SC v. Nathaniel Rowland Trial Day 6 - Verdict, Impact Statements & Sentencing

[@untilicuagain]

This judge did an incredible job. So honorable and grounded. We need all judges to be like him!

[@debraolivier2147]

Yes. He was incredible.

[@leesher1845]

Agreed! ❤️

[@Mitch-zr4wb]

I was impressed with this judge

[@Cotafaye]

Amazing Judge!

[@juanitabaker7033]

He'So smirky when boyfriend was onStand

[@juliapintexas1845]

The most thoughtful and eloquent judge I have ever heard

[@jenniewatson2182]

Leniency isn't in my DNA. Best line ever!! Love this judge 👏👏👏👏

[@NG-cj4vx]

Yes👏🌟

[@babyofmyfamily]

Ikr, two years later and I am here feeling the same way. This Judge is amazing and hits these criminals with a NOPE NOT IN MY COURTROOM, in here my victims will get JUSTICE 💯!!+

[@aricharichie4976]

I was in tears hearing her father's victim impact. I can't imagine how a father would feel not being able to save his baby girl from being stabbed 120 times!!!! I am so grateful for the judge doing such an amazing job!

[@michswags]

😢😢

[@JackBelton-r6n]

I'm not her father N I feel bad for not being able to help her from being stabbed 120 times

[@dbird5074]

I love this judge! He didn’t reveal much of his personality or thoughts throughout the trial, as should be the case, but he let it out during sentencing. He speaks the blunt, unaltered truth from an ethical, moral mind and heart ❤️

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

yes and i bet BLM hates him !

[@sassykat2000]

@@richardsoutdoorworld5284 This had ZERO to do with politics or BLM, etc. FFS just stop. 🙄

[@valairewilliams9539]

Very well said....

[@milagrossantiago3395]

This juge is wonderful! He is no nonsense, fair minded and made sure the trial was conducted with dignity and justice. He is a real gentleman and a good jurist.I wish all judges were like him!!!

[@Versace71]

Agree 💯

[@yemx4683]

Indeed!

[@travisdacus]

Why the moma got up there and said that

[@Rosario19580]

Well said judge you told him how it was, as he has shown not one ounce of remorse.

[@jillboelman5743]

Omg!!! Right?!?! Then the way he schooled his mother!? Heck yeahhhhh! Woohoo 🙌🏻

[@julie53112]

Such a horrible way to die… he needs to get the ⚡️ 🪑 !!!

[@carolyn1346]

He didn't even shed a tear when his parents were speaking, didn't acknowledge their presence at all.

[@stephenfox8685]

Agreed. Say what you want about southerners, but they are harsh with justice.

[@jannathompson2262]

​@@stephenfox8685 Thank God..

[@renraff2569]

“For whomever asked me for leniency, yeah... that’s not in my DNA.” The Judge

[@letsgobrandon2722]

Evil as sin itself And the fact he can literally sit there and not shed a tear Wow

[@TrueStrategicEyes]

That judge made this tragedy satisfying in it's conclusion. Justice was served!

[@denisec5329]

I find myself in tears as I watch the long awaited conclusion of this horrific case. While it’s the finale for me as a faithful Law and crime observer, it’s most likely just the beginning for Samantha’s family. The start of a journey to heal and move forward as life waits for no one. I pray for God to bring peace and some level of resolute. It was equally heartbreaking to hear Nathaniels family speak especially Dad! Mom is in complete denial which is a bit understanding for me as a MOM. Long story short for everyone. When you realize your actions not only affect you but others around you, you refrain from making unnecessary mistakes. Sad day in SC.

[@doinglifemyway1755]

@Denise C and Tricia R What compassionate and thoughtful comments. This senseless event has devastated all directly related to both the victim and perpetrator. Not to mention extended family.

[@amercangrl6820]

This Judge is a Stand Up Man ! I’m thankful for him .

[@emmaobrien3377]

Fooking love this judge professional, fair, no-nonsense, excellent at flowing the trial and setting a brilliant standard. The compassion after the verdict, making sure the family was heard. An absolute credit to his profession, wow I hope to see him again. And please let us have more judges like himself🙏❤️

[@breanapadilla3661]

I wished I could get to his level of maturity, compassion, and justice. He has one of the best souls and heart of any person I have yet to see. He made me realize I am far too vengeful and harsh, which is why people like me should not be judges. I am a compassionate person, but no where near what I thought. Not sure if I can mature past that in this lifetime, I think my soul needs a lot longer. This judge is the epitome of what a judge should be.

[@reginalds5151]

@@who-knew1607 AMEN

[@vanessalowe3819]

Bury her?

[@sonyaavery-pl8ds]

fesgersrhrhg

[@iamHis888Heismine]

He was the judge in the Alex Murdaugh trial earlier this year. You should definitely watch it if you didn't see it live! Judge Newman is so good.

[@chrishunsaker85]

What a blessing to have this Judge preside over this case.

[@jillboelman5743]

Amen 🙏🏻!!

[@skibee420]

yeah, & the murdock trial

[@lynntanner5]

Best Judge I have ever seen.

[@pachiecakes8467]

I love and respect this judge so much! He’s the embodiment of justice!

[@Komediennekymd2009]

His delusional mother is outright disrespectful to Samantha's family. I can't stand mothers & family members like this!

[@ashleylang8738]

I feel like she may have some cognitive deficits. Maybe somewhere on the spectrum? Not giving her excuses but something just didn’t seem right with her.

[@lissalives1]

You’re right. He even managed to manipulate his own mother. I know she saw all the evidence.

[@RichardAddison]

She perhaps tried her very best but Nate may have deeply distressed and disappointed her. I think the problem is we all make mistakes some are much more terrible than others. I think we must learn to be more forgiving or we will weigh ourselves down more heavily and speedily into our own graves.

[@scooterfoust4361]

@@ashleylang8738 Her "cognitive deficit" looks like the result of not making it past 6th grade.

[@cw8931]

Ya same goes if you watch the Chris watts case.. his mother was a complete lunatic too

[@Rainy651]

Days like today are just sad... Rest in heaven Samantha xoxo

[@kellijanssen1171]

Wow I have never seen a Police Chief give a victim impact statement.

[@bethlouden971]

He's only been in Columbia MAYBE 2 years. He transferred there from my city in Huntington WV. He's a real stand up guy!

[@bethlouden971]

@Tony Stank Oh wow...geez my timeline was way off but yea that's about right I guess. Glad he's been good for your community.

[@surpriseimblack]

Their system is so different in South Carolina..

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Kudos to him

[@lmfao7558]

Me either.

[@lisapully9274]

1 hr and 7 mins. These jurors seen and heard all that they needed to. Great job jurors! Absolutely amazing! The first time I have seen an officer stand up, who isn't family, to give an impact statement. Thank you sir 💙

[@littleshell2748]

I truly agree with you ☺️

[@stephfunwithlipstick5077]

This judge was ruthless and courageous. He deserves a medal for his rulings and strong words. He listened to every second of this case and knew the jury was RIGHT to convict him. A monster a man of NO remorse was this defendant. He deserves more than what this jury was able to give him. Also big props to this chief of police to give an impact statement for the family. Bless the josephson family and I hope you find your way to happiness again, now that this monster is gone away forever. Death would have been to easy for him.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

Very well stated! I absolutely agree. This is the type of Judge every town needs. Such a terrible thing that this worm did. Ruined so many lives, and for what? $35 bucks? Completely absurd. He could've taken that $ and let her go if he was so desperate for money. But I feel like he was prowling for a victim to r@pe and Sammi fought him hard and he couldn't do it. That was a major victory for her, even in death. He didn't get to victimize her in that way. She led everyone straight to her killer and she's at peace now that justice has been served.

[@djjackson155]

I agree with you

[@gentleeyes5555]

@@kristenjustkristen9462 I think the defendant was prowling for a victim long before Samantha. His ex girlfriend, Maria, said he would usually take off during the wee hours prior to that night. Who knows what he was doing during those hours he was gone.

[@NG-cj4vx]

This Judge⭐ one of the best I've seen.

[@patriciastark1951]

No it would have solved a problem. He didn’t let her live .. neither should he

[@shirleyaprile4838]

The statement by the Judge was powerful.

[@florentinamcleod4159]

The mom is delusional

[@sharron74]

I only hope his mom finally comes to terms that her son committed this horrific crime. If he's so innocent why didn't the defense put on a case showing so? They did not so he cannot blame the State for anything he claims they didn't do. I hope he's tormented for the rest of his days with this. The Jury got it right as did the Judge with his statement. It's sad that his dad showed more remorse than he ever will.

[@scorp6996]

It's sad to hear a parent talk like their son is still a good child, judge said it well "He WAS a good child"

[@sharonb9199]

@@florentinamcleod4159 another Cindy Watts unfortunately

[@scorp6996]

@@quadetronzz 54:59 the judge talks to the defendant.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

Judge is the absolute best of the best. A no nonsense type that I WISH my town had. He was not hearing any bs, and he said just what needed to be said!!

[@TWDFAN-ot5zp]

I would be so proud to be a part of his family. I never had a dad, he would have been an awesome gift as a father. 💞

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

@@TWDFAN-ot5zp I agree! When he spoke about his own children, you could just tell how much he loves and cares about them. I'm so very sorry you grew up without a father. I know that's a pain that hurts a ton. Sending you positive vibes and hugs!❤💘

[@lisahawkins9187]

Yes Judge....Speak!!!

[@skibee420]

@@TWDFAN-ot5zp one of his daughters is helping him w/the murdock trial

[@rmoberley]

The most honest, well spoken, wise judge I have ever seen in my life. And I worked corrections

[@alexisr5199]

I thank you Judge for your words of wisdom. They were needed so no one can get the facts of this case twisted. RIP sweet child of God.

[@Tiffiniecompton]

This Judge is awesome throughout whole trial. Rest in Peace Samantha. I will be keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers 🙏

[@diamondnavarro2899]

Look at his labored breathing. Everything is starting to sink in. Such a tragedy for both families. His mother needs to come to terms with the crime her son committed.

[@rmoberley]

It's still heartbreaking to any mom

[@missmable2470]

When coddling goes wrong!!!!

[@epoulos108]

Word.

[@epoulos108]

Yeh, mother’s need to watch that coddling crap. Raise men!

[@sarac1118]

I was watching the same labored breathing thinking….he seems bored and annoyed with the process.

[@mworth1057]

I hope and pray Sammys family can heal thats what she would want for them !!

[@tinamarie1948]

Omgg! yesss💔❤

[@annlouise9652]

Judge shut that my son is innocent crap down 🙌🏼 RIP Samantha justice served today mama 💖

[@tyrarenae3486]

Amen to that!!

[@milagrossantiago3395]

This is the kind of judge that should be on the Supreme Court!

[@NG-cj4vx]

Yes

[@swankfrank5182]

Absolutely!! Love this Judge’s discernment. I sent him an email of gratitude and admiration and hope all young men get to hear his message!

[@yemx4683]

💯

[@aidamarski8726]

The most honest and best charge to ever hand down the sentence. Should be in the supreme court

[@hopecrochet687]

Agree!

[@novjmlegislation4387]

At around 42 minutes in his attorney says something like "he was working towards opening his own business prior to getting arrested." Um...He didn't just get arrested. He MURDERED SOMEONE. He could have started his business but his own actions prevented that goal from coming true.

[@cgclegalconsultingllc2485]

The "business " to fake UBER and kidnapped to kill woman? What "business"" ATM hack? Why he did not work. A Real Work. That defense lawyer was not effective because the client was directing her work. The client cannot be in charge on he's defense.

[@Tommale79Uhnsk]

@@cgclegalconsultingllc2485 yes his attorney unfortunately put on a poor defense.

[@epoulos108]

Based on the testimony from his ex’s, he’s a user. She has to buy the gas and another one bought him a phone?? I hope Maria Howard finds a good man. She’s hardworking, smart, and did a great job on the stand.

[@geoffpoole483]

@@cgclegalconsultingllc2485 The business was probably selling stuff on Ebay. The only question that remains unanswered is "why"? What was his motive? In most trials a motive exists, e.g. Joel Guy Jr.

[@Kay-fv7cw]

@Tricia R. He did this before? Someone else commented that they believe he killed her after the ATM when she gave him the wrong pin#.

[@LadyLibra-kp8ox]

This judge is top notch! You don’t want him if you’re a bad doer.

[@kismutt1]

I love this Judge. He is the kind of man you would want as your father.

[@ChrisAnderson1986]

For me he's the devil in human shades too bad your too weak to see behind the curtains.

[@cornelllashley9236]

Agreed

[@bellaellena2989]

This defendants games are over. His family needs to face those facts. There is a reason why he didn't complete college. A reason he list his job. The judges reaction to a girlfriend in his car was priceless. The judge put the mother in her place..a great judge..

[@april-spring]

I felt so sorry for his (Rowlands) father. I think that he has had the feeling that his son has done it from the start. The mother was adamant about his innocence, but the father repeated that he doesn't understand what happened (that his son became this monster). Poor father. Even the first TV- interview where he cried I had sympathy for him. I believe he is a kind old man and doesn't understand what went wrong with his son.

[@einzelganger1049]

Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

[@ESBEAUTII]

@@einzelganger1049 wtf are you talking about? What parent would want to believe their child did this?

[@april-spring]

@@einzelganger1049 ??? Neither of his parents have been charged with murder, so that proverb doesn't apply to this.

[@einzelganger1049]

@@april-spring He should have been charged with a hate crime.

[@april-spring]

@@einzelganger1049 why?

[@lanchparty]

I realize how terrible this is for Rowland's family, but they have to come to terms with the fact their son committed this terrible crime. That doesn't mean their love for him changes, but he is a cold-blooded killer. Sad for everyone.

[@xaviersmith4965]

Sadly God only knows how many women that man has killed in his lifetime the parents need to face the facts that their son is indeed a serial killer.

[@christinadobbs6877]

@@xaviersmith4965 , yes, was thinking the same thing. Said in the trial, her body would possibly never had been found, if it wasn't for some wild turkey hunters AND the video of her getting in his car.

[@nasty212able]

Most definitely just like the judge said he may have been a good child but not now he's a cold blooded murderer he needed that death penalty. Praying for her family and friends 💔🌹

[@sheri226]

@Tricia R. They sat through this trial so they HAVE to know deep down inside that he's guilty, they just can't say it out loud.

[@Kay-fv7cw]

His mother sounds like Chris Watts' mother. With all that evidence, how can she or him say he's innocent?!

[@holylandfan3275]

That Judge may be my favorite of all time! He shut the mom & defense down each time. I doubt if demon will ever tell them the truth, but she HAS to know, he REALLY did do it. 💯

[@luciakoenig6422]

May she rest in peace! God bless her family!! So sad!!

[@abrinker79]

It's going to eat him up inside knowing he let his family down he knows he's innocent even Stevie Wonder can see it...it's just so sad to hurt his family like that

[@holylandfan3275]

@@abrinker79 I don't think it will ever bother him one bit. Look at what he's capable of. You have to have compassion and a conscience for that, and he has neither. He knows how upsetting it is for his family, especially the dad, and could have admitted guilt many times. I might understand him not wanting to admit it before the trial just in case there was a slight chance he could get off, but since he was already sentenced, the perfect time to admit it was right there and then. His dad made me so sad. It looks like a brother with them that seems pretty quiet. I guarantee, he knows it's true.

[@andrewpants3958]

His mother does not care if he did it.

[@AmyJ739]

Her poor family enduring this trial heartbreaking 💔😢

[@Andallthatja_5]

I'm so incredibly sorry for the loss of the Josephson family. What a senseless crime...like, why when anyone do this to another living soul?! Grateful for justice being served.

[@geoffpoole483]

There's usually a motive in a murder trial- for some reason the defendant feels they have been "wronged" by the victim. I guess the only person who knows why he committed the crime is Rowland himself.

[@andrewpants3958]

We live in a violent country where murder is common nowadays; really brutal ones like this too. Its sickening and scary.

[@kellijanssen1171]

Thank you LLC for bringing this entire trial to us. Justice was served.

[@rullmourn1142]

Do you mean LCN.

[@kellijanssen1171]

@@rullmourn1142 yes, my bad.

[@moniquesmith3299]

The judge clearly loves his state, city, and citizens and this case pains him deeply.

[@kallistersmith3535]

That's a pretty fine man, the judge. We could sure use more like him.

[@florentinamcleod4159]

So true

[@dariahughes5564]

Defense lawyer ""PLEASE GIVE HIM 30 YEARS" "HE'S ONLY 27, HE'LL BE WELL INTO HIS 70S WHEN HE GETS OUT"" *THIS WOMAN IS A LAWYER AND CAN'T DO SIMPLE MATH* ??

[@NicoleKe]

Yeah, I said the same. Even ask Siri 27+30 to be sure I wasn’t losing it. She’s either not great with math on the fly or she was always factoring in the kidnapping and weapons charge.

[@LCx829]

I thought she said 10 years and I was like wtf? Lol

[@nasty212able]

🤣🤣🤣 yes that was stupid

[@corinnesulo2536]

Yeah she's as stupid as she looks Pulling an attitude at the judge because he was not interested in her stupid statement of innocence/ non appearance of his stand by my monster boyfriend 🤮

[@babygirlbowman5372]

I thought she was doing that new math, lol

[@feurigerStern]

The sad thing is that this worm couldn't care less about the impact statements.

[@nasty212able]

He showed no remorse because he only spoke about his defense team not doing a good job and stated once again he didn't do it. The judge was awesome in the sentencing.

[@skibeesmith5952]

@@nasty212able ..the coppers, not his defense

[@maxxypad8097]

Don't call him a worm

[@deb8105]

@@maxxypad8097 I second this, the poor worms don’t deserve being compared to that evil stain on humanity.

[@nasty212able]

Rip Samantha Josephson justice was served. I pray that her family gets some kind of relief,heal and move forward. God bless🌹

[@sunshinem.8216]

Great Judge! My upper and most Respect for Him!

[@stizo3066]

There is no ‘truly good mother’everyone does their best and hope for the best

[@epoulos108]

Dang, the whole family is in denial. Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

[@kimbermichelle3922]

@Valentina Joy you got that right!

[@FeliciaQueen17]

There are many good mother's. I am one of them.

[@Silenced23]

If I was this guy and I felt I was innocent, I'd be bawling my eyes out, snot and everything. People that show absolutely no emotion like this man, is kinda a red flag.

[@kimzeiger8350]

Any decent person would tear up.

[@rachela4071]

🙄🙄🙄

[@moirapatience8781]

You are South African!! I know that word - snot. Hi homie.

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

Yeah, just a wee bit 😂

[@yellowsubmarine3725]

not the snot nose 😂🙆🏾

[@Das-uo9bl]

This is the same judge who presided over Alex Murdaugh's murder trial. He is the bomb.

[@laradesautel3013]

Boy do I wish I heard judges speak this way to anyone trying to claim innocence after conviction because I’ve heard the most callous statements made that are cruel to the victim while judges just sit and allow it. Bravo, sir!

[@IRLLondonGirl]

Samantha's family and boyfriend's impact statement made me bawl like a baby. Their pain is so visceral. I hope they are on the way to finding peace. Thank you to Judge Newman, the State and the Jury for their outstanding work.

[@PelleWater]

Most honorable, fair and impartial judge I’ve ever witnessed! He was truly awesome in handling this case!!! What all judges should aspire to be !!! Thank you for handling this case so eloquently! I pray that this young ladies family finds peace until they are all reunited in heaven.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@kellijanssen1171]

Her family did a great job. It broke my heart hearing their pain.

[@tabitharay3076]

Yes! When her dad said he had guilt over telling her not to worry about coming home for the Rutgers visit because of a partial scholarship / money instantly brought tears to my eyes.

[@babyofmyfamily]

Exactly, I'm balling my eyes out, especially the father's statement 😢!!!

[@AmyJ81]

I love that the jury got to stay for the VIS and everything the judge had to say. To me, it's the final closure of everything they had to bear witness to during the trial, and their final verdict.

[@xaviersmith4965]

I want to know how many women that man has killed because this was not his first time killing a woman.

[@marjorieswofford1187]

Oh my gosh this judge has blown me away! He has renewed my faith in the judicial system and that true justice does exist. Words cannot express the utmost respect I have for you. Thank you for showing everyone what justice looks like. God bless you!

[@ChrisAnderson1986]

This judge was one of the most disrespectful judges i have ever witnessed towards every victim against same kind of crimes, and their families. Caring and feeling more for the defendant that anyone else.

[@Decgyrrl]

Nathaniel Rowland's mother, made me somewhat angry. I know that she wanted to stand by her son, but her boy is as guilty as sin & she could've apologized to that young woman's family. At least his father, had the decency to offer his apologies to the Josephsons, and he had a stroke, which left him with an impairment.

[@redstar1959]

I agree, very disrespectful, she could have apologized to the Josephson’s family. RIP angel 🙏🙏

[@jessicacooper1612]

Reminds me of Chris Watts mother.

[@johnjacobo]

His dad is also in denial , but yeah she’s a horrible mom

[@missadams4619]

My prayers go out for this poor family. May God be with you and comfort you. You will be in my daily prayers ❣️🙏🏻 Rip Sammi Rest in Gods peace

[@denisepelaccia3932]

The boyfriend broke my heart. What a stand-up man. Well done to that Judge and the Josephson’s Attorney! They were incredible.

[@dthappy12]

What an amazing judge and human being...i love when they address the dependant and make them squirm instead of just walking away... and the fact that this man couldn't even say I'm sorry for the family sickens me and really says it all.

[@shannonmccarthy3461]

This judge is truly nothing short of incredible the way he stood up for Sammi was amazing and we need more judges like him 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lonewolf5238]

Some of the jurors were really strong in their affirmations during polling. Almost angry.

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

I am completely amazed and impressed by this judge's clear commitment to justice, together with his eloquence and humanity in addressing everyone involved. He makes an unapologetic but humane contact with the defendant, being willing to attempt to establish an understanding with him (which may or may not have any effect) about the evil he has perpetrated on others. In view of disturbing recent nationwide and highly politicized events with regards to addressing certain individuals with criminal behavior, it is certainly comforting to see the actions of this court. God bless this court.

[@deannawiederhold333]

I'm a mother of 3 children and I know how I raised my children But I don't know how I would feel if my Child was found guilty of murder. But if the evidence was overwhelming I would have to say that I would want Justice to be served.

[@kittkattkiddy]

His mother is delusional to think that she would JUST know if he did it. It's things I've done I'm sure my mother would HAVE NO IDEA and she wouldn't defend me if I've did something this heinous. SMH

[@ScaryMary-7]

The dad’s statement is so heartbreaking! He is such a loving great man. Like his wife and daughter broken! Heartbreaking statements. We are living in a lost society. How can we recover and love each other ? Too many of same type of murders

[@Cecesway]

His statement was basically that he wished the state would have tried to make a case against someone other than him??? I’ve never seen such a strong case by the state before. But how does he go from never getting in trouble to this horrible crime!!!

[@ChrisAnderson1986]

What about like 30 years ago Case: OJ Simpson you simp :*

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Means he's never been Caught before

[@jenniferwaddell552]

Hands 🙌 down for the BEST speech giving at a sentencing. Thank you 🙏 Judge! Awesome! Prayers for Samantha family may God walk w/ ya throu life & always be in ur heart ♥️.

[@Christy1126]

His girlfriend supports and stand behind him but “no, she’s not here today.” LMAO Also, I love this judge.

[@DOLfirst]

She's hiding...because she lied on the stand ...EDIT: I thought this comment was in reference to the "girlfriend" who testified on the stand. Who I suspected was absolutely involved in this crime. I was not aware he was a playah and I bet the one who testified did it out of vengeance because she found out he was out playing the field. I did not watch this video in total. For those calling me "stupid" ...there is your explanation. I watched the ENTIRE trial, I just am not interested in victim impact statements.

[@Christy1126]

@@DOLfirst His current girlfriend is NOT the one that testified. Did you even watch the sentencing?

[@DOLfirst]

@@Christy1126 didn't watch the sentencing, just the trial and verdict. Didn't know he had a different girlfriend. Thanks

[@NG-cj4vx]

This Judge is doing a great job!

[@NG-cj4vx]

@@DOLfirst Not the same girlfriend

[@texasgirl2228]

Samantha's Dad broke my heart, I could feel his pain. Fly high sweet angel.

[@ruthettinger1692]

His mother is in denial!!

[@jackiemoore791]

My prayers for his family I'm sure it's devastating to them but he still deserves the maximum punishment

[@nicolemitchell528]

Both parents are in denial

[@kimberlypear1377]

Yes she’s in denial

[@ReinerIsDaddy]

@@nicolemitchell528 nah the father knows deep down - You can tell. The mother is a mental case for genuinely believing in his innocence tho

[@holylandfan3275]

Well done State of SC for... Mindin’ his Business! 👏👏👏

[@jfer6973]

Well done Judge...

[@joe_DWilson]

Even Rowland's mom didn't have the decency to come out and apologize to the victim's family. You can tell where he gets his bad genes from. Then the defence lawyer comes out and shows no remorse either by asking the murderers mom to be shown the same respect as the victims family to address the court, by proclaiming his innocence! Unbelievable.

[@chende62]

My heart just broke listening to the dad speak! 😢😢

[@breannachaney8386]

Me too, crying over here. 😢

[@connieheitz8982]

👏👏👏👏I am glad the judge wouldn't allow those to go on about his innocence. And it didn't take long for the jury to deliberate. Every speck of evidence led to him. How he can still claim innocence is beyond me. I also seen those glairs he made throughout the trial.

[@lindaoheff9169]

I was expecting the judge to say”well what’s your theory exactly?? Ya didn’t take the stand or call witnesses “ ha

[@michaelacaleb7919]

I feel so horrible for her family, like I can’t even imagine how traumatized they are knowing they lost their loved one to such violence. It’s something you never recover from. I really empathize with them. 💔💔💔

[@scorp6996]

I mean the defense lawyer couldn't of screwed up any more even if I wanted her too...closing statement was ridicules and then trying to strong arm her way with victim statements telling the post jury's decision was wrong because the family thinks his inoccence? LMFAO That man got everything he deserved and thankyou judge for coming through with some old school Father talk. I pray for Samantha's family and loved ones may God show you some peace, somehow, some way and someday soon.

[@Silenced23]

I always think about how some defense lawyers can defend someone with overwhelming evidence. When the lawyer knows in their heart they're guilty, I think they just throw hail mary strategies and hope something sticks.

[@twinky511]

The defense lawyer did her job. That is what she's suppose to do IDIOTS!

[@Ejan48]

An honest and well spoken judge who can see the truth thru the monster. My heart goes out to the family Josephson

[@shawnmaguire1491]

Amazing trial. I couldn't have any more respect for him and the time he took to speak with the dependent at sentencing.

[@shelliea4621]

This judge was amazing! Intelligent, respectful, fair & assertive! Love him!

[@ChrisAnderson1986]

This judge was one of the most disrespectful judges i have ever witnessed towards every victim against same kind of crimes, and their families. Caring and feeling more for the defendant than anyone else.

[@shawnmaguire1491]

I don't know how her parents sat thru ALL of that to include HIS side of impact statements. I LITERALLY would have been planning my ROUTE to his table .... to 'serve him some justice' before he left the room for his jail cell.

[@NicoleKe]

You literally would have been stopped too. Here’s the thing, I skipped through his mom’s statement because I believe she knows but just couldn’t bring yourself to say so. I listened to the dad like the judge did, ONLY because he has suffered a stroke. Both sides get an opportunity to speak. I didn’t like the way the judge spoke to his attorney. She couldn’t even look at him after that. I bet she cried in the bathroom.

[@lilbitsleepy2574]

Those victim impact statements were gutting. I can only pray for this family to have the strength to carry on for each other and that Samantha RIP now justice has been served.

[@brassy49er37]

I think sentence for murderers should include ZERO count with his family and friends. No phone calls, no letters, no internet, no packages, NOTHING! Just like the family left behind will never see their loved one again.

[@Lollita23]

Yes!!!

[@HealingEraWithTricia]

Man this is so true. It's unfair. Totally agree they shouldn't have contacted with loved ones

[@sheilapeterson3999]

The judge was wonderful

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

Good night Irene that father is heartbreaking but no sir, you're not "going through the same thing" as Sammi's family is. They LOST their child to a horrible, violent murder. YOUR son is alive and well sitting all smug in his stupid pink shirt.

[@sarahmorley1031]

Absolutely, I thought that was very insensitive

[@epoulos108]

I bet his mother bought him those shirts.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

@@epoulos108 That's a bet I'm willing to make also. That mother is just as blind as the father.. You can love your son and know he's guilty. There's no shame in that. But these two are delusional.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

@@sarahmorley1031 Agree! Absolutely insensitive to say the least. I was so proud the judge shut the mother and defense attorney down fast. He let the father say the same things they did about his son being innocent an all bc he had compassion for his physical appearance and handicap. It's a shame Nathaniel couldn't show Sammi the same compassion. Glad the judge gave him life. It's what he deserves!

[@ScaryMary-7]

I am a mom of a young university student . The mom’s tribute to her daughter Sammy and her horrific death. We can’t imagine. My love goes out to her mom, dad and family ! Ugh heartbreaking

[@Shaykre19]

Love this Judge!!👨🏾‍⚖️

[@Sara-fu1hb]

He was great. Every thing he said was spot on.

[@alexjofdeci]

Justice has been served today! Rest in pieace suite Samantha! We will never forget you!

[@quadetronzz]

1:08:30 that cop was boiling with rage standing behind that monster. Who wouldn’t be?!!

[@Luminark1]

The defense attorney can’t even look the judge in the eye as she delivers this rubbish. How she pulls the words out amazes me.

[@shelleyannkopecky1975]

I felt embarrased and disgusted for her.

[@berniemoses8324]

She has a job to do which is to defend. The reason she stumbled and couldn’t look the judge in the eye is because deep down she knows the defendant is a lying evil monster and must have been extremely hard to defend such evil.

[@sarafreeman5073]

The defense attorney was appointed to defend this murderer. Attorney's are bound by law to defend whoever they represent. Even though they may believe them guilty. Also the better you as an attorney try and defend a client. The more likely if they are found guilty it is harder for ths case to be appealed. A lot of cases are over turned because the higher courts finds the defendant didn't have adequate counsel of defense. I think the defense attorney's did a good job with all the evidence plainly pointing at him. That when an appeal is applied for, it will be rejected. Because he had adequate counsel!

[@kabbystevens5167]

Love this judge….love that he shut down the liars and delusional speech.

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

My son is innocent because I know my child, just ignored the mountain of evidence.

[@sonquatsch8585]

love your profile name.

[@alybrekhus7182]

Thank you judge for standing with the ruling. Justice has been served, finally. RIP Samantha 💜

[@nikkinik11]

What an amazing judge, wow. Thank you sir 🤍 praying for Samantha’s family and friends.

[@projectionv.accountability1010]

I was so annoyed with this judge for looking so annoyed at everything. Now I get it. Much appreciation for his heart & soul.

[@cindy_lou_loves_to_stitch]

Amazing judge!! I hope the victims family and all of those that loved her, will find peace. God bless the judge and both families.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

Agree 100%!

[@mindblueyez671]

Beautifully said! My heart feels the same.

[@TruCrimeQueen]

“A depraved heart” every word this judge said was spot on. Monster and the family that backs him, delusional! Very sad that a young woman had to lose her life, in order for these words to be said.

[@MsTrendy143]

God bless this judge for being blunt and direct. 🙏🏼

[@ChrisAnderson1986]

I have never experienced a worse judge only in the movies.

[@emmaobrien3377]

Loved it when the judge mentioned what is it the same gf” no your honer, then he said oh is she here today? No your honer!

[@niesta8843]

Honor*

[@jonnieinbangkok]

27 years old + 30 year sentence = over 70 years old...good thing this defense babe went to law school and not engineering college.

[@angeleyes3386]

I understand. I’m a mother and I raise my son right (the best I can) but I also know my son. I know when he lies, I know when he tries to push boundaries, etc. Doesn’t make him a bad child but I know him. If my son did something like this, I would WANT to believe his innocence but with overwhelming evidence like this I would HAVE to concede that my son made a horrible mistake in his life and will be held accountable for it. I would love him from behind bars for the rest of my life.

[@IzzyMariel]

The defense attorney can’t even look the judge in the eye

[@sirtedricwalker2979]

I noticed that too!

[@dantieblackbfly5443]

It's SO horrible what he's putting his parents through. His parents are blinded by love😢

[@elizashoe2612]

Her mothers impact statement brought me to tears I myself have 4 children and could not imagine the pain. 😢😢😢 I pray for this family to find peace.