Murder of Samantha Josephson

The murder of Samantha Josephson, which occurred on March 31, 2019, is a prominent case in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The murder led to the passage of Sami’s Law in New Jersey, which enhances protections for drivers and passengers using Ride Share services. Legislation at the federal level is pending as well. Josephson, 21, had ordered an Uber and mistakenly entered a car she thought was her ride. The alleged driver is accused of using childproof locks to prevent Josephson from leaving the vehicle. He is alleged to have kidnapped Josephson and murdered her, leaving her body 65 miles from the starting point in Columbia, South Carolina. Victim: Samantha "Sami" Josephson was born in Princeton, New Jersey, to Seymour and Marci Josephson. She attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in political science. She planned on graduating in June, 2019, and attending Drexel University School of Law. Murder: Josephson spent the evening before her death in downtown Columbia with friends. At about 2:00 AM she decided to leave and ordered an Uber. At 2:09, a black Chevrolet Impala pulled up beside her. Josephson entered the vehicle believing it to be the Uber she had called. When police found the car, the vehicle’s child locks were activated. It is believed that this was done to prevent her from escaping. She suffered sharp force injuries to her head, neck, face, upper body, leg, and foot. Investigation: Josephson's roommates became concerned and reported her missing the day after she accidentally entered the vehicle. Her body was then found in a field in Clarendon County by turkey hunters fourteen hours after the alleged kidnapping. According to police, the area where Josephson's body was located is where the suspect recently resided. A autopsy showed that she died of multiple sharp force injuries. Suspect Nathaniel Rowland was seen by police driving a car that matched the description of the one Josephson was seen entering in the surveillance video. Inside the car, they found a container of liquid bleach, germicidal wipes and window cleaner. The car also contained Josephson's phone as well as her blood, which was in the passenger seat and in the trunk. Additionally, the child locks were activated, which police believe prevented Josephson from escaping. Police arrested Rowland, who fled before eventually being caught and taken into custody. He was charged with kidnapping, murder, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.