Juror Number 8

Before the medical examiner stepped down from the stand, the jurors had a chance to ask their own questions. It's something we've mentioned before, but it's worth repeating because it's pretty rare. Not every judge allows this, but Judge Patterson does, and it gave us the opportunity to clarify facts directly from the witnesses in real time, rather than saving them for the deliberation phase.

Before the medical examiner stepped down from the stand, the jurors had a chance to ask their own questions. It's something we've mentioned before, but it's worth repeating because it's pretty rare. Not every judge allows this, but Judge Patterson does, and it gave us the opportunity to clarify facts directly from the witnesses in real time, rather than saving them for the deliberation phase.

I also think it gave the courtroom, more specifically the attorneys, a unique window into what the jury was really curious about throughout the trial. On this particular day, our questions covered everything from whether cleaning agents could have altered the appearance of Jasmine's wounds to whether any fibers or fingerprints were recovered from the scene.

I also think it gave the courtroom, more specifically the attorneys, a unique window into what the jury was really curious about throughout the trial. On this particular day, our questions covered everything from whether cleaning agents could have altered the appearance of Jasmine's wounds to whether any fibers or fingerprints were recovered from the scene.

Dr. Cogswell responded to each one, even opening the door to the possibility that a second knife could have been used, though he stopped short of any firm conclusions. We thought it might be interesting to share a couple of the jury's actual questions with you. so that you can get a sense of what was on our minds as we work to piece everything together.

Dr. Cogswell responded to each one, even opening the door to the possibility that a second knife could have been used, though he stopped short of any firm conclusions. We thought it might be interesting to share a couple of the jury's actual questions with you. so that you can get a sense of what was on our minds as we work to piece everything together.

The prosecution briefly recalls crime scene investigator Kristen Schubert to the stand. Schubert is asked about the two sanitary pads collected as evidence, one recovered from Jasmine's body and the other found outside the dumpster at Jason Chen's apartment complex.

The prosecution briefly recalls crime scene investigator Kristen Schubert to the stand. Schubert is asked about the two sanitary pads collected as evidence, one recovered from Jasmine's body and the other found outside the dumpster at Jason Chen's apartment complex.

Since neither pad was tested, we can't say with certainty that they're a match, but Schubert describes the similarity between them as striking. Next, the jury hears from Kim Lau, a special agent and forensic scientist with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, or TBI.

Since neither pad was tested, we can't say with certainty that they're a match, but Schubert describes the similarity between them as striking. Next, the jury hears from Kim Lau, a special agent and forensic scientist with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, or TBI.

Garnering over 20 years of experience, Agent Lau is straightforward about the limitations her lab faces, including a six-month backlog and a policy that restricts testing to just 10 items per homicide case. Agent Lau then walks the jury through what was tested. Swabs from Jason Chen and Jasmine's parents, Jasmine's toothbrush, and carpet from Jason Chen's apartment.

Garnering over 20 years of experience, Agent Lau is straightforward about the limitations her lab faces, including a six-month backlog and a policy that restricts testing to just 10 items per homicide case. Agent Lau then walks the jury through what was tested. Swabs from Jason Chen and Jasmine's parents, Jasmine's toothbrush, and carpet from Jason Chen's apartment.

Her testimony confirms several key points. The blood found in Jason Chen's apartment matches Jasmine's DNA. Swabs from the shackles, handcuffs, and even the garbage bags link back to Jason. And some evidence, like a swab from the suitcase handle, came back inconclusive. Under cross-examination, Agent Lau explains that not every piece of evidence could be tested due to limited resources.

Her testimony confirms several key points. The blood found in Jason Chen's apartment matches Jasmine's DNA. Swabs from the shackles, handcuffs, and even the garbage bags link back to Jason. And some evidence, like a swab from the suitcase handle, came back inconclusive. Under cross-examination, Agent Lau explains that not every piece of evidence could be tested due to limited resources.

And when jurors ask who decides which 10 items actually get tested, she's clear. The decision is hers, based on proximity to the crime and the likelihood of finding DNA evidence. By the time court adjourns for the day, it's almost 7 p.m.

And when jurors ask who decides which 10 items actually get tested, she's clear. The decision is hers, based on proximity to the crime and the likelihood of finding DNA evidence. By the time court adjourns for the day, it's almost 7 p.m.

Judge Patterson reminds the jurors of their obligation not to be exposed to the media or to speak to each other about the trial, then instructs us to return at 10 a.m. the next morning, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath after a long, heavy day.

Judge Patterson reminds the jurors of their obligation not to be exposed to the media or to speak to each other about the trial, then instructs us to return at 10 a.m. the next morning, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath after a long, heavy day.

The evidence, expert testimonies, and even the jurors' specific questions have left us all with as many uncertainties as clarifications, which feels like a perfect reflection of the case itself. Nothing is simple. Nothing is clear-cut. And with every new detail, the truth feels both closer and further away.

The evidence, expert testimonies, and even the jurors' specific questions have left us all with as many uncertainties as clarifications, which feels like a perfect reflection of the case itself. Nothing is simple. Nothing is clear-cut. And with every new detail, the truth feels both closer and further away.