Video May Show Student's Fatal Uber Mistake

Samantha Josephson got into wrong car, was later found murdered
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 1, 2019 9:39 AM CDT

It happens so matter-of-factly. Surveillance video appears to show University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson mistakenly getting into a car she thought was her Uber, reports USA Today. It wasn't an Uber car, however, and the 21-year-old was later found murdered. Police say her killer was the man driving the Chevy Impala she mistakenly entered about 2am Friday in an entertainment district of Columbia. In the video, Josephson is seen talking on her phone—perhaps arranging her ride—and then getting into the back seat of a car that pulls up.

As part of its response to the killing, the university has warned students to "exercise best practices" when using ride-sharing services. "Look for clearly marked vehicles that match the description and license plate number in your app and always ask the driver who he or she is there to pick up before opening the door," says the school advisory. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Nathaniel Rowland is being held on murder and kidnapping charges. Police say he engaged the child-safety door locks, meaning Josephson would not have been able to open the doors when she realized the mistake. (More murder stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X