SC Court of Appeals Upholds Nathaniel Rowland’s Convictions for Murder and Kidnapping
August 21, 2024
On Aug. 21, 2024, the South Carolina Court of Appeals upheld Nathaniel D. Rowland’s convictions for murder, kidnapping, and possession of a weapon in the killing of 21-year-old University of South Carolina senior Samantha Josephson. Rowland’s appeal challenged the trial court’s decisions on three points:
- Denying his motion to suppress evidence obtained from a traffic stop, arguing there was no probable cause or reasonable suspicion to detain him.
- Allowing expert testimony that it was “probable” the handwriting on an envelope found in the car matched his personnel records.
- Admitting portions of expert testimony linking Rowland to DNA profiles found on the murder weapon, paper towels, and pants.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decisions, finding:
- Columbia Police Officer Jeffrey Kraft had reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, justifying the trial court’s denial of Rowland’s motion to suppress.
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Agent John Jamieson’s handwriting analysis was relevant and reliable under Rule 702 of the South Carolina Rules of Evidence (SCRE), as the envelope helped connect Rowland to the crime scene.
- SLED Agent Ryan DeWane’s DNA analysis was admissible under Rules 702 and 403 of the SCRE, as it provided additional crucial evidence linking Rowland to the crime.
“The Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office is grateful for the Court of Appeals’ decision to affirm these convictions. The Court’s unanimous opinion is another step in pursuing justice for the Josephson family,” noted Deputy Solicitor Daniel Goldberg.
“The Nathaniel Rowland case was one of the most horrific trials I have experienced in my tenure as the Fifth Circuit Solicitor. I am pleased that the South Carolina Court of Appeals upheld the verdict handed down by a Richland County jury in July 2021. Although the Court’s decision cannot bring Samantha back to us, I hope that, in time, it will bring peace and closure to the Josephson family,” shared Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Byron E. Gipson.