Episode 06: The Evidence Tells the Story

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

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.

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."

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.