During the murder trial's opening statements on Monday in Chatanooga, Tennessee, Jason Chen's defense attorney Josh Weiss told the jury that his client "killed Jasmine Pace."
The Context
Chen is accused of stabbing Pace over 60 times, dismembering her and leaving the 22-year-old's body in a suitcase along the banks of the Tennessee River in November 2022. The two began dating in 2021 and rekindled their relationship the following year.
Chen is facing life in prison if convicted on the murder charge.
Who Is Jason Chen?
Chen was arrested on November 29, 2022, in connection with Pace's killing. He was a 22-year-old student at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga majoring in computer science at the time.
Weiss said Chen is a first-generation Chinese American immigrant.
What Was Jason Chen Charged With?
Chen is charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defense's opening statement argued that Chen should be found guilty on a lesser charge.
"He didn't do it with premeditation. This is a voluntary manslaughter case," Weiss said.
What Happened to Jasmine Pace?
Weiss began his opening statement by telling the jury that he has "no intention" to waste their "precious time."
He detailed the night of Pace's death, stating that the couple were at Chen's house when she heard a Tinder notification on his phone. Weiss said the two began verbally fighting when Pace saw Chen's messages to other women.
Weiss said that "Jasmine attacked Jason with an empty wine bottle." In reaction, Chen "kicked her and she fell backwards."
Pace then allegedly grabbed a wine glass and "chased after" Chen, according to Weiss, who added that Chen saw a knife and then "blacked out."
"He comes to laying over Jasmine's body," Weiss said.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said the evidence will convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Pace was intentionally killed and "premeditation was involved."
During Wamp's opening statement, she showed jurors the suitcase that Pace's body was found in.
"This is the suitcase in which Jason Chen stuffed the 98-pound body of Jasmine Pace," Wamp said.
Jury selection for the trial began on Wednesday. Jurors were selected in Nashville due to the attention the case has received in Chattanooga.
What People Are Saying
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp in her opening statement: "He stabbed her over, and over, and over again. Not seven times, not 29 times, not 43 times, but 60 stab wounds."
Jason Chen's defense attorney Josh Weiss in his opening statement: "Jason Chen is guilty, but he's not guilty of the crime he's charged with."
What Happens Next
The prosecution began calling witnesses after opening statements concluded. The first witness called to testify was Pace's mother, Catrina Bean.
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