immediately went to the floor in front of the jury box where a large blue tarp had been laid out, covering the space just feet from where I would take my seat. I didn't know exactly what was coming, but I knew one thing. Today we were stepping into the crime scene. This is sequestered. A juror's perspective on the murder trial. For Jasmine Pace, I'm Sarah, juror number 11. Each episode I'll take you inside the courtroom, behind the scenes and into the weighty moments of this trial as we honor Jasmine's life and navigate the complexities of seeking justice. Let's begin. This is episode four. Inside the crime scene, the prosecution called their next witness to the stand, Michelle Johnson, a seasoned crime scene investigator with years of experience. Michelle was a middle aged woman with shoulder length blonde hair, wearing glasses and a light blue pantsuit with a black blouse. Serious and guarded, she carried herself with the confidence of someone who had seen it all. She was stern, yet soft spoken and gave the distinct impression that she wouldn't be easily swayed. Plainly put, Michelle Johnson was no rookie. This wasn't the first crime scene she had stepped into. Everyone who entered that apartment saw it through their own lens. The Pace family searching for answers and investigators piecing together evidence. But Johnson, she had one focus honed by experience. She was looking for blood and she found it. There was blood everywhere, smeared behind the couch, on the door frame, spattered on the wall and soaked into the tile grout and carpet. Johnson described the blue star reaction as one of the strongest she'd ever seen.

[Paul Moyle]

How would you describe the blue star reaction that you yourself observed inside Mr. Chen's apartment?

[Michelle Johnson]

Very intense and long duration. It was probably the most I've ever seen on reaction.

[Paul Moyle]

Blue star on the crime scene, is there a small blue star reaction in the kitchen?

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes.

[Paul Moyle]

Strong blue star reaction in the bathroom?

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes.

[Paul Moyle]

Is there a strong blue star reaction in the bedroom?

[Sarah Reid]

Next, the prosecution displayed a diagram of Chen's apartment depicting the layout of the Unit, along with a couple of dozen circled numbers written in each number represented with a marker that pointed to a piece of evidence. Leading the questioning was Chief Homicide prosecutor Paul Moyle, working in tandem with Michelle Johnson to methodically present the crime scene evidence. Tall and slender, with short reddish blond hair and a neatly trimmed beard, Moyle had the air of a prosecutor who had spent years dissecting cases just like this one. Dressed in a sharp three piece gray suit, a crisp white button down and a navy blue tie, he exuded quiet authority. Polished, prepared and precise. If Johnson was the steady, unshakable witness, Moyle was her perfect counterpart. Relentless, measured and razor sharp in his approach, he didn't grandstand or overplay his hand. Instead, he guided Johnson through the evidence with the confidence of a prosecutor who knew exactly how to build his case brick by brick. With a nod, he now directed her attention to a large evidence box sitting on the floor just outside of the witness stand. Inside, a seven foot section of blood stained carpet cut straight from the floor of Jason Chen's apartment. Prosecutor Moyle asked CSI Johnson to open the large evidence box. She stepped out of the witness stand, picked up a pair of scissors and began unsealing the box. With Moyle's help, the large piece of carpet, along with its blue under padding, would be unfolded and laid out on the tarp just steps in front of the jury box. The stain was massive, roughly the size of a body curled in the fetal position. It saturated the carpet like a dark, haunting shadow of what had happened there. The blood, deep reddish brown, oxidized with time, had not just soaked in, but seeped through, penetrating both the carpet and the padding beneath it. This wasn't just a surface stainless. It had saturated and pooled all the way to the subfloor. In the last episode. During Investigator Crawford's testimony, crime scene photos made it impossible to ignore this grim reality. We saw each of these layers peeled back, the carpet lifted and the under padding until the final imprint was revealed. Blood pooled on the wooden floorboard beneath. A silent witness to the violence that had unfolded in that very spot. With this section of carpet now laying on the floor of the courtroom, Judge Patterson invited the jury to stand for a better perspective. I pushed myself up, leaning over the edge of the jury box. From this angle, I could see the underside of the carpet facing up where the stain was most clearly visible. The section of carpet was at least 7ft wide, and Jasmine's blood filled more than half of the space. The sheer scale of it was staggering. Later in the trial, the medical examiner would confirm that nearly every ounce of Jasmine's blood had drained from her body. Even without that knowledge, in this moment, I stood there staring at the evidence, unable to shake a single overwhelming thought. How much blood would it take to create a stain this big? Here's a clip of News Channel nine's Latricia Thomas and Meg Doyle talking about this part of the trial.

[Michelle Johnson]

Okay, here's a picture of the carpet that they brought out here. I want to bring in Now News Channel 9's Meg Dole. Meg, can you hear me okay here?

[Kristin Shubert]

Yes, I can. Can you hear me?

[Michelle Johnson]

We can. Thank you. So talk to me a little bit, Meg, about what was going on in the courtroom when this large piece of carpet that the prosecution says has blood on it was unwrapped and shown to the jury and everybody in the courtroom.

[Kristin Shubert]

Yeah, absolutely. So when they brought out this large piece of carpet, obviously people sitting in the general audience couldn't really see it. But the judge allowed the jury to stand up so they could fully evaluate the carpet, get a good look at it the entire duration that the carpet was pulled out. Michelle Johnson, the CSI witness who was on the stand testimony, she said that this carpet, the entirety of the stain, was just over 5ft. And then there's the one main stain which is kind of just smack dab in the middle there. That stain alone is 3 1/2ft by 32 inches. So obviously a very substantial stain there. And the reason why the crime scene investigators did not pick up on this the first time that they entered Jason Chen's apartment and did their initial search was because his bed was over this portion. And due to the poor lighting in his apartment, they were not able to pick up on this carpet and see that there was a stain, because this stain actually seeped through the carpet into the under layer, all the way to the floor. So it obviously it seeped through multiple layers, which shows just how substantial of a stain this was. So when the apartment complex, they said that they had to completely renovate Mr. Chen's entire apartment because the damage was just too substantial. There was too much cleanup. They said it would just be easier to kind of demolish everything and restart with that unit. So when they. During that process, they obviously were moving everything out, moving it around, and came upon the stain, and they immediately stopped what they were doing, called the investigators, and the investigators requested that the apartment stop all their work until they could get back out there and kind of assess this. And obviously, this is a large piece of evidence. So thankfully, the apartment complex did speak up when they saw something.

[Sarah Reid]

I also want to mention the glass fragments. Small shards were found in the living room. The jury watched as these fragments were admitted into evidence. And when I say they were tiny, I mean minute, you may recall. The defense argued in their opening statement that Jasmine attacked Chen first with a wine bottle, then with a broken wine glass. But as CSI Johnson prepared to reveal this evidence, the reality told a different story. Using scissors, Johnson carefully opened a small envelope and emptied the tiny glass particles onto a black piece of paper. At Moyle's request, she folded the paper into a makeshift bowl, then passed it to him. With deliberate steps, Moyle carried it over to the projector. Now magnified on the screen, the courtroom could finally see them. The so called fragments of a violent struggle. I'm being generous here, but there were maybe 10 pieces of glass, the largest no more than a few centimeters in diameter and the rest practically dust. Then came Moyle's response.

[Michelle Johnson]

Those are the fragments.

[Paul Moyle]

Included that came from foreign.

[Sarah Reid]

If you've been following the podcast, we've got something new for you. Now you can dive even deeper into each episode on our website, SequesteredPod.com we've added exclusive blogs for every episode, packed with extra details, behind the scenes insights and key moments from the trial. Plus, we've organized all the trial and news coverage by each day of the trial, so you can follow along just like we did in the jury room. Head over to SequesteredPod.com now to explore the case in a whole new way.

[Michelle Johnson]

I don't know.

[Sarah Reid]

Now on to chen's car, a 2018 gray Toyota Camry sitting parked in the impound lot, silent and unassuming. But investigators know better. If there was nothing to hide, why go to such lengths to conceal it in his parents garage? Forensic teams combed through every inch of the vehicle, dusting for fingerprints, swabbing surfaces and documenting any trace of evidence. The exterior, the handles, the seats. Nothing was overlooked. Overall, the car looked pretty clean. But it was the trunk that held their attention. The trunk's rubber mat showed unmistakable tracks. Parallel streaks of dirt imprinted across its surface. Marks that looked eerily similar to the path left by suitcase wheels. With the jury watching, investigators conduct a side by side comparison. Once again, the suitcase Jasmin's remains were found in was presented with gloves on. Moyle held the suitcase at a horizontal angle so that the wheels were facing the jury standing next to him. Johnson held up the trunk liner, comparing the wheels of the suitcase with the imprints on the mat. The Realization settled over the room like a heavy weight, proving this was more than just a theory.

[Michelle Johnson]

Marked measurements on here. And then I took that ruler.

[Paul Moyle]

Suitcase wheels. And were they consistent in size?

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes.

[Paul Moyle]

Were they consistent in the pattern of the two wheels?

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes.

[Sarah Reid]

Finally, the prosecution introduced a blood spot card, a crucial genetic reference used in forensic testing. This small card contained a preserved sample of Jasmine Pace's blood, collected for DNA comparison against evidence found at the crime scene. Investigators used it to confirm whether blood stains in Chen's apartment or on any of the other key items collected matched Jasmine's DNA. But the defense wasn't satisfied. Defense attorney Weiss pushed back, questioning the collection process and raising concerns about possible contamination. Planting seeds of doubt before the jury.

[Paul Moyle]

They came in. They could have, Yeah. I asked. Did they or did they not? They could have. Did they walk?

[Michelle Johnson]

I'm not sure. I know officers walk through and they could have contaminated the city.

[Paul Moyle]

Did you ever watch their body?

[Michelle Johnson]

No.

[Paul Moyle]

Why not? I don't think we watch body cams, but it's request. If there's video of people going into the crime scene, don't you think that's important to do your job?

[Michelle Johnson]

That's not necessarily part of my job.

[Paul Moyle]

Isn't it part of your job? Determine whether or not a crime scene is a candidate?

[Michelle Johnson]

I mean, we would speak with officers, and we asked officers anything that we moved, anything like that, or they normally tell us if anything was done.

[Paul Moyle]

In this case.

[Michelle Johnson]

Nobody had informed us that anything had been moved.

[Sarah Reid]

And he wasn't satisfied with how the blue Star test was applied. Reminding the jury that it's only a presumptive test, not a definitive proof of blood.

[Paul Moyle]

So other than sending off the blood spots to lab, did you do any other scientific test? As a criminal investigator confirmed it was blit.

[Michelle Johnson]

Just the presumptive test.

[Paul Moyle]

Do you at least do a control test that showed the accuracy and reliability of the star that you use? Isn't that standard operating procedure? Did you pay a control test first?

[Michelle Johnson]

I mean, obviously we had a control test based on invisible black that also illuminated.

[Paul Moyle]

That's actually the testing that you did. Did you do a role scientist?

[Michelle Johnson]

No.

[Sarah Reid]

Weiss also pointed out what he felt was a critical gap in the investigation. Not all of the evidence was tested.

[Paul Moyle]

Is that true that not all the evidence that she collected with this tested?

[Sarah Reid]

But General Moyle had one more piece of evidence. Receipts, Walgreens, Walmart, Isopropyl Alcohol, Bounty paper towels, hydrogen peroxide. All purchased on November 23, 2022, the day Jasmine disappeared. The debit card used for these purchases. It Matched the one found in Jason Chen's wallet. And then one final unsettling fact. A box of trash bags that should have held 40 now contained only 11 or 12. We already know that Jasmine's body had been wrapped in three layers. Where were the other bags? Okay, I get it. We don't know exactly when Chen purchased that box or how many had already been used before the night of November 22nd. But sitting in that courtroom, it was impossible to ignore the unspoken question hanging in the air, what happened to the rest of the bags? It's interesting. After my sequestration, when my producer and I went back to Chattanooga to visit the location sites mentioned during the trial, we ended up sitting in the parking lot of the Walmart that Chen was seen visiting. Before leaving, we decided to take a drive around the rear of the building to get an idea of their dumpster situation. We already know that the dumpsters at the lofts at Tremont were thoroughly searched, and no trash bags containing cleanup efforts were collected. There was a whole lot of blood in his apartment, and Jason had a big mess to clean up. I want to know where he disposed of all that material. I wondered if he took it with him on one of those trips to Walmart or. Here's a clip of my producer and I counting the dumpsters behind Walmart on that day. Okay, so now we're gonna go look for dumpsters at the Walmart just in case. I'm. I. There are so many questions I wish I would have asked now that I'm on this side of the case, and this is one of them. Not only why did you know, was there any footage captured from Walmart's parking lot of JC and Chin sitting in the parking lot? Secondly, were any dumpsters searched or looked. Looked through? It may have been totally irrelevant at that point because, you know, footage may have been obtained much later. Dumpsters may have been dumped by then, I don't know, but there could have been footage potentially. So we are going to see what kind of dumpsters could be around. We did talk to one person who thought the dumpsters would be locked up. So let's just go see what it looks like. Okay. There's a set of dumpsters over here, too. Okay. Yep. So there's two dumpsters over here to the right. There's. There's one dumpster up against the. The sidewall of Walmart. The ones on the right don't even look like they belong to Walmart, so he could have easily put them there. And as we're turning the corner, to go on the back side of Walmart, there are 1, 2, 3, 4 dumpsters lined up that he could have had access to. And then on the other side, opposite of the rear of Walmart is a wooded area which could have easily had anything discarded over there. So the knife has never been found, the phone has never been found, bloody towels, any of this kind of stuff has never been discovered. So who knows if that has ended up in a landfill somewhere by now. If it was cast over into the woods somewhere, who knows? You know, during sequestration I had a lot of time to think and honestly I kept wishing I had a speaker so that I could just listen to a great book. That's why I love audiobooks. Whether I'm driving, walking the dogs or traveling, I can just press play and get lost in an amazing story anytime and anywhere. One of my all time favorites is New York by Edward Rutherford. This epic historical novel spans over 400 years, following generations of families through the city's most pivotal moments from its Dutch settlement days and all the way to 9 11. It was one of the first audiobooks I had ever listened to. It felt like the narrator was reading the story just for me. I was completely hooked. Here's some good news. You can listen to New York or any other book for free. Audible is giving sequestered listeners a free audiobook with a 30 day trial. Just go to audibletrial.com sequestered that's one free book, yours to keep forever. So find something you love and get listening. Go to audibletrial.com sequestered next to the stand, prosecutors would call crime scene investigator Kristin Shubert. Schubert was one of the CSI experts assigned to the search of 110 Tremont street on November 28, 2022. Her role in this search was to apply the Blue Star forensic agent, a chemical designed to react with traces of blood. These results were clearly seen in numerous evidence photos presented thus far in the trial. But the defense was ready to poke holes in Shubert's findings. Could the reaction have been caused by bleach? No bleach was found in the apartment, but here's a key detail. No second test was performed to confirm that the substance was blood.

[Paul Moyle]

Tell the jury what Bluestar is.

[Michelle Johnson]

Bluestar is a chemiluminescent blood reagent, and investigators use it to help identify areas of interest where the blood may not be visible to the naked eye. When it is applied, it reacts with the iron in your blood. And if there's a positive reaction, you'll see that blue or light Blue glow. And that is then documented with photographs and swabs of those areas are taken for further testing.

[Paul Moyle]

Have you received specialized training on the applications of blue stone?

[Michelle Johnson]

We have received training on the application, yes.

[Sarah Reid]

All right.

[Paul Moyle]

The National Forensics Academy, yes. So are there other substances other than the iron and blood that can cause a blue star reaction?

[Michelle Johnson]

There are several false positives with blue star.

[Paul Moyle]

Such as?

[Michelle Johnson]

There's a weasel blood, ferret blood, which is an odd thing. There's some root vegetables, some clean products.

[Paul Moyle]

I'd like to focus on clean products. What type of clean products?

[Michelle Johnson]

There's all kinds of different ones. Bleached and specific will give a false positive. However, the reaction looks different than that of blood.

[Paul Moyle]

How does it look different than that of blood?

[Michelle Johnson]

Depending on how soon it's been applied, sometimes it can look more white. It's not quite as an intense, long lasting glow that you might get from blood. So you'll see it and then it will fade rather quickly. And like I said, sometimes it's not quite as blue. It's more of a white, very, very light blue reaction.

[Sarah Reid]

Next, the prosecution walked Shubert through the details of blood spatter patterns and directionality, carefully analyzing the evidence. Among the items collected was a gray long sleeved sweatshirt removed from Chen's apartment. Investigators also turned their attention to Jasmine's car, a white Chevy Equinox, the same vehicle found abandoned on Mountain Creek Road. Every inch was examined, searching for anything that could piece together the final moments before her disappearance. Suck Creek Road, a quiet wooded stretch along the Tennessee river in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's gorgeous, actually. The river raging on one side and on the other, lush, forested landscapes peak between walls of limestone. Beautiful homes line the river's edge. As you make your way into Prentiss Cooper State Forest, you'll remember from episode one how beautiful and outdoorsy this area is. And in November, the colors would have been stunning on Sut Creek Road. Later in the trial, we'll have insight into the casual moments of Jasmine and Jason's relationship. Just days before she went missing, Jasmine sent Jason a text recommending that he go see the fall foliage on Sut Creek Road. The word Sut was obviously autocorrected from suck here, but how chilling, right? Turns out Jason did take that drive along Suk Creek Road, but we all know he wasn't taking in the fall foliage. No, he was searching for the best place to dump a body. Next, prosecutor Moyle shifts the courtroom's focus to the scene on Suck Creek Road. Shubert had been called just moments after investigators Discovered the suitcase.

[Paul Moyle]

Did you have an opportunity to look at the suitcase?

[Michelle Johnson]

I did. It was pulled up onto level ground by the time I had arrived on scene. But I did observe it and document and photograph that and collect evidence from that area.

[Paul Moyle]

Ma'am, I'm now going to retrieve from what's been treating me as identification only as 173. Please tell me if you recognize this item.

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes, I do.

[Paul Moyle]

What is this item?

[Michelle Johnson]

This is the suitcase that was recovered at SU.

[Paul Moyle]

At this time. Item 173 into evidence. Where did this suitcase go? After suffering?

[Michelle Johnson]

Because we believed it had human remains inside of it, the medical examiner wanted it transported as is. So Hamilton County EMS came out to the scene. They loaded the suitcase onto the EMS truck and transported to the medical examiner's office.

[Paul Moyle]

Did you go to the medical examiner's office as well?

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes, I did.

[Paul Moyle]

And what happened when y'all arrived at the medical examiner's office?

[Michelle Johnson]

The medical examiner X rayed the suitcase. And then once determining what was inside, we. I began documenting as we removed these rings.

[Sarah Reid]

A quick reminder before we continue. This next part is heavy. We're about to discuss some graphic details from the crime scene, including evidence that was shown in court. If you need to skip ahead or take a break, please do. Once the suitcase was transported to the medical examiner's office, its contents would be revealed and investigators would finally locate Jasmine Pace. Her tiny body lay inside the suitcase, handcuffed and shackled in the fetal position and wrapped inside three layers of trash bags. Here's something chilling that we would. The keys were still attached to the handcuffs. CSI Kristen Schubert had carefully documented each detail as the medical examiner peeled back every layer, revealing the brutality of what had been concealed inside of that suitcase. The weight of the moment was undeniable. General Moyle and Judge Patterson warned the courtroom the next images would be difficult to see. A hush fell over the room because once these photos were shown, there would be no looking away.

[Michelle Johnson]

This is a series of photos that shows the process once we removed the victim from the suitcase. While inside the bags, we placed them on the table. And this is a series of photos to show the process of taking each layer of the garbage bags off. And so it depicts that process.

[Paul Moyle]

Your Honor, I would also give an admonition that at least one of these photos some people may find disturbing. Listen, gentlemen, one of the photos been indicated. It's going to be graphic in nature. It's something that is going to require you to leave the court. And you probably should do that.

[Sarah Reid]

I braced myself.

[Paul Moyle]

You recognize the Individual shown on the right side of this photograph?

[Michelle Johnson]

Yes, I do. My name is Dr. Coxwell. He's the Hamilton County Medical Center.

[Paul Moyle]

And what is. What are you looking at in the center of this photograph? Now, these.

[Michelle Johnson]

This is the bags with the victim's remains in it, outside of the suitcase and all.

[Paul Moyle]

How many layers? The bags There were three. What does this look?

[Michelle Johnson]

This is looking into layer number two. We had just cut the outside layer of the bag here, and on the inside, you can see the second layer.

[Paul Moyle]

1, 8, 1, 3.

[Michelle Johnson]

This would be when we entered the innermost layer, the third layer of the garment. X.

[Paul Moyle]

There appears to be a metallic object on the spotogram. Can you identify those for us?

[Michelle Johnson]

This is the set of handcuffs. One tooth rivers and one tooth angle.

[Paul Moyle]

On which side?

[Michelle Johnson]

Her right side. This is Dr. Coswell peeling back each layer of the garbage bag. And you can see the. I believe it's the shackle. The left side, left shackle. And you left around a left ankle.

[Paul Moyle]

What's the difference between the handcuffs and the shackle?

[Michelle Johnson]

Well, the handcuff had two, so there was one to attach to her hand and one to her ankle. The shackle only had one cinch and then a chain.

[Sarah Reid]

The garbage bags were hung to dry, then swabbed for DNA, processed for fingerprints, and finally packaged and submitted into evidence. Schubert also collected swabs from the suitcase, carefully testing the handles and zippers and other key areas for any trace of forensic evidence. From my vantage point, Jason Chen never once looked up while these images were shown. Sitting in the courtroom each day, I often wondered what he was thinking as evidence and timelines unfolded. Was he processing it all? Was he reliving those moments? Now, I wondered as the gears of this trial were shifting, was he more prepared than the rest of us for what was coming next? The defense takes the stand and shifted the focus. A receipt From Elevated Hemp Co. Was found in Jasmine's car, time stamped Nov. 22 at 3:16pm it showed the purchase of two disposable vape pens. It seemed like the defense was trying to introduce doubt, maybe even suggesting that Jasmine was under the influence that night. They didn't stop there. The defense also turned its attention back to the Blue Star testing, raising questions about possible scene contamination and attempting to plant uncertainty in the jury's mind.

[Paul Moyle]

So you came after a busar application had already been applied?

[Michelle Johnson]

That's right. And you walked through this scene with booties applied? Yes.

[Paul Moyle]

If there was blood on the floor, would your booties suck up the blood?

[Michelle Johnson]

If there was pools of Blood or fresh blood? Yes, it. It's potentially yes. You would pick it up. Usually it doesn't just pick up and. And move around with dry blood.

[Paul Moyle]

It's possible for. Even crime scene investigator can't be the same, right?

[Michelle Johnson]

Not saying it's impossible.

[Sarah Reid]

Investigators needed DNA proof, something concrete to tie the evidence together. Enter Greg Martis, a retired crime scene investigator with years of forensic experience. His job was to collect the genetic reference samples that would confirm Jasmine Pace's identity. He gathered a couple of toothbrushes and a haircut clip from Jasmine's house, ensuring they would provide a reliable DNA profile. Then he collected swabs from each of her parents. Their genetic markers would serve as the key comparison in the forensic process. It was a necessary step, a clinical process, but one that carried an undeniable weight. A family's DNA not just confirming identity, but solidifying loss.

[Paul Moyle]

And specifically, on the 30th of November, 2022, were you working as a crime investigator? Yes, I was. On that day, did you respond to a particular location to collect any evidence? Yes, I did. Do you recall where you were sent to? Detective Slaughter had called me and asked me to respond over to the Homicide Unit office and I went over there. For what purpose? He wanted me to collect a DNA sample from the parents of the victim. And what type of sample did you collect? I collected buccal swabs, which is a swab on the inside of the cheek. The skin on the inside of your mouth is very soft and sloughs off cells easily. So it's a good source for DNA. Sir, I'm handing you it's been marked for identification purposes as Exhibit 1 93. Tell me if you recognize that item. Yes, sir, I do. Where did that item come from? That is a swab from Katrina Pace, who collected that swab. I collected that at the Homicide office? That's correct. On what day? November.

[Sarah Reid]

Next on the witness stand was Jerry McElroy, tasked with handling a crucial step in the forensic process, fingerprinting Jason Chen and ensuring that key evidence made its way to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, or tbi. His role may not have been as high profile as the others, but it was just as essential. Every fingerprint, every properly logged piece of evidence, every chain of custody detail mattered. In a case like this, even the smallest misstep could become fuel for reasonable doubt. Finally, investigators turned to technology. After all, digital evidence doesn't lie. TBI's digital forensic expert, Rachel Bachelet, took the stand next. Her job was to extract data from the SIM card found in Jason Chen's backpack. The results, a phone number, an ICC number, tiny breadcrumbs in a digital trail, each one with a potential key to unlocking the truth. And then a discovery from the SIM card. Bakolets identified the phone number associated with it. And it wasn't Chen's. It was Jasmine's. Next week on Sequestered.

[Paul Moyle]

Sir, I'm now showing you 232. You orient us to this. If I can point the suitcase to this area here that we're x raying. And again we see another one of these reinforcing ribs or few more rivets, etc, etc, a zipper. And here we have a knee. You can see the kneecap here and the lower leg, the shin and the fibula that goes along with it. This is the thigh. Here you see a hand or the bones of a hand. And you can see the top of the skull as well here. Thank you, sir.

[Sarah Reid]

The medical examiner takes us through Jasmine Pace's autopsy, bringing new insight to what really happened inside Jason Chen's apartment. Stick with us. We're in the thick of it now. Thank you for listening to Sequestered A juror's perspective on the murder trial for Jasmine Pace. Each episode. This episode brings us closer to understanding the trial, the people involved, and the weight of seeking justice. If this story speaks to you, please follow, share and continue the conversation with us. Jasmine's story deserves to be remembered. This is a BP production. The show is written, edited and produced by me, Sarah Reid with co production by Andrea Clyde. News clips featured in this episode were sourced from WTVC News, Channel 9, Local 3 News, Chattanooga and the Law and Crime Network. Music and sound design are curated to reflect the gravity and sensitivity of this story and with the intent to honor Jasmine, her family and the community affected by her death. For more information or to connect with us, visit sequesteredpod.com or follow us on Instagram at Sequestered Pot. Thank you for listening. Until next time, stay curious and stay safe.