SEQUESTERED Podcast: Episode 10 - After the Verdict

Introduction and Announcement

In the final episode of the SEQUESTERED podcast, Sarah Reed, Juror #11, reflects on the culmination of her nine-day sequestration as part of the jury in the high-profile State of Tennessee vs. Jason Chen trial. The episode opens with Sarah sharing exciting news about a related Dateline NBC episode titled "The Pin at Apartment 210," where juror insights and the impact of Jasmine Pace's case are further explored (00:02). This sets the stage for a poignant conclusion to the podcast series dedicated to honoring Jasmine Pace’s life and seeking justice for her tragic death.

Sarah's Personal Journey

Sarah begins by recounting her unexpected journey from civic duty to a deeply transformative personal experience. Selected for jury duty in January 2025, she describes the trial as a "gravitational force" that continued to influence her even after returning to Nashville (00:02). The emotional weight of the trial prompted her to embark on creating the SEQUESTERED podcast, a project born out of a desire to honor Jasmine's memory and ensure her story remains heard (05:45).

The Creation of the Podcast

The inception of the podcast is detailed through Sarah’s spontaneous realization on the fourth day of the trial. While assembling a miniature greenhouse garden, she felt compelled to document her experiences, leading to the birth of SEQUESTERED: A Podcast from a Juror's Perspective (10:15). Collaborating with her co-producer, Andrea Clyde, Sarah highlights the intense dedication required to produce the series, dedicating over 40 hours each week to research, writing, and production. This commitment underscores the podcast's mission to provide an unfiltered and heartfelt account of the trial and its broader implications (12:30).

Community Impact and Journalism Insights

Sarah emphasizes the profound impact the trial had on the Chattanooga community by sharing an insightful interview with journalist Latricia Thomas from News Channel 9 (13:07). Latricia explains how Jasmine Pace’s case captivated local attention for over two years, highlighting the community's emotional investment and the collective desire for justice. She notes, “Jasmine was so young… it's a real privilege to be able to fight for her” (22:05), reflecting the deep-rooted connection between the case and the community.

Juror Reflections on Emotional Toll

The episode delves into the emotional challenges faced by jurors, featuring heartfelt reflections from Juror #8. He describes his experience as “a really sober and humbling” one, where the gravity of the trial's details weighed heavily on him (13:54). Juror #8 shares, “I was clocked into work… I started to cry” (14:57), illustrating the personal toll the case took on those tasked with delivering a verdict. These testimonies reveal the human cost of serving on a jury in such a high-stakes trial.

Conversations with District Attorneys

A pivotal segment of the episode includes candid conversations with District Attorneys Cody Wamp and Paul Moyle (21:15). DA Wamp passionately discusses her commitment to victim advocacy, stating, “crimes with victims... we have to make sure we're taking care of this community” (22:05). She reflects on cases involving children, highlighting her dedication to ensuring that victims are heard and justice is served. DA Moyle echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the broader community impact of crimes and the importance of remembering that “crime has a real impact on people outside of those that are named on the news” (27:30).

Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

Sarah shares her ongoing struggle to process the trial's emotional aftermath, acknowledging that the experience has fundamentally changed her. She contemplates the profound responsibility of holding someone’s fate in her hands, stating, “It's not just a civic duty, it's a profound act of service” (31:00). This introspection leads her to reaffirm her commitment to honoring Jasmine’s story through the podcast, ensuring that Jasmine is remembered for her vibrant life rather than solely for the tragedy that befell her.

Andrea Clyde's Perspective

Co-producer Andrea Clyde offers her unique viewpoint, explaining her motivation to tell Jasmine's story. She draws inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert's philosophy of following one’s fascinations and committing to "whatever causes a revolution in your heart" (36:40). Andrea underscores the interconnectedness of their work, expressing a deep sense of connection to Jasmine despite never having met her. She states, “I believe she's watching over her family right now” (39:15), highlighting the personal resonance the case has had on her life.

Conclusion and Tribute to Jasmine Pace

As the episode draws to a close, Sarah delivers a heartfelt tribute to Jasmine Pace, emphasizing the importance of remembering her as a person rather than just a victim. She shares, “Jasmine Pace is not just some girl listed in an autopsy report” (32:56), advocating for the recognition of victims' identities and stories. The final moments of the podcast serve as both a farewell and a continuation of Jasmine’s legacy, inviting listeners to engage further through the podcast’s website and to honor Jasmine’s memory by keeping her story alive (39:15).

Sarah concludes by extending support resources for those affected by domestic violence and thanks all contributors, including News Channel 9 and Court TV, for their comprehensive coverage of the case. She encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast to help spread Jasmine’s story, ensuring that her life and legacy continue to resonate within the community and beyond.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Reed: “A commitment to Jasmine's story. A commitment to honoring her life.” (05:45)
• Latricia Thomas: “Jasmine was so young... to have such a young life end in such a tragic and horrible way, I think everybody wants it to mean something in the end.” (11:32)
• Juror Number 8: “Serving on this jury was a really sober and humbling experience.” (13:54)
• Cody Wamp: “Crimes with victims... we have to make sure we're taking care of this community.” (22:05)
• Paul Moyle: “Crime has a real impact on people outside of those that are named on the news.” (27:30)
• Andrea Clyde: “I believe she's watching over her family right now.” (39:15)
• Cody Wamp: “Victims matter. Jasmine Pace is not just some girl listed in an autopsy report.” (32:56)

Final Thoughts

SEQUESTERED: Episode 10 - After the Verdict serves as a powerful closure to a series that delved deep into the emotional and ethical complexities of serving on a jury in a high-profile murder trial. Through personal narratives, expert interviews, and reflective insights, the episode honors Jasmine Pace’s legacy while shedding light on the multifaceted impact of seeking justice in the wake of tragedy. The podcast not only recounts the courtroom proceedings but also invites listeners to engage with the broader implications of such a case on individuals and the community at large.

For more information and to continue honoring Jasmine Pace’s story, visit SequesteredPod.com.