Bizarre Facebook Post Led Detectives to a Shocking Discovery: The Murder of Jasmine Pace

In a gripping tale of mystery and tragedy, the story of Jasmine Pace unfolds—a 22-year-old community college student whose life took an unimaginable turn just before Thanksgiving 2022. Jasmine was last seen leaving her mother's home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 22, only to vanish without a trace. As concerns grew, her family quickly shifted from hope to desperation when they uncovered a shocking deception involving her whereabouts and the people she had associated with prior to her disappearance.

The Disappearance

Jasmine had informed her mother, Katrina Pace, that she would be spending the holiday week with friends, including an acquaintance named Jason Chen, whom she met on the dating app Bumble. Initially, Jasmine’s absence didn't raise alarm bells; her family understood she was grieving the loss of her grandmother to cancer and sometimes needed solitude. However, everything changed when a Facebook post appeared, purportedly from Jasmine, showcasing a photo that contradicted her well-known tattoos, raising suspicions of foul play.

After receiving concerning messages supposedly from Jasmine that suggested she wished to be left alone, her family initiated searches and utilized Jasmine’s Chevy Equinox GPS to locate her vehicle. The car was found parked outside the Signal View Condominiums. By this time, it had been several days since anyone had spoken to Jasmine directly.

The Investigation Begins

As Jasmine’s family delved deeper into the mystery, police responded to their calls but initially dismissed their concerns, as Jasmine was an adult with the freedom to choose her whereabouts. Determined, Katrina and Travis Pace began investigating independently, even knocking on doors at the condominium complex where Jasmine was last seen. They discovered surveillance footage that revealed the timeline of Jasmine’s last movements, leading them directly to Jason Chen's apartment.

When they entered Jason’s unit, they found Jasmine’s personal belongings, including her credit cards, which only further compounded their distress. Shortly after, Chattanooga police returned to the apartment, where they noted suspicious signs of a violent struggle, including visible blood stains and a knife. Two pairs of sneakers and a set of bloody towels were also discovered in the dumpster outside the complex, intensifying the fears that Jasmine had met with foul play.

Unraveling the Truth

The investigation quickly escalated as detectives uncovered a timeline of movements indicating that Jason had tried to cover his tracks following Jasmine's disappearance. Evidence revealed that he had gone shopping for cleaning supplies the next day and had utilized Jasmine’s phone to access her social media accounts and banking information.

On December 1, investigators discovered Jasmine’s body in a suitcase in a riverbank. Autopsy results revealed she had been stabbed over 60 times, underscoring the brutality of her murder. The investigation shifted into a homicide case, with Jason Chen becoming the primary suspect.

The Trial of Jason Chen

The trial commenced in January 2025, revealing horrifying details of Jasmine's last moments. Initially, Jason's defense argued that he acted in a fit of passion, claiming he was provoked after Jasmine allegedly confronted him about notifications from a dating app. However, this defense unraveled under scrutiny as evidence overwhelmingly pointed to premeditation—particularly the gruesome nature of the attack.

Witness accounts from neighbors suggested they heard screams and sounds of struggle on the night of Jasmine's murder. The prosecution built a strong case against Jason, supported by forensic evidence linking him to the scene. They demonstrated that Jason had more than enough time to leave the scene of the crime and arrange for the disposal of Jasmine’s remains.

During the trial, Jason did not take the stand to defend himself. In a shocking turn, his own attorney acknowledged Jason’s guilt in opening statements, arguing instead for a charge of manslaughter rather than first-degree murder, emphasizing a lack of premeditation. However, the evidence presented and Jasmine’s family’s anguish resonated deeply with the jury.

Ultimately, the jury found Jason Chen guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Aftermath

The tragic loss of Jasmine Pace rippled through her family and community, as her loved ones remembered her as a devoted aunt and a fiercely loyal friend. Jasmine was noted for her compassion and intelligence, her absence leaving a void in the lives of those who cherished her.

Following the trial, the Pace family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jason's parents, accusing them of enabling their son during the investigation. While they fought for justice, the family also faced personal struggles, navigating their grief in the wake of such a violent loss.

Jasmine’s case stands as a solemn reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly normal lives and the urgent need for awareness about domestic violence and the struggles faced by young individuals. The response from both the justice system and the community at large underscores a call to action for vigilance and support toward those who may find themselves in dangerous situations.

The story of Jasmine Pace is not just a case of tragedy; it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of familial bonds, the challenges of modern relationships, and the quest for justice in the face of unthinkable loss.