A horrible tragedy has occurred after a woman accidentally got into a car that was not her Uber.
Columbia Police Department
Student Confirmed Dead After Getting Into Vehicle She Thought Was Her Uber
A Woman Gone Missing
Facebook | Seymour Josephson
Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old in Columbia, SC, went missing early Friday morning after leaving her friends in the popular downtown area of Five Points. The University of South Carolina student was soon found dead.
A Horrible Misunderstanding
WSPA 7 News
According to the investigation, Josephson mistakenly got into the black Chevy Impala owned by Nathaniel David Rowland thinking that he was the Uber that she ordered.
Josephson's body was located in a rural, wooded area in the nearby Clarendon County.
Unsplash | Imat Bagja Gumilar
Columbia Police Department Chief Skip Holbrook said the following at a local news conference,
"She had, in fact, summoned an Uber ride. She was waiting for that Uber ride to come, we believe. She simply mistakenly got into this car thinking it was an Uber ride."
WSPA 7 News
"Our hearts are broken, they're broken. There is nothing tougher than to stand before a family and explain how a loved one was murdered. It was gut-wrenching, words really can't describe what they're going through."
Incriminating Evidence
WSPA 7 News
Rowland was arrested hours later when they ID the vehicle that she was driving as the last one that Josephson entered.
He tried to escape on foot but was apprehended, and officers found blood, Josephson's phone, bleach, wet wipes, and germicide in the Impala.
Facebook | Seymour Josephson
The child safety locks in the car were also enabled, which could explain why Josephson couldn't escape.
Surveillance images show Josephson alone outside of the Bird Dog bar before getting into Rowland's car.
WSPA 7 News
Her actual Uber driver is seen arriving minutes later before canceling the ride since Josephson was unable to show up.
Josephson's family is heartbroken at their loss, with her father, Seymour, posting about the horrible incident on Facebook.
Facebook | Seymour Josephson
"I will miss and love my baby girl for the rest of life," he worte.
"Samantha is no longer with us but she will not be forgotten."
Facebook | Seymour Josephson
"It is extremely hard to write this and post it but I love her with all my heart.
"I could continue to write about her but it kills me. I sit here and cry while looking at the picture and write this."
Facebook | Seymour Josephson
Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with this family.
This tragedy is serving as a reminder to all Uber users to be extra careful when ordering their ride.
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