Episode 5 – The Body in the Suitcase
- Sara
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Day 4 of the trial: Tennessee v. Jason Chen
The murder trial for Jasmine Pace
Listen here:
In Episode 5 of Sequestered, Sara (Juror 11) takes listeners into the fourth day of the trial, where forensic pathologist Dr. Stephen Cogswell provided the most graphic and sobering testimony yet. For the jury, it wasn’t just about hearing the evidence anymore—it was about facing the brutal reality of what happened to Jasmine Pace.
A Tense Morning in Court
Before the first witness took the stand, the defense team made a subtle but noticeable move—placing a trash can and tissues within reach of Jason Chen.
Was this a strategic play?
Was Chen anticipating an emotional display?
Or was it a calculated effort to appear remorseful in front of the jury?
The move did not go unnoticed. Judge Patterson reminded everyone in the courtroom to maintain composure, knowing the day’s testimony would be graphic and emotionally heavy.
Dr. Stephen Cogswell’s Testimony: The Full Horror Revealed
The state’s first expert witness, forensic pathologist Dr. Stephen Cogswell, had seen countless cases of violent crime. But this case—Jasmine’s murder—was different.
He walked the jury through every harrowing detail of Jasmine’s final moments, starting with how she was found.
The discovery at Suck Creek Road:
Jasmine’s body was curled into the fetal position, restrained in handcuffs and shackles.
A triangular metallic density was noted on her chest in X-rays, suggesting pressure from restraints or an object pressing against her.
Forensic photos documented every injury, making it clear this was not a quick death—it was violent, prolonged, and deeply personal.
We learned that Jasmine had 60 stab wounds, including a deep gash on her left forearm—likely a defensive wound. Most of the injuries were concentrated on the upper right side of her body, suggesting she was in the fetal position during the attack.
Dr. Cogswell claimed that the blood stain pattern found in Chen’s apartment resembled a shroud of Turin, marking where her body had been before being placed into the suitcase.
The Jury Faces the Brutal Details
Forensic analysis revealed more than just the injuries—it told a story:
Jasmine lost nearly all the blood in her body before being moved.
She had no alcohol in her system at the time of her death.
The autopsy could not determine whether she was conscious, semi-conscious, or unconscious during the attack.
Dr. Cogswell’s testimony left the jury with a grim realization—Jasmine had fought for her life.
But the defense wasn’t ready to accept the state’s version of events.
The Defense’s Cross-Examination: Sowing Doubt
Defense attorney Joshua Weiss pressed Dr. Cogswell on several key issues, trying to create uncertainty in the jury’s mind:
Could the autopsy determine if Jasmine was unconscious during the attack?
“Not definitively,” Dr. Cogswell admitted.
Did cleaning agents alter the appearance of Jasmine’s wounds?
“It’s possible, but the wounds were extensive enough that the presence of a cleaner wouldn’t change the conclusions,” he explained.
Could blood have been moved around the crime scene by investigators?
“Unlikely,” but Weiss pushed the idea anyway—attempting to suggest contamination.
Even with these attempts to create doubt, the reality of Jasmine’s injuries, restraints, and the sheer brutality of the attack overshadowed any defense argument.
Piecing Together the Timeline
Sara and the jurors began connecting the dots—each piece of forensic evidence painted a clearer picture of what happened that night:
📍 Jasmine’s last known location was sent to her mother via a location pin.
📢 A neighbor reported hearing a scream and what sounded like a struggle.
📹 Surveillance footage confirmed Jason Chen’s movements, contradicting parts of the defense’s narrative.
🔎 And then came a chilling realization:
Could Jasmine have been alive when Chen handcuffed and shackled her?
Her restraints weren’t applied carefully—they were fastened in a rush, suggesting they were put on during the attack.
The final act was not just to kill her, but to completely contain and discard her.
Timeline of events before and after Jasmine Pace's murder:
More Questions, More Evidence
As the day’s testimony continued, the jury asked more questions:
Did the forensic team find carpet fibers in Jasmine’s wounds?
No.
Was there DNA evidence proving Chen carried Jasmine’s body into the suitcase?
DNA swabs confirmed Jasmine’s presence, but forensic limitations left gaps.
Prosecutors recalled crime scene investigator Kristen Schubert to solidify key points:
The sanitary pads found at the scene matched ones found in Chen’s apartment.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent confirmed swabs from Chen and Jasmine’s parents were processed for additional DNA comparisons.
The defense wanted to push uncertainty—but science wasn’t on their side.
Reflections on a Devastating Day
By the end of Day 4, the weight of the evidence was inescapable.
Jasmine’s injuries.The blood-stained carpet.The restraints.The suitcase.
This wasn’t an accident.This wasn’t a moment of panic.This was intentional, brutal murder.
What's Next?
Episode 6 will take the case into the digital realm, where the final damning evidence emerges:
📱 Phone records and deleted messages.🔍 Fingerprints and their impact on the case.
📹 More surveillance footage revealing Jason Chen’s movements before and after Jasmine’s murder.
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