Episode 2 – The Trial Begins
- Sara
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Day 1 of the trial: Tennessee v. Jason Chen
The murder trial for Jasmine Pace
Listen here:
The weight of justice settled on the courtroom on January 13, 2025, as the trial of Jason Chen for the murder of Jasmine Pace officially began. Escorted into the courtroom, Sara, serving as Juror 11, witnessed firsthand the opening statements, key witness testimonies, and the first pieces of crucial evidence. In this episode, she recounts the intense first day of trial—where the reality of what happened to Jasmine became painfully clear.
A Sequestered Jury Steps Into the Courtroom
The morning of January 13 began with jurors gathered in a private jury room, cut off from the outside world as they prepared for the case ahead. Under the supervision of court officials, they were escorted into the courtroom, a place they would come to know intimately over the coming days.
Judge Boyd Patterson laid out the trial process, ensuring that jurors understood their role. He introduced the legal teams and even provided the rare opportunity for jurors to submit anonymous questions throughout the trial—an unusual but powerful tool for seeking clarity.
With that, the battle for truth and justice began.
The Prosecution’s Case: A Brutal Crime Unfolds
District Attorney General Coty Wamp wasted no time in delivering a chilling account of Jasmine Pace’s murder.
Jasmine’s body had been found stuffed inside a suitcase on Suck Creek Road, discarded in a way that spoke to the horror and inhumanity of the crime.
She had suffered over 60 stab wounds, a clear sign of rage and violence.
Forensic evidence—including blood in Jason Chen’s apartment and his fingerprints on the trash bags used to conceal Jasmine’s body—firmly tied him to the crime scene.
The room fell silent as Wamp laid out the state’s case: This was not a crime of passion, but a deliberate and brutal murder.
The Defense’s Strategy: A Different Narrative
He argued that the killing was not premeditated but instead a case of voluntary manslaughter.
According to the defense, Jason Chen acted out of fear and emotional distress, not cold-blooded intent.
Weiss sought to plant doubt in the jury’s mind—was this truly murder, or an act committed in the heat of the moment?
For Sara and the other jurors, it was the first glimpse into the legal battle ahead—one side presenting clear-cut evidence of murder, the other attempting to introduce a narrative of fear and loss of control.
Jasmine Pace’s Mother, Catrina Bean Takes the Stand
No testimony carried more emotional weight than that of Katrina Bean, Jasmine’s mother.
Catrina described the last time she saw her daughter alive, describing Jasmine’s vibrant spirit and promising future.
She recounted the devastating days following Jasmine’s disappearance—the frantic search, unanswered calls, and gut-wrenching fear.
The prosecution emphasized a significant event: the passing of Jasmine’s great-grandmother and how it may have impacted Jasmine’s emotional state in her final days.
As Catrina fought back tears on the stand, the courtroom felt the true cost of this crime—not just evidence and legal arguments, but a family forever broken by loss.
You can watch her testimony here:
The Investigation: Following the Trail of Evidence
Jurors then heard from lead investigator Zachary Crawford, who methodically laid out the forensic and surveillance evidence that led to Jason Chen’s arrest.
Surveillance footage showed Jason Chen purchasing cleaning supplies, suggesting an attempt to cover up the crime.
Security officer Scott Miller testified about footage capturing Jasmine’s car and a dark-colored Toyota Prius—believed to be Chen’s—near the Signal View apartments.
Crime scene investigators detailed the gruesome evidence found in Jason’s apartment, further solidifying the prosecution’s case.
With every new detail, the state’s argument strengthened—painting a picture of premeditation, deceit, and a calculated effort to conceal a brutal crime.
A Day of Testimonies Ends, but the Trial Continues
The defense took its first opportunity to cross-examine Catrina Bean, attempting to highlight inconsistencies in her statements. However, the emotional weight of a grieving mother’s testimony was impossible to ignore.
The day ended with additional witness testimonies, including store employees who recounted Jason Chen’s purchase history, further suggesting premeditation.
Before the jurors were escorted back to their accommodations, they were reminded of their duty: Remain impartial, focus on the facts, and avoid outside information.
For Sara, the responsibility of being Juror 11 was growing heavier with each passing moment.
What’s Next? The Trial Intensifies
The case against Jason Chen was just beginning, and the next phase of the trial would reveal even more chilling details.
🔎 In Episode 3, we’ll dive into:
The continuation of the prosecution’s case reveals more forensic evidence.
The expert witnesses who analyzed Jasmine’s injuries and what they mean for the case.
The testimonies that would ultimately shape the trial’s outcome.
As we continue this journey through Sara’s sequestered experience, one thing remains clear—justice for Jasmine Pace is at the heart of it all.
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You can watch Day 1 of the Trial here: