Jason Chen is the Tennessee man convicted in the murder of 22-year-old Jasmine “Jazzy” Pace, whose disappearance and death became the focus of national media coverage and NBC’s Dateline episode The Pin at Apartment 210. At the time of Jasmine’s killing in November 2022, Chen was a young Chattanooga resident who had been involved in an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with Jasmine.
Chen lived at the Lofts at Tremont apartment complex in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Prosecutors later identified his residence, Apartment 210, as the primary crime scene in Jasmine Pace’s murder. Court testimony established that Chen and Jasmine had a turbulent relationship, and evidence introduced during trial suggested ongoing emotional conflict between them.
During the investigation, police also examined Chen’s behavior outside of his relationship with Jasmine. Former acquaintances and a previous roommate described changes in his demeanor over time. One former roommate told local media Chen had become manipulative and difficult to live with. While those descriptions were not central legal evidence in the trial itself, they added context to the public portrait that emerged as the case unfolded.
- “The Pin at Apartment 210”: Dateline Investigates Jasmine “Jazzy” Pace Homicide April 11 2026
- Who Was Jasmine “Jazzy” Pace & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Profile
Contents
Jason Chen’s Relationship With Jasmine Pace
Jason Chen and Jasmine Pace were romantically involved before her death, though testimony described the relationship as unstable. Prosecutors and defense attorneys both referenced conflict between the couple while presenting their competing versions of what happened inside Chen’s apartment.
The defense argued that Jasmine confronted Chen after seeing text messages on his phone involving other women. According to Chen’s attorneys, this confrontation escalated into violence inside the apartment. Defense lawyers used that claim to argue for voluntary manslaughter rather than first-degree murder.
Prosecutors, however, focused on what happened after the stabbing, arguing that Chen’s actions demonstrated awareness, concealment, and intent. They pointed to cleanup efforts, disposal of Jasmine’s body, and attempts to hide evidence as key factors supporting the murder charge.
Evidence Presented Against Jason Chen
Investigators gathered extensive forensic and digital evidence tying Jason Chen to Jasmine Pace’s killing.
Inside Chen’s Chattanooga apartment, police found blood evidence throughout the residence. BlueStar forensic testing revealed blood in multiple locations, including underneath carpeting. Prosecutors argued this showed both the violence of the attack and efforts to clean the scene afterward.
Jurors also saw surveillance footage showing Chen purchasing cleaning supplies after Jasmine disappeared. Investigators recovered Jasmine’s SIM card from Chen when he was arrested, although her cellphone itself was never found.
Another unusual piece of evidence came from Chen’s family home in Nolensville, Tennessee. Investigators testified they found sticky notes containing detailed observations about Jasmine’s childhood, personal history, and the timeline of her relationship with Chen. Prosecutors suggested the notes reflected fixation on Jasmine.
Cellphone data also became critical. Authorities used Chen’s digital records to locate the area near Suck Creek Road where Jasmine Pace’s body had been abandoned inside a suitcase.
Jason Chen’s Trial
Jason Chen stood trial in Hamilton County Criminal Court on charges including first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.
During proceedings, Chen’s legal team admitted he killed Jasmine Pace but disputed the level of criminal intent. Defense attorneys argued the stabbing happened during a heated confrontation and claimed Chen blacked out afterward.
Prosecutors rejected that explanation. They emphasized Jasmine suffered around 60 stab wounds, that her body was handcuffed and shackled, wrapped in trash bags, placed inside a suitcase, and left near the Tennessee River. They also highlighted evidence of cleanup inside Chen’s apartment.
The prosecution argued these actions showed deliberate conduct after the killing, supporting a conviction for first-degree murder rather than a lesser charge.
Conviction and Sentencing
Jason Chen was convicted of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence in connection with Jasmine Pace’s death.
The guilty verdict marked the end of a closely watched trial that included graphic forensic testimony, emotional statements from Jasmine’s family, and detailed evidence from investigators.
Under Tennessee law, a first-degree murder conviction carries severe sentencing consequences, including life imprisonment. Following his conviction, Chen faced long-term incarceration for the killing.
Where Is Jason Chen Now?
Jason Chen is currently in prison following his conviction in the murder of Jasmine Pace.
After being found guilty of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence, Chen remains in Tennessee’s correctional system serving his sentence. Public reporting following the verdict confirms he is incarcerated as a convicted murderer.
Before trial, Chen had been held at Silverdale Detention Center in Tennessee on a multimillion-dollar bond while awaiting court proceedings. Following conviction, his custody shifted from pretrial detention to imprisonment under state authority.
While appeals are possible in serious criminal cases, Jason Chen’s present status is that of a convicted inmate serving time for Jasmine Pace’s murder.
The Lasting Impact of the Case
Jason Chen’s name is now permanently linked to one of Chattanooga’s most disturbing homicide cases in recent years.
For Jasmine Pace’s family, however, the story remains centered on Jasmine rather than her killer. Their relentless search for answers helped drive the investigation forward during the critical days after she disappeared.
The conviction of Jason Chen delivered legal accountability, but the broader impact of the case continues to be felt through Jasmine’s loved ones, who have worked to ensure her life is remembered beyond the violence that ended it.