Episode 06: The Evidence Tells the Story

Summary

Episode 06: The Evidence Tells the Story

Release Date: March 10, 2025
Podcast: SEQUESTERED Podcast
Host/Author: BP Productions

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In Episode 06 of SEQUESTERED: A Juror’s Perspective on the Murder Trial for Jasmine Pace, titled "The Evidence Tells the Story", Sara Reed, Juror #11, delves deep into the intricate web of evidence that solidifies the prosecution's case against Jason Chen in the high-profile murder trial of Jasmine Pace. This episode meticulously unpacks the forensic and digital evidence presented during day five of the nine-day trial, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of how each piece of evidence contributes to building a compelling narrative of the crime.

Opening Remarks and Context

The episode begins with Sara Reed reflecting on the emotional toll of the trial, particularly recalling the harrowing autopsy photos and the forensic details shared by Medical Examiner Dr. Steven Cogswell. She recounts her strategy of focusing solely on Jasmine's wounds rather than her facial features to maintain a degree of detachment necessary for juror responsibilities.

Sara Reed [00:10:35]: "I made an intentional decision not to look at the features on her face, instead focusing only on her wounds. Maybe it was out of respect. Maybe it was my way of staying somewhat detached so that I could do my job."

Fingerprint Evidence

Testimony of Jennifer Moody and Lieutenant David Franklin

The state calls its first witness of the day, Jennifer Moody, a fingerprint technician, who lays the groundwork by explaining the basics of fingerprint collection and analysis. Following her, Lieutenant David Franklin of the Chattanooga Police Department provides a detailed explanation of fingerprint uniqueness and the meticulous process of matching fingerprints to individuals.

Blaine Alexander [10:29]: "The only examinable fingerprints found on the Toyota were from investigator Crawford."

General Cody Womp [10:35]: "That's correct."

Franklin emphasizes the scientific basis for fingerprint matching, clarifying that a high number of matching points (typically 11 or 12) are required to confirm an individual's identity conclusively.

General Cody Womp [11:25]: "If you just have one or two points on a fingerprint that are similar or matching, that would not be enough for a positive identification. But if you get up to 11 or 12 points at that point, it becomes what we call a match."

Key Fingerprint Findings

Four fingerprint impressions are submitted to Franklin's unit:

1. Exterior of Jasmine's Chevy Equinox:

   • Jim Cooper's fingerprints are found, a locksmith and family friend who helped tow Jasmine’s car back to her home.

2. Two Fingerprints and a Palm Print:

   • Belong to Investigator Crawford, whose presence and fingerprints on the garbage bag become a point of contention later in the trial.

3. Outermost Garbage Bag:

   • Jason Chen's fingerprints are discovered, directly linking him to the disposal of Jasmine’s body.

General Cody Womp [12:05]: "If you get up to 11 or 12 points at that point, it becomes what we call a match because of the uniqueness just mathematically of having those fingerprints match."

Digital Forensics: The Turning Point

Testimony of Investigator Mark Hamilton

The episode shifts focus to digital forensics with the testimony of Investigator Mark Hamilton, the state's expert in cell phone data and GPS tracking. Hamilton details how digital footprints, unlike human testimonies, provide concrete timelines that are difficult to refute.

General Cody Womp [14:35]: "Because evidence tells its own story. And today, the evidence leading us is."

Hamilton presents a chronological timeline of Jasmine and Jason’s movements based on cell phone data, highlighting critical moments that tie Jason to the crime scene and the subsequent disposal of Jasmine's body.

Detailed Timeline Analysis

• November 22, 2022:

  • 11:27 PM: Jasmine departs her home in Hixson, Tennessee.
  • 11:42 PM: Arrives at Jason Chen's apartment.

• November 23, 2022:

  • 2:18 AM: Jasmine’s phone sends a location pin to her mother’s phone.
  • 10:40 AM: Jason heads to Walmart, with Jasmine's phone accompanying him until it goes dark.
  • 6:13 PM: Jason's phone is at Walgreens, corroborated by footage of him entering the store.
  • 5:59 PM: Surveillance footage captures Jason exiting his apartment with a heavy suitcase, later identified as containing Jasmine's body.
  • 6:49 PM: Jasmine's phone goes dark at Walmart, marking the end of her digital presence.

Surveillance Footage Analysis

Sara visits the actual location of the lofts at Tremont Street where surveillance footage shows Jason struggling with the suitcase before disposing of it near Sut Creek Road.

Sara Reed [25:08]: "The suitcase wasn't empty... That's what Jason was hauling up those stairs and down Tremont Street."

The episode underscores the weight and significance of the suitcase, both literally and metaphorically, as it symbolizes the gravity of Jason’s actions.

Digital Trail Conclusion

Hamilton concludes that Jason’s digital activities, including his final movements and text messages, paint a clear picture of his involvement and intent.

Sara Reed [25:42]: "This is where Jasmine's digital trail ends."

The Cross-Examination and Defense's Strategy

Defense Motion on Text Messages

During a break, the defense attorney, Amanda Morrison, files a motion to admit all text messages between Jason and Jasmine into evidence. This move aims to portray the nature of their relationship but faces contention over relevancy and hearsay objections.

General Cody Womp [40:20]: "Proof that the defendant and the decedent had a sexual relationship... central to the defense's case."

Ultimately, the judge allows only relevant messages to be presented, excluding those of a purely sexual nature.

Cross-Examination of Mark Hamilton

Morrison challenges Hamilton’s ability to definitively place Jason at his apartment, questioning the authenticity of location pin screenshots.

Amanda Morrison: "Is it possible that someone could have faked that screenshot?"

Hamilton maintains the integrity of the evidence, emphasizing the difficulty of fabricating such detailed digital data.

Mark Hamilton: "In his expert opinion, the screenshot is authentic."

Additional Testimonies

Investigator Zach Crawford is reintroduced to address the presence of his fingerprints on Jason’s car, attributing it to accidental contact during the search of Jason’s parents' residence.

Examination of Text Messages

Relationship Dynamics

Crawford presents the text history between Jason and Jasmine, illustrating a relationship that appeared warm and genuine up until the tragic events.

Sara Reed: "These final texts show no sign of fear, hesitation, or suspicion. Jasmine was engaged in the conversation... Her words are casual, natural, and warm."

Suspicious Activities

Key moments in the text analysis reveal:

• November 1, 2022:

  • Jasmine suggests Jason visit Sut Creek Drive before the leaves drop, a detail that foreshadows the later disposal of her body.

• November 18-20, 2022:

  • Jason’s texts become more suggestive, inviting Jasmine over for "fun shower time and cuddles."

• November 22-23, 2022:

  • The relationship appears to be progressing normally, with plans for workouts and dinners, juxtaposed against the impending tragedy.

Contradictions and Clarifications

Contradictions between Jason’s initial meetings on Bumble (not Tinder) and the defense's claims are addressed, undermining the defense's attempts to portray a less involved relationship.

Sara Reed: "Their messages remained even in their exchange and their back and forth tone was affectionate without coming across obsessive."

Conclusion and Verdict Pending

As the episode concludes, the prosecution rests its case, having presented a robust collection of forensic and digital evidence that strongly implicates Jason Chen in the murder of Jasmine Pace. The evidence outlines a meticulously planned crime, supported by both physical fingerprints and an unbroken digital trail that links Jason directly to the disposal of Jasmine's body.

Sara Reed: "After everything we've seen, the fingerprints, the timeline, the chilling digital evidence, one question remains. What will Jason Chen's defense have to say?"

Listeners are left anticipating the defense's response in the forthcoming episodes, as the trial continues to unfold with mounting evidence against Jason Chen.

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Notable Quotes:

• Sara Reed [00:10:35]: "I made an intentional decision not to look at the features on her face, instead focusing only on her wounds."

• General Cody Womp [11:25]: "If you just have one or two points on a fingerprint that are similar or matching, that would not be enough for a positive identification."

• Sara Reed [25:08]: "The suitcase wasn't empty... That's what Jason was hauling up those stairs and down Tremont Street."

• Mark Hamilton: "In his expert opinion, the screenshot is authentic."

• Sara Reed [55:49]: "You don't want to miss episode seven. It's about to get complicated."

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Final Thoughts:

Episode 06 of SEQUESTERED provides a compelling deep dive into the forensic and digital evidence shaping Jasmine Pace’s murder trial. Through Juror #11’s perspective, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how each piece of evidence not only corroborates the prosecution's narrative but also highlights the meticulous nature of the investigation. As the trial progresses, the interplay between juror reflections and courtroom testimonies continues to illuminate the profound responsibilities and emotional burdens borne by those seeking justice for Jasmine Pace.

Transcript

[Sarah Reed]

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 Friday, January 17, 2025, day five of the trial. If you've been following along, you know that day four of the trial was brutal. We saw the autopsy photos, heard the forensic details, and imagined the unthinkable as Medical Examiner Dr. Steven Cogswell walked us through the condition of Jasmine's body inside that suitcase. I didn't have time to process it in the moment, and I didn't want to think about it after we left the courthouse, alone in my silent hotel room. But when my eyes finally closed that night, I couldn't think about anything else. During Dr. Cogswell's testimony, when the pictures of Jasmine's body were shown, I made an intentional decision not to look at the features on her face, instead focusing only on her wounds. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it was out of respect. Maybe it was my way of staying somewhat detached so that I could do my job. I know everyone who sat through the testimony yesterday left the courtroom heavy, not just by what happened to Jasmine, but with the realization of how intentional it all was. Today's details won't focus on the violence that occurred inside of Jason Chen's apartment. It's about the trail he left behind. The fingerprints, the cell phone pings, the digital breadcrumbs that tracked his every move, each piece coming together like literal coordinates on a map showing us not just what happened, but how. Because evidence tells its own story. And today, the evidence leading us is. 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 six. The evidence tells the story. Before we get into today's testimony, I wanted to explain why I keep calling the district attorneys general. If you're not from Tennessee, it probably sounds a little strange, but here's the deal. In Tennessee, state prosecutors are officially titled District Attorney General. That's why you'll hear me say General Womp or General Moyle throughout the podcast. It's a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of Tennessee's legal system, meant to emphasize that these attorneys represent the entire state, not just a local district, in criminal cases. So next time you hear me say general, think of it as shorthand for that full title District Attorney General. All right, let's head back to the courtroom. Judge Patterson opens the morning the way he always does, reminding the jury of our responsibility. No outside research, no talking about the case, no news or social media. By now, this ritual feels familiar, almost automatic. We all nod in agreement. He then lays out our weekend schedule. It was the Friday before, a holiday weekend, but no one would get that holiday weekend. Instead, court will be in session the following day, even though it's Saturday. And after a quick vote in the jury room earlier that morning, we all agreed to take Sunday off, but will return to work on Monday despite it being a national holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Another round of nods from the jury box are acknowledged. And with that, day five of the trial was underway. The state calls their first witness of the day, Jennifer Moody, a fingerprint technician with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Her testimony is quick and straightforward. She explains to the jury how fingerprints are collected, stored, and compared. It's not flashy, but it's foundational, setting up the state's next witness with finesse. Every smudge and swirl could be a clue, and Moody's job is to make sure those clues get documented the right way. Next on the stand was Lieutenant David Franklin of the Chattanooga Police Department. With years of experience in fingerprint analysis and comparisons, Franklin had built a reputation as a go to expert in this field. From Franklin, we learned that fingerprints aren't just random smudges left behind on surfaces made up of ridges, tiny raised lines on the surface of our skin, and Those ridges form distinct patterns known as loops, arches, and whorls, unique ridge patterns that form while we're still in utero before we ever touch the world around us. Loops are the most common, curving back on themselves like a river bending around a rock. Arches are more rare, simple wave like patterns that rise and fall across the fingertips. Whorls are the most intricate, spiraling, circular designs, almost like tiny thumbprint hurricanes. We all know that no two fingerprints are exactly alike, not even for identical twins. And once those ridges form in utero, they stay with us for life. We also got a primer on how investigators lift prints from evidence. Sometimes they use magnetic powders, which are fine particles that cling to the natural oils left behind by our feet fingers. Other times, they rely on a chemical process called cyanoacrylate fuming, essentially using superglue vapor to coat invisible prints, making them easier to see and photograph. It's super sciency and a little bit of CSI magic that turns a fingerprint into evidence. And today, that evidence was about to tell us a story. Crime scene Investigators submitted four separate fingerprint impressions to Lt. Franklin's unit. The first print was found on the exterior of the front passenger door of Jasmine's Chevy Equinox. At the time, I remember thinking, this could be a twist. Who did that print belong to? Someone unexpected. Someone connected to Jason. Turns out the print matched a set of known impressions already in the system, belonging to a man named Jim Cooper. We would later learn that Jim Cooper was not only a locksmith, but also a friend of the Pace family. He's actually the one who helped tow jasmine's car from 900 Mountain Creek Road, the spot where her family eventually found it, back to their home on the early hours of November 27. The other three prints submitted, two of them, along with a palm print, belong to investigator Crawford. There's a reason for that, and we'll come back to it later. But the most chilling discovery is the final fingerprint. It was found on the outside of the outermost garbage bag, the third and final bag that held Jasmine's body. And that print belonged to Jason Chen. 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.

[Blaine Alexander]

The only examinable fingerprints found on the Toyota were from investigator Crawford.

[General Cody Womp]

That's correct.

[Blaine Alexander]

And then the two prints of quality to examine from that garbage bag around the body of Jasmine Pace were made by who?

[General Cody Womp]

Were made by Jason Chan. The prints of value were made by Jason Chen.

[Sarah Reed]

The defense tries to poke holes here. How certain can you really be? Could there have been a mistake, a smudge, a mix up in the lab? But Franklin doesn't budge. He leans into the microphone and says, clear as day, Jason Chen made this print. Here's Latricia Thomas From News Channel 9 discussing this testimony during a break in court with Chattanooga attorney Bill Speak.

[Blaine Alexander]

This particular fingerprint was made by the left middle finger or left ring finger of Jason Chen, certainly.

[General Cody Womp]

So fingerprints are considered unique. And if you get complete fingerprints, the expert would have talked about this. There's going to be so many points that they would look for on a fingerprint. If you just have one or two points on a fingerprint that are similar or matching, that would not be enough for a positive identification. But if you get up to 11 or 12 points at that point, it becomes what we call a match because of the uniqueness just mathematically of having those fingerprints match. So, you know, there are, there are similarities in every fingerprint. But when you look at a complete fingerprint, the number of points that are matching points is what determines the identification of the individual.

[Blaine Alexander]

And that's what we're seeing now from this Chattanooga police fingerprint supervisor that testified this morning. And then something that I didn't realize. Each one of these cases is then corroborated by another person that doesn't know what the first person came up with. So they look at the two things again to match. And in this case, the second person also said that he believes those fingerprints on the garbage bag that contained Jasmine Pace's body were those of Jason Chin.

[Sarah Reed]

Fingerprint evidence is powerful, but digital forensics, that's where the case really starts to close in. Next on the stand was investigator Mark Hamilton, the state's expert in cell phone data, GPS tracking and rad radio frequency analysis. It became immediately clear that his testimony wasn't supposed to happen until after the lunch break because instead of a suit and tie, Hamilton arrived in casual office attire, having being summoned straight from his desk at the DA's office. I guess we were ahead of schedule. General Womp made a point to mention this, acknowledging his unexpected wardrobe and maybe offering him a little grace to settle in before facing the jury, but before diving into his qualifications, General Womp addressed something important head on. She said, you actually work for me, don't you? It was an intentional move designed to make sure the jury knew the facts. Hamilton works directly under District Attorney General Cody Womp. The subtext was clear. This was not a secret, and you should know about it. But Womp didn't just rely on their working relationship to establish his credibility. Instead, she laid out his decades long career in digital forensics, emphasizing his deep expertise in tracking cell data, which is how signals move between towers, how GPS records a person's every step, and how, in today's world, our phones can tell a story more detailed than we ever realized. Hamilton had spent 60 to 70 hours analyzing the digital footprints of both Jasmine Pace and Jason Chen. And now he was about to take us through that timeline minute by minute. Because while people can lie, our cell phones don't.

[Blaine Alexander]

And let's start with Ms. Pace's phone on 1122. 2022. This is exhibit number one. Have you seen this exhibit before?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

What does this show? To your knowledge?

[General Cody Womp]

That is a screenshot from an app on her phone. It records dates and time. Start and stop.

[Blaine Alexander]

When reviewing the records to determine the location of Ms. Pace's phone on the 22nd, were you able to find evidence that corroborates this trip?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, I was.

[Sarah Reed]

On November 22, cell phone data shows Jasmine departing her home in Hixson, Tennessee at 11:27pm and arriving at Jason Chen's apartment at 11:42pm At 2:18am on November 23rd, Jasmine's phone sends a location pin to Katrina Bean's cell phone. At 10:40am the morning of November 23rd, Jason and his phone heads to Walmart. Hamilton reveals that Jasmine's phone is also traveling with him.

[Blaine Alexander]

Okay, so we're still going chronologically.

[Sarah Reed]

Okay.

[Blaine Alexander]

Mr. Hamilton?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

So after this, at some point in the morning hours at 11:23, did Mr. Chen's phone travel to the Walmart?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes.

[Blaine Alexander]

From your memory, was that travel around 10:40 in the morning?

[General Cody Womp]

I believe the organization.

[Blaine Alexander]

Now, did Ms. Pace's cell phone travel from Tremont to Walmart as well?

[Sarah Reed]

Once again, General Cody Wamp pulls up the video footage. Jason Chen casually walking through Walmart wearing his now infamous anything goes hat. She reminds the jury exactly what they're looking at. This isn't some random shopping trip. This is the morning after Jasmine Pace was last seen alive. It's a detail that's almost too absurd to believe. Jason Chen shopping For cleaning supplies and band aids, wearing a hat that seems to mock the very idea of accountability. I mentioned that Jason had Jasmine's phone with him. At this point, Hamilton points out something interesting. Where Jason went, Jasmine's phone went too, until just like that, it went dark. Whomp asks if a phone is turned off or a SIM card is removed, would her phone have gone dark? And Hamilton confirms that it would. Da. Whomp then asks where Jason Chen goes next. Based on cell phone records, his location was at Walgreens at 1:41pm, corroborated by the video of Chen walking into Walgreens at this time. Jasmine's phone is still off. Then around 4pm, both phones ping from the same cell tower.

[Blaine Alexander]

Are you aware of any activity that you found on both of their cellular records around this time? And who was that text message was from? And who was it to?

[General Cody Womp]

It was from Jason. Jasmine.

[Sarah Reed]

If that was hard to hear. Hamilton said that a text message was sent from Jason Chen to Jasmine Pace at this time. Remember this one? Hey, are we still good for dinner tonight?

[Blaine Alexander]

Approximately 350. Something that both of their phones showed back up in downtown Chattanooga, correct?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

Are you able to tell the jury if Ms. Pace's phone had been on immediately before that, or is this the first time you see it back on?

[General Cody Womp]

No, it had been on for a little while. Okay, his was off and hers was on and it was driving around too.

[Blaine Alexander]

Is it fair to say hers was coming off and on? Yes, for the first part of the day. On 11:23.

[Sarah Reed]

At this point, Whomp takes us back to Sut Creek Road. And Hamilton confirms something chilling for the second time. Jason Chen's phone data shows him driving up and down Suck Creek Road. It's hard not to wonder why was he scouting, searching for the perfect spot? Presumably he was looking for a place to dump that suitcase. At 5:08pm, Jason Chen returns to his apartment at 110 Tremont. And then we see it. The footage we've now seen so many times, it's burned into memory. At 5:59pm, Jason Chen is seen exiting the front entrance of the lofts at Tremont, pulling a heavy suitcase up a handful of steps, then rolling it down the sidewalk before he disappears out of frame and into the parking lot. I want to pause here for a minute to talk about this surveillance footage. The video comes from the Arctic Cam mounted at the corner of Tremont and Fraser. It's angled straight down Tremont street with the lofts at Tremont visible on the right hand side. The Front entrance to the apartment complex sits slightly below sidewalk level, with a short set of steps leading down to the door. In the footage, you see a figure at the base of those steps, struggling to make his way up. We immediately recognize him. By now, the state has done a meticulous job painting out the identifiers. His anything goes, trucker hat, his clothes, his movements. As Chen reaches the top step, you can see he's dragging something behind him. And then the suitcase comes into view. When the suitcase hits the the sidewalk, there's this moment Chen's arm drops under the weight of it. He readjusts, finds his grip and starts pulling it towards the camera's view before disappearing into the parking lot. That suitcase wasn't empty. If you've ever traveled. You know, most airlines cap checked bags at £50. Now imagine doubling that. That's what Jason was hauling up those stairs and down Tremont Street. After the trial, my producer and I made the trip to Chattanooga. And 1:10 Treont was the first place we visited. Seeing it in person, this building that had become a central character in Jasmine's story, was surreal. When we were pulling out of the back parking lot by the dumpsters, I saw those steps and the sidewalk, the exact spot where Jason pulled that suitcase. Here's a clip from that day. Describe how you feel seeing it in person. Yeah, this is pretty surreal. My heart is beating being here, just seeing the sidewalk that he walked, the steps that that suitcase got pulled up, and seeing the footage of like his arm drop when the weight of that bag got rolling, you could just tell it was so heavy. Even though we know she was only 98 pounds, like most suitcases are, like 50 pounds. So that was twice as heavy as like the average suitcase you would travel with at an airport. And anyway, it's just pretty crazy to be seeing the sidewalk where we saw the footage of him rolling her out of the Tremont Apartments. After Jason rolls the suitcase into the parking lot, the Arctic Cam captures the next piece of the puzzle. A 2018 gray Toyota Camry pulls out of the lot. Behind the wheel, Jason Chen. The camera shows him turning right onto Fraser Avenue, leaving the lofts at Tremont behind. Minutes later, at 6.13pm, cell phone records confirm exactly where he's headed. Suck Creek Road. He waited until it was dark enough, then pulled off onto the gravel turnout. He popped the trunk, dragged the 100 pound suitcase out, then pulled it to the edge of the riverbank, shoving it as deep as he could into the dried kudzu brush, forcing it out of sight. Twenty minutes later, at 6:33pm, Jason Chen leaves Suck Creek Road and the body of Jasmine Pace and drives back to the Walmart he visited earlier that day. He arrives in the Walmart parking lot and at 6.49pm, Jasmine's phone goes dark. That's the last time her phone ever sends out a signal. 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 we know Jason kept her SIM card, but just to be clear, Jasmine's actual phone has never been found. Not in his apartment, not in his car, not anywhere. As if the device that once held her messages, her photos, her entire digital life, simply vanished. The courtroom audio from this part of the trial is hard to make out, but the message is crystal clear. This is where Jasmine's digital trail ends.

[Blaine Alexander]

So based on this photo, you can tell that he's actually leaving the location at the bottom?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes. So he's at 6:33. He's scanned out.

[Blaine Alexander]

Do you recall where Mr. Chen's phone goes from this location?

[General Cody Womp]

There's still one more.

[Blaine Alexander]

This is the same Walmart that he was at earlier in the day?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

That's nearby, is that correct?

[General Cody Womp]

It is.

[Blaine Alexander]

And do you recall if there's anything significant about Mr. Chen's phone being back at the Walmart again?

[General Cody Womp]

There is, because.

[Blaine Alexander]

So when you say reappears, what do.

[General Cody Womp]

You mean it's been dark?

[Sarah Reed]

At 7pm, Jason Chen walks into the Walgreens on Market street in Chattanooga. Footage from the store and his cell ph records confirm it. What I know now, especially after visiting these Locations myself is that this Walgreens sits directly along the route back to Jason's apartment from Suck Creek Road, where Jasmine's body had already been left behind after a quick stop in the Walmart parking lot to handle the final details of her never to be seen again. Phone Jason makes one more stop at this Walgreens on Market street before returning to his apartment. Just a few blocks walks away. But he doesn't stay home for long. A little after 8pm a neighbor's ring cam catches him slipping out the side door of the building. He's still wearing the Anything Goes hat, but this time he's added a blue face mask and pulled up the hood of his gray sweatshirt. Moments later, the Arctic cam captures a masked figure wearing a red and white trucker hat and a hooded gray sweatshirt, pulling out of the apartment in a white Chevy Equinox and turning right onto Fraser Avenue. That's Jasmine's car. And Jason is driving it. But he's not out to run errands. No, he's driving to 900 Mountain Creek Road, where he'll abandon the vehicle. The same place Jasmine's family will find it just three days later. Desperate for answers.

[Blaine Alexander]

And at some point a while later. Do we see Mr. Chen back at Tremont?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

In your review of the evidence, were you able to see this video?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes.

[Blaine Alexander]

Okay, would you agree that that person appears to be leaving a building?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

All right, and now we go back to phone records. Did Mr. Chen's phone indicate that he was leaving the Tremont apartments around this time? Around the exact same time that he is seen leaving the Tremont apartment building, is that correct?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am, just a minute later.

[Blaine Alexander]

And do you recall where he went? And is there other evidence that you've reviewed that would corroborate his travel to 900 Mountain Creek Road?

[General Cody Womp]

There is a camera that's across the street from Tre.

[Sarah Reed]

Remember the My Chevy app? The one Jasmine's mom used to locate her car on the night of November 26th? That app captured the final trip that Jasmine's car ever took, starting at 8:27pm when Jason pulls out of his apartment complex at 110 Tremont St. And ending just 18 minutes later at 8:45pm when he parks it for the last time, abandoning the vehicle in a dark back parking lot at 900 Mountain Creek Road. Now, let's listen in as General Cody womp walks the jury through the surveillance footage.

[Blaine Alexander]

Okay, is this video taken from the Mountain Creek Road apartment buildings?

[General Cody Womp]

It is.

[Blaine Alexander]

Does that appear to be a white SUV?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Blaine Alexander]

At this point in time, is Mr. Chen's cell phone location data showing that he is in or around 900 Mountain Creek Road? And then have you also seen the next part of this video that shows what looks like or has been testified to a Prius pulling into this parking lot?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, ma'am.

[Sarah Reed]

Remember the Prius captured on the surveillance video at 900 Mountain Creek Road? The one that pulls into the same parking lot Jason did after abandoning Jasmine's car? That Prius was Jason's Lyft ride, the same driver who would later drop him off back at his apartment. Detective Hamilton walks the jury through data extracted from Jason's phone showing that the Lyft app was accessed at 8:39pm just minutes after Jason left the Equinox. A notification then comes to through at 8:50pm Likely telling him his ride was arriving. Jason's cell phone data still places him at 900 Mountain Creek Road at this time. By 9:02pm, Jason Chen and his phone are delivered to 110 Tremont Street. Hamilton confirms via cell phone data. While Da Wamp cues up the arctic footage capturing Jason exiting the lift outside of his apartment building. Lets listen in as she presents the moment Jason steps out of that lift.

[Blaine Alexander]

That person appeared out on video. And at this point in time, are Mr. Chen's phone records showing that he is back at his apartment on Tremont Street?

[General Cody Womp]

They are.

[Blaine Alexander]

All right, the next question I asked you is significant. Where was Mr. Chen's cell phone from this time on 1123 until midday on 1125?

[General Cody Womp]

It was.

[Blaine Alexander]

It was at his apartment?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes.

[Blaine Alexander]

The entire time?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes.

[Blaine Alexander]

Didn't go anywhere?

[General Cody Womp]

No.

[Blaine Alexander]

Would you agree that that's basically a day and a half?

[General Cody Womp]

It is.

[Sarah Reed]

A quick side note here. Both the Lyft app and the Tinder app had been deleted from Jason's phone before investigators got their hands on it. But thanks to the forensic data extraction, Hamilton was still able to recover key information from both of the apps. Not long after Jason returns home that night, he makes a move that's both calculated and revealing. But why, we may never know. What we do know is this. Jason inserts his own SIM card into Jasmine's phone, activating it with his personal data and tying himself directly to her device. All right, let's step back through the timeline real quick. After Jason drops Jasmine's car off at Mountain Creek Road, he takes a lift home, arriving back at his apartment at exactly 9:02pm on November 23rd. From this time on November 23rd until midday on November 25th, Jason Chen does not leave his apartment. Was this when he was cleaning? Rearranging the furniture to cover up what happened inside of his bedroom? Preparing to head home for the holiday as if nothing had happened by this point. Remember, Jason had made three separate trips to Walmart and Walgreens, stocking up on supplies. Jasmine's body and the suitcase were already left behind on Sut Creek Road. And inside his apartment we know there was blood. Almost a gallon of it actually. For context, Thanksgiving day was on November 24th. That year, Jason didn't leave Chattanooga until Friday afternoon, finally getting into his car around 3:00pm Eastern Time and arriving at his parents house in Nolensville, Tennessee at 4:50pm Central Time. Two days later on Sunday, November 27, Jason Chen returns to the North Shore area of Chattanooga. But here's the thing. He never goes back into his apartment. Cell phone records show him stopping just west of Tremont street near Renaissance Park, a small green space just a few blocks away from the lofts at Tremont where he lived. At this point, General Wantt makes an effort to ask Hamilton what time the Chattanooga Police Department secured Chen's apartment on this day. Hamilton confirms it happened sometime between 10 and 11pm on Sunday, November 27, after Chen's cell phone data shows he was first seen back in the area. We know from investigator Crawford's testimony that the search warrant for Jason Chen's apartment was granted at 11:45pm that same night. So what was Jason back in town for? Surely by now investigator Crawford had already been calling his phone. Was he curious about any activity around his apartment? Checking to see if the police were already involved? Or was there something else pulling him back? Then Hamilton reveals another twist. Jason leaves the north shore area around 9:30pm heading towards Hickson, a community just north of Chattanooga. And according to his phone records, Jason stays in the Hickson area until about 10:15pm before heading back to Nolensville. So what's in Hickson? Jasmine's house? Her family's house? What in the world was Jason doing there? And more importantly, why? Next, the state shifts the jury's attention to Jasmine's phone activity. More specifically, her text messages and app usage in the hours after she was last seen alive. What Hamilton uncovers is deeply unsettling. At 4am on the morning of Nov. 23, Jasmine's phone received a series of notifications. They were password reset requests for her banking apps. And by 9:52am that same morning, Jason was already back on Tinder, messaging somebody new. He sends this message to a person named Victoria. So I guess we're dating now. Victoria responds. Ha. Really? Why is that? Jason didn't see stop there, though. He also reached out to two other women on Tinder that same morning. I keep thinking about these women he messaged. As far as they knew, it was just flirty banter on a dating app. I mean, how could they possibly know that the guy messaging them had just murdered his girlfriend? Her lifeless body was still laying on the floor of his bedroom. As investigator Hamilton state testimony continues, he shares even more text data recovered from Jason Chen's phone. I was actually glad I could watch this part back because there was just so much information flying at us during this part of the trial. Texts and dates and times and different time zones. It was nearly impossible to keep up with in the moment. So it wasn't until re watching it for this episode that I fully caught on to what DA Whomp was getting at with this next group of messages. But before we get there, Hamilton also confirms something that directly contradicts the defense's opening statement. He testifies that the Tinder app on Jason's phone was not accessed at all on the day of November 22nd. That's a direct conflict with what the defense had claimed about Jasmine becoming upset after seeing Tinder messages popping up on Jason's phone that night. With Whomps leading, Hamilton then shifts and explains to the jury that we're looking at a text thread from Jason Chen's phone. A group chat between Jason and his gamer friends. Around 9:30pm on November 23, a handful of texts roll in. The guys are checking in to see who's available and who's getting on to play tonight. Wand points out that all of these texts are being read by Jason as they come in. She continues scrolling down the report showing more conversation over the next couple of hours. Just before midnight, someone named Mina writes, you guys running more war zone? Then at 1:06am now officially Thanksgiving Day, Jason chimes in, I'm getting on in like five. You're getting on in like five. Five as in you're calm enough to sit on your couch and play video games with your buddies just seven hours after you dumped your girlfriend's body in a suitcase by the side of the Tennessee River. There's a short mid morning break at this point, and although I had no idea at the time, the defense used that break to submit a motion, a move that would quietly set the stage for what was coming next. A motion is a formal request made to the court asking the judge to rule On a specific issue in this case, Mr. Weiss filed a motion requesting that the entirety of the text messages between Jasmine Pace and Jason Chen be admitted into evidence. With the jury now out of earshot, the courtroom quickly turns into a legal tug of war. Weiss arguing for full transparency, while WAMP raises serious concerns about their relevance. They go back and forth over whether these texts, even the ones from a year before Jasmine's murder, are actually hearsay. Then DA Whomp plants her feet and calls it out directly, saying, we just received this motion approximately four and a half minutes ago. Judge Patterson appears open to admitting the full 240 pages of text. But general want pushes back hard, arguing that messages from 2021 have nothing to do with the murder of Jasmine Pace. She also makes one thing crystal clear. If these pages are to be submitted, any texts that are sexual in nature should be redacted before they're shown to the jury. Here's how that exchange played out right in front of the judge.

[General Cody Womp]

Proof that the defendant and the decedent had a sexual relationship. They were dating of some kind. And that needs to be shown that the relationship between the defendant and the deceiving is central to the defense's case. So we would like to have the entirety of the text messages submitted to show. To show this relationship. Lastly, the states opened the door. They've already had Mr. Hamilton go through the. The data extraction of how they obtain these messages the same way that we receive them. They have gone through the defendant's tinder, They've gone through the defendant's imessages. None of those messages were adapted, even though we talked about relevancy. And so all those came in. So I believe the state has opened the door to allowing these text messages to come in. If their argument is a relevancy, well, then they shouldn't have introduced the odd messages.

[Blaine Alexander]

Imessages when the state uses them are statements from a party opponent. A well recognized hearsay exception. Mr. Wise cannot use Mr. Chen's statement in court because it's not a party opponent. So that's slightly different. I do not agree to open the door. However, your honor, if we can agree to eliminate the irrelevant text messages, and there's not many of them, but irrelevant text messages regarding sexual activity, and I only noted four or five of them, then we'll agree to the text messages coming in. I do not believe that text messages about sexual activity are relevant to Mr. Weiss's case or the homicidal death wish.

[General Cody Womp]

Okay, so we're tailoring it on your own so at least she show me sexual messages to talk about.

[Blaine Alexander]

Your honor, I haven't noted. Your honor. Hold on this. I'll point them out for you page by page.

[General Cody Womp]

May I just mention that I. I don't intend to ask Mr. Hamilton. Tell me about this sexual text message. I. I don't you.

[Sarah Reed]

No.

[Blaine Alexander]

He intends to tell the jury closing argument to go back and read all the messages if they will be in evidence and we have checks for.

[General Cody Womp]

I will go through them with Mr. Hamilton.

[Sarah Reed]

The footage that follows this exchange is muted, but you don't need sound to pick up on what's happening. Their body language says it all. Tension, frustration, and the two sides digging in. It's clear this was important to both the prosecution and the defense, each for very different reasons. After a tense back and forth, Judge Powderson allows some of the texts in, but only if they're relevant. The jury never saw the messages that were sexual in nature. And honestly, we didn't need to. What's interesting is those 240 pages of text messages were actually the very first thing I reached for when the evidence box was brought into the jury room during our deliberations. There was no way I could have read through it all, but I wanted to see for myself if their relationship really looked as lopsided as the defense claimed from the text. I did have time to read what I saw looked like a pretty normal relationship. When we return from the mid morning break, Mark Hamilton is still on the stand. This time ready for the defense's cross examination. Defense attorney Amanda Morrison approaches the podium. This is the first time I've really mentioned her, so let me paint the picture. Dressed in a solid colored skirt suit, Amanda Morrison carries herself with a quiet confidence. Her straight reddish brown hair frames her face and there's a deliberate calmness in her demeanor. Morrison starts by asking Hamilton to confirm something. Can he actually prove that Jason Chen went to his apartment when he returned to Chattanooga from Nolensville on November 27? Hamilton answers carefully. He can place Chen in the area of his apartment based on cell phone data, but he can't say for certain whether or not Jason actually entered his apartment that day. To be honest, I wasn't actually sure why this mattered, but the defense made a point to put it on the record. Next, Judge Patterson addressed the jury directly, explaining how we're allowed to consider the text messages that were submitted, essentially saying that the texts are only to be used for the non hearsay purpose of establishing the length of Jason and Jasmine's relationship. Morrison dives right in, suggesting that someone could have fabricated the pin screenshots sent to jasmine's mom at 2:18am on Nov. 23. She pushes Hamilton, asking if it's possible that someone could have faked that screenshot that Katrina Bean showed of the text message from Jasmine with her location pin. But Hamilton stands firm. He says it would be extremely difficult to fabricate because of the sheer amount of detail embedded in the screenshot's metadata. Eventually Hamilton considered concedes that in theory anything is possible. But in his expert opinion, the screenshot is authentic. Before investigator Hamilton stepped down, we had a few questions of our own. One of the jurors asked if Jason's SIM card was in his phone when investigators recovered it from his parents house. Hamilton confirmed that it was reminding the jury that Jason had moved that same SIM card into Jasmine's phone for a period of time, but that it had been returned to his own phone by the time it was recovered for extraction. Another juror asked what would happen if text messages were deleted from Jason's phone. Would they still show up in the conversation log? Hamilton explained that depending on the make and model of the phone, the log would be able to tell that a message had been deleted, but that the actual content of those messages would likely not appear. As Hamilton's testimony came to a close, investigator Zach Crawford would be called back to the witness stand, serving as the final witness of the day. DA Wamp recalled him and he was sworn in for a second time. She started by addressing a point the defense had raised earlier, Asking Crawford to explain why his own palm and fingerprints were found on the hood of Jason Chen's car. Crawford admitted that during the search of Jason Chen's parents house, he accidentally touched the vehicle, explaining that the tight space around the car packed with his family's belongings made it difficult to avoid and he accidentally fell forward, bracing himself on the hood. He was careful to mention that this was the first time his fingerprints had ever shown up on a TBI report. Before shifting gears, DA Wamp made sure to tackle one more defense theory head on. The suggestion that the screenshot of the location pin Jasmine sent to her mom was somehow fake.

[Blaine Alexander]

You were the investigator In November of 2022 who was investigating this case, is that correct?

[General Cody Womp]

In November 27, I was brought into the investigation of 2022.

[Blaine Alexander]

Were you present when Katrina Bean scrolled up in her text messages to show you that location drop?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes, I was personally present actually. When she told me about the location drop. I personally requested that we observe those. At which point I actually requested a crimes investigator come out and document those photographs.

[Blaine Alexander]

And was that done?

[General Cody Womp]

Yes.

[Blaine Alexander]

And what time was the location shared from Jasper's phone?

[General Cody Womp]

On her phone it actually had her name is Jazzy with a picture I verified. I looked at the contact itself, had her click on it and observed it to be the phone number that we know to be the victims. Subsequently, I looked at the content of the text message group, at which point I observed a pin drop location that was shared on November 23, 2022 at.

[Blaine Alexander]

2:18Am 2:18am thank you.

[Sarah Reed]

Next, General Womp shifts her focus, turning the jury's attention to text messages between Jason Chen and Jasmine Pace. Investigator Crawford walks us through their text message history, explaining how their conversations started briefly in November of 2021, then dropped off completely until April of 2022. And here's something interesting. When their messages resumed In April of 22, Jason actually reminded Jasmine that they had originally matched on Bumble the year before, not Tinder. Another direct contradiction from what the defense claimed in their opening statement that the two of them had met on Tind. From there, Crawford explains, their messages show no arguments or signs of conflict, just casual conversations. As they started seeing each other more regularly, Jason frequently asked Jasmine to come over and their relationship seemed to progress naturally. By late October of 2022, Jason had even invited Jasmine to go to Chicago with him, a trip they eventually took together. As Wamp and Crawford take the jury through these text messages, we begin to see how their relationship evolved from casual conversation to planning trips together. I want to take you through some of the key moments of their conversation exactly as they were written. On November 1st of 2022, Jason liked a text that Jasmine sent him around 11am here's Jasmine's actual message read in an AI generated voice. Oh, and you should go on the Sut Creek Drive before all the leaves are really dropped. This was one of the most chilling moments of the trial for me. I've mentioned this text message before. In an earlier episode, Jasmine either spelled the street name wrong or maybe it was autocorrected. But the typo didn't matter. What mattered now was Jason's reaction to it because only 22 days later, Jason wouldn't just take that drive on Sutt Creek Road, he would leave Jasmine there. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves here. Let's back up to that trip to Chicago late in October. Here's a bit of the text conversation leading up to that trip. On October 10th at 9:10pm, Jason sends this text to Jasmine. How's the Chicago update look like Let you know by noon. Plus I said I would get it to you by Monday before you were going to your parents for the next couple of days. I don't want to bother you while you're out there. Yes, my answer is yes. I got it worked out and my office covered. While I'm gone, Mark me is coming with you and excited. Just a couple weeks later they actually take this trip to Chicago together, even stopping to visit an uncle of Jasmine's that she had never met. By mid November, their conversations continued with casual back and forth texting. There were gaps of time where they didn't talk for a few days, but nothing unusual. Then on November 18, Jason sends Jasmine a more suggestive message. I'm heading home now if you want to come over for some fun shower time and cuddles for a bit. Oh nice. Just cuddles. Maybe shower time. I really haven't been feeling too well. Okay, I'll babysit you for a bit. Jasmine reacted with a laugh to that last text from Jason and by 7:18 that night she had arrived at his apartment. On November 20, Jason sends a text to Jasmine about how she inspired him to get donuts that morning. They exchanged casual dialogue. Then he asks her, what are you doing this Wednesday, by the way? At this point, DA Wamp pauses and turns to Investigator Crawford. She asks him a simple but deliberate question. Would you agree that November 20th of 2022 is just two days before November 22nd, 2022? Crawford agrees. She continues asking him to confirm what day of the week was November 22, 2022. Crawford replies Tuesday. Womp follows up again and that would mean November 23rd was a Wednesday. Crawford again agrees with that timeline locked in general, Womp returns to the text messages. What are you doing this Wednesday by the way? Let's get a light workout in and then go for dinner and drinks. Okay, that sounds nice. Like a real date. Perfect. Anyways, I have to go to the lab to finish some work. Looking forward to Wednesday. Jasmine reacted with a heart to Jason's last text, then replied with a message telling him to have a good lab to get his homework done and that she was looking forward to Wednesday. These final texts show no sign of fear, hesitation or suspicion. Jasmine was engaged in the conversation. Her words are casual, natural and warm. The defense had tried to suggest a power imbalance, implying that one of them was more invested in the relationship than the other. But Investigator Crawford confessed confirms there's nothing in these texts to suggest that was true. Their messages remained even in their exchange and their back and forth tone was affectionate without coming across obsessive. And yet, just two days later, all of this would change. Hearing investigators walk through Jason and Jasmine's messages today hit hard. Jasmine wasn't upset. She wasn't angry. She was just living her life, making plans, sending heart emojis and looking forward to Wednesday. And then she was gone. It's haunting to think about these weren't the messages of someone who was afraid or planning an escape. She wasn't breaking up with Jason. She wasn't even pulling away from him. Jasmine had no idea what Wednesday held in store for her. She had no idea that on Tuesday she would lose her beloved grandmother. And she definitely had no idea that just hours after that, her own life would be taken from her. Next time on Sequestered, the state rests its case. After everything we've seen, the fingerprints, the timeline, the chilling digital evidence, one question remains. What will Jason Chen's defense have to say?

[Blaine Alexander]

There was a scream that started me out in my sleep. I checked my phone to see the time because I was going to call 911. It was around 2am There was a voice that was screaming words. The words I couldn't understand fully.

[General Cody Womp]

Was it a male voice?

[Blaine Alexander]

A female voice?

[Sarah Reed]

You don't want to miss episode seven. It's about to get complicated. Thank you for listening to Sequestered A juror's perspective on the murder trial for Jasmine Pace. Each 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 Reed 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 Lawn 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 equestriedpod. Thank you for listening. Until next time, stay curious and stay.

[Blaine Alexander]

Sa.