South Carolina Court of Appeals Denies Nathaniel Rowland’s Request for Murder Conviction Review

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Latest on Rowland’s Murder Conviction

In the heart of Columbia, the South Carolina Court of Appeals has recently made headlines by rejecting a man’s plea for another chance to have his murder conviction reviewed. This man, Nathaniel Rowland, was handed a life sentence in July 2021 for the horrific 2019 kidnapping and murder of a 21-year-old college student named Samantha Josephson.

The Case That Shocked the Community

To give you a bit of background, the tragic events began late one night in March 2019. Samantha, after enjoying a night out with friends in the bustling Five Points area, summoned what she believed was her Uber ride around 2 a.m. Unfortunately, she ended up getting into Rowland’s vehicle. Little did she know, the ride would take a devastating turn. Once inside the car, Rowland engaged the childproof locks, preventing Samantha from escaping. Just a day later, her body was discovered in a secluded area of Clarendon County, showing signs of a brutal attack – she had been stabbed more than 100 times.

A Quick Legal Process

Rowland’s trial moved at a staggering pace; jurors only took an hour to reach their verdict, convicting him of murder, kidnapping, and possessing a weapon during a violent crime. This swift decision was a clear reflection of the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial.

The Latest Developments

Recently, on September 19, the Court of Appeals shot down Rowland’s request to have another look at his case. Their decision suggested that they found no significant oversights or misunderstandings in their earlier ruling, which upheld Rowland’s conviction. In his petition, Rowland claimed there were “significant points overlooked and/or misapprehended by this Court,” raising concerns that the initial ruling may have been flawed.

Rowland’s Arguments

One of Rowland’s key arguments revolved around his Fourth Amendment rights, where he asserted that the trial judge failed to allow his motion to suppress evidence found during what he deemed an unlawful traffic stop. He contended that Columbia Police Officer Jefferey Craft had no probable cause for pulling over his vehicle, highlighting that he had committed no traffic infractions.

It’s important to note that this traffic stop occurred soon after Samantha was reported missing. Officer Craft stopped Rowland’s Chevrolet Impala because it matched the color and model of the vehicle last seen with Samantha. During this stop, police discovered marijuana, bloodstains, cleaning supplies, a rose gold iPhone, along with keys sporting a pink keyring. In their ruling, the appeals court concluded that the officer had valid reasons for the traffic stop due to the urgency of locating the missing person, Samantha.

Disputed Testimonies

Additionally, Rowland raised concerns about expert testimonies during his trial, suggesting that both the DNA analyst and the handwriting expert provided evidence that was not relevant enough to be included. He believed these elements should have been excluded from the court’s consideration.

The Road Ahead

As it stands, Nathaniel Rowland will remain behind bars as his requests for further hearings continue to be denied. For many in the community, the pain from this tragedy still lingers, serving as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities that many face in everyday life. This case has highlighted not just the importance of safety, especially concerning rideshares, but also the legal processes that follow such horrific crimes.

While the legal battle seems far from over for Rowland, many hope that justice for Samantha Josephson will remain front and center in the community and beyond. Her story serves as a powerful reminder for all to stay vigilant and prioritize safety in their daily lives.