Episode 05: The Body in the Suitcase
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What graphic evidence does the jury face on Day 4?
Before we get into this episode, I want to give you a heads up. It contains graphic descriptions of violence, including details from an autopsy. Out of respect for Jasmine and her family, we've chosen to hold back on some of the more graphic details. But what you will hear may still be unsettling. So please listen with care. It's Thursday, January 16th, 2025. Day four of the trial. Before we even stepped into the jury room this morning, we could feel the weight of what was coming. I went to bed last night bracing myself for today, trying to prepare my mind and my heart for what we were about to see. But how do you prepare for something like this? As jurors, part of our job was to face the evidence, to see what no one should ever have to see.
Today, we would see images of Jasmine Pace's lifeless body, and with them, the undeniable reality of what was done to her. We already knew the facts. She was stabbed 60 times, restrained, and stuffed into a suitcase. But knowing and seeing, those are two entirely different things. No one should ever have to witness another human being in that state. And yet, here we were.
This is Sequestered, a juror's perspective on the murder trial for Jasmine Pace. I'm Sarah, juror number 11. Each episode, I'll take you inside the courtroom, behind the scenes, and into the weighty moments of this trial as we honor Jasmine's life and navigate the complexities of seeking justice. Let's begin. This is Episode 5, The Body in the Suitcase.
I learned this only after the fact, but while we were waiting in the jury room that morning, DA Cody Womp noticed that Defense Attorney Weiss moved a trash can near Jason Chen at the defense table, along with a box of tissues. Here's a clip of how that scene played out in the courtroom just minutes before the jury came in.
Your Honor, one second. Can we have one second? They moved the trash can in front of the defendant and they brought little napkins over here. If it applies to the gallery that there can be no outbursts, Mr. Chin also needs to be self-imposed during this testimony or he can exit the court as well.
I agree. But just this is
Okay, well, the trash can was just a little closer to him. I've already indicated that he's feeling unwell. I'm just saying that's prejudicial as well, Judge.
Well, everyone has to comport themselves with maintaining the court for this particular proceeding, so that includes counsel, defendants. However, this is going to be very graphic and personal testimony, so everyone needs to maintain their composure, courier questions,
you know what's actually about to be displayed on the screen. So that admission does extend to Mr. Chin.
As you can tell, DA Womp raises her concerns to the judge about Jason Chen receiving preferential treatment. She points out that Weiss moved the trash can and tissues near their table, implying that the defendant may be trying to sway the court's perception. Judge Patterson responds by emphasizing that everyone in the courtroom, including Chen, must maintain composure, especially given the graphic nature of the upcoming testimony. Judge Patterson also warns the gallery that anyone who is unable to remain composed should excuse themselves from the courtroom before this evidence is presented. At this time, Jasmine's mother, Katrina Bean, and Jason Chen's mother, Shu Fang Chen, both leave the courtroom. They already knew. Some things, once seen, can never be unseen. This all happened before we even entered the courtroom. Pretrial matters were a regular occurrence, so we never really knew what we'd be walking into each day.
But something was noticeably different this morning as we took our seats. Despite the tension in the room, the proceedings were officially underway by 9.45. Hamilton County Medical Examiner and Forensic Psychologist Dr. Stephen Cogswell was sworn in as the state's first expert witness. With nearly 40 years of experience and thousands of autopsies to his name, including over a hundred cases involving fatal stab wounds, Dr. Stephen Cogswell's experience is undeniable. His presence alone commands respect. As he takes the stand, Dr. Cogswell, a middle-aged man with a shaved head and a neatly trimmed beard peppered with gray, carries himself with quiet authority.
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