Jasmine Pace
The boyfriend of a missing 22-year-old Chattanooga woman has been charged with her murder.
Jason Chen, who is also 22, was arrested in his hometown of Nolensville, Tn., after Jasmine "Jazzy" Pace had been missing for over a week. He was brought to Hamilton County from Williamson County on Wednesday night to face the criminal homicide charge.
The victim's body has not been found.
Police said they found blood stains in an apartment rented by Chen at 110 Tremont St. in North Chattanooga. Blood was on the living room hardwood floor, in bathroom grout, and on the bedroom carpet. There were splatters of blood on the bathroom wall.
Using forensic analysis, investigators found a larger area of blood in the living room, bathroom, and bedroom that had already been cleaned up, police said. Police obtained video from the Walgreen's on North Market of Chen buying cleaning supplies, bandaids and alcohol.
There was broken glass and other signs of a violent encounter, it was stated.
Video from the apartment complex showed Chen leaving the building wearing a mask with his hand wrapped with a black fabric.
Police said they were able to determine that Chen drove Ms. Pace's car to Nolensville.
They said he had lacerations on his hand at the time of his arrest.
The mother of Ms. Pace first reported her missing on Nov. 26 after finding her 2021 Chevy Equinox near the Signal View Condos at 900 Mountain Creek Road. She had not been seen since late on the prior Tuesday, Nov. 22. The mother traced the vehicle with an ap. The car was locked and no one was around.
Mrs. Pace and her husband went to the Tremont Street apartment and were told that Chen had been living there. But neither he nor Jasmine were around. Mrs. Pace went in the apartment and located her daughter's drivers license and several credit cards.
A neighbor told Mrs. Pace of being awakened early Wednesday morning, Nov. 23, by a thud and then a woman screaming. That was minutes before Jasmine sent a "pin drop" to her mother, giving her the location she was at.
Police said they canvassed the area talking with witnesses and neighbors told of hearing a loud argument and a woman screaming.
District Attorney Coty Wamp said evidence was obtained on Sunday that converted the case into a homicide investigation.
She said additional evidence was located, leading to filing of first-degree murder charges against Chen.
Ms. Wamp said of the victim, "We will not stop until we find her."
The couple had been dating for several months, it was stated.
Chen has contacted a lawyer and is not talking to police.
Anyone with any information on the case is asked to call Chattanooga Police at 423 643-7695 or 423 643-7691.
Jason Chen