Columbia Police Chief: “Our Hearts are broken” on death of USC student
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Columbia Police are extending their condolences to the family of University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson.
Columbia police said “In speaking w/Josephson’s parents, Chief Holbrook said during the news conference, “Our hearts are broken. There is nothing tougher than to stand before a family and explain how a loved one was murdered. It was gut-wrenching. This is personal to us.”
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COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Columbia Police announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the death of a missing University of South Carolina student.
Columbia Police say Nathaniel David Rowland DOB (1994) is charged with the murder and kidnapping of Samantha Josephson.
Columbia Police say the body of Samantha Josephson was found in a wooded area in Clarendon County by hunters. Which is about an hour and a half away from where Samantha disappeared, say Police.
Police say at 2:09am the suspect approached the victim while she was waiting for an Uber ride.
Police say they believe this was the case due to surveillance video.
Stay with ABC Columbia news for updates, this is a developing story.
Image courtesy Columbia Police Department
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COLUMBIA,SC (WOLO)- Missing USC student, Samantha Josephson, has died according to University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides.
Dear Carolina Family,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write these words this morning. Our prayers are with the family and friends of Samantha Josephson following the devastating news of her death. Times like these leave me searching for words of wisdom and comfort. However, I take solace that the Carolina Family is here to embrace those who are hurting.
As you make plans for the weekend, remember the tenets of Stand Up Carolina: look out for one another, be active bystanders. Travel in groups and stay together. If you have not already done so, download the RAVE Guardian safety app, set up your profile and learn how to use it.
It has been a difficult week for our extended Carolina family. The loss of a student is never easy but this has been a particularly painful few days as we have experienced loss on several of our campuses. As a family, let’s continue to pray for all the families experiencing heartache and grief this week.
Harris Pastides
Josephson’s father wrote a message in regards to his daughters death Saturday morning. “I will miss and love my baby girl for the rest of life. Samantha is no longer with us but she will not be for gotten.”
According to Columbia Police Josephson was last seen at 715 Harden Street between 1:30a.m. and 2:00a.m.
Investigators believe that shortly after 2:00 a.m., Josephson was seen getting into this newer model Chevy Impala along Harden Street.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
