Samantha Josephson went out with her friends on an average Thursday night to have some fun.
The group of college girls went to a nightlife area known as Five Points in Columbia, South Carolina.
After being separated from the group, surveillance footage reveals that Samantha got into a black vehicle.
Her friends waited about twelve hours before alerting the police to their friend’s disappearance.
Shortly after the police started their investigation, turkey hunters reported a dead body in Clarendon County.
Samantha’s body had been dumped in a small town outside of the Columbia area. Her friends and family are now mourning their horrific loss.
Investigations continue to determine what exactly happened to Samantha that night. Nathaniel David Rowland is the primary suspect in the case.
The 24-year-old was identified and taken into custody. Officers spotted a matching Chevrolet Impala early on Saturday morning.
Police apprehended the suspect after a chase on foot.
After thoroughly examining the suspect’s car, investigators found traces of Samatha’s blood in the trunk and passenger side of the vehicle. Her phone was also found in the vehicle.
Cleaning materials were present throughout the suspect’s Impala. Although the suspect is currently in custody, police haven’t released an official statement about Samantha’s death.
Several wounds were found on Samantha’s body, proving that the murder was brutal and malicious.
Samantha was a student at the University of South Carolina. The president of the college released a statement regarding the incident.
He offered his sincerest condolences to Samantha’s friends and family. He also made reference to the ‘Carolina Family’ and its commitment to caring for those who are hurt.
The president mentioned that these moments leave him speechless.
The president also pleaded that students use caution when out in public. He advised that the students always travel in groups or with a friend to increase their safety.
He also encouraged students to download an app that would help to track their location just in case something bad were to happen.
Right now, the suspect is facing misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana and failing to cooperate when police spotted his vehicle.
He is currently incarcerated in Columbia. The evidence suggests that he will eventually be convicted with Samantha’s murder as well.
These charges will greatly increase his potential sentences.
A vigil was held in Samantha’s honor over the weekend, and the funeral services will take place on Wednesday at noon.
The services will be in East Princeton, New Jersey. This was Samantha’s hometown.