Murder of Samantha Josephson

Samantha Josephson, a student at University of South Carolina, in Columbia, South Carolina, was murdered on March 29, 2019. Josephson, 21, had ordered an Uber rideshare car, and mistakenly entered a car that she thought was her ride. A local man, Nathaniel Rowland, the driver of the car, used childproof locks to prevent Josephson from leaving the vehicle, then kidnapped and murdered her. He left her body near New Zion, South Carolina – 65 miles (105 km) from Columbia, where she had entered his car.

Rowland was arrested the next day, and charged with kidnapping and murdering Josephson. A trial began on July 20, 2021. On July 27, the jury found Rowland guilty of Josephson's kidnapping and murder and the judge sentenced him to life in prison.

The killing attracted national attention and led to discussion about the dangers of ridesharing and the importance of ensuring that a rideshare car is being driven by a registered driver prior to entering. The murder led to the passage of Sami's Law in New Jersey, which enhances protections for drivers and passengers using rideshare services. Legislation of the same name at the federal level was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5, 2023.

Victim

Samantha Lee Josephson was born in Princeton, New Jersey, and grew up in Robbinsville, New Jersey. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she majored in political science. Josephson, who was a senior in college at the time of her death, planned on graduating in 2019, and attending Drexel University School of Law. She earned a full scholarship to Drexel University, as well as a partial scholarship to Rutgers and aspired to practice international law.