Samantha Josephson was a student at the University of Carolina. Photo / Facebook
Samantha Josephson was a student at the University of Carolina. Photo / Facebook
The mother of a US university student who was killed after she got into a car she mistook as her Uber ride has pleaded with a judge to keep the man charged in her daughter's death in jail.
Nathaniel D Rowland, 25, was arrested over the weekend in connection with the death of Samantha Josephson, who was reported missing on Friday afternoon after she failed to return home after a night out with friends.
Samantha Josephson, 21, was confirmed dead after disappearing in Columbia. Photo / Supplied
Josephson's body was discovered in a wooded area about 100 kilometres from Columbia where she was last seen by two hunters on Friday afternoon.
"I implore the court to deny bail or the posting of a bond. He should never be given the right to walk free again for what he did to my daughter, or given the opportunity to hurt anyone else," Marci Josephson told a judge at a court hearing.
Rowland, who faces charges of kidnapping and murder, waived his right to appear in court.
CCTV from the morning that Josephson went missing showed her getting into the back seat of a black Chevrolet Impala driven by Rowland around 2am on Friday. Investigators said the 21-year-old had ordered an Uber and they believe she thought Rowland's car was her ride.
The last image of Samantha Josephson alive was supplied by police. Photo / Supplied
Samantha Josephson was a student at the University of Carolina. Photo / Facebook
Authorities have not made public how Josephson died.
"There are no words to describe the immense pain his actions have caused our family and friends," Marci Josephson said. "He's taken away a piece of our heart, soul and life. Shame on him. We thought we would be here to see his evil face. I cannot fathom how someone could randomly select a person, a beautiful girl, and steal her life away. His actions were senseless, vile and unacceptable."
Rowland was taken into custody on Saturday after police recognised his car from the CCTV footage and conducted a traffic stop. Rowland tried to flee on foot but was caught by police.
The investigation regarding USC student Samantha Josephson is now a homicide case. Her body was found by hunters in rural Clarendon Co. late yesterday afternoon. Suspect Nathaniel Rowland has been charged w/ Murder & Kidnapping by SLED. Agents have been an integral part in case. pic.twitter.com/2tj8TVRAex
Police Chief William H. Holbrook said Josephson's mobile phone was found in Rowland's car as well as a bottle of bleach, germicidal wipes and a "large amount" of blood that was later matched to the student.
Police also said the child-safety locks were activated in the car, preventing anyone in the back from escaping.
A large crowd gathered at the slain student's university to remember her during a candlelight vigil on Sunday night.
Police supplied an image of the Chevy on the night of the alleged killing. Photo / Supplied
Rowland was arrested driving a black Chevy Impala police say. Photo / Supplied
Members of the slain student's family, including her mother, father, and sister attended, while friends paid tribute to her.
Josephson's funeral will be held on Wednesday in New Jersey.
