Inside the Jury Box

My Experience as Juror #11 in the Jason Chen Trial

Sara Reid, Juror 11 in TN v. Jason Chen trial

When I first received my jury summons, I never imagined it would lead me to the case of Jasmine Pace—a case that would forever change the way I see justice, crime, and the responsibility of serving on a jury. I had no idea what to expect, no idea how deeply it would impact me, and certainly no idea that it would lead me to create a podcast about my experience.

What I Didn’t Expect About Being a Juror

Walking into that courtroom for the first time, I was immediately struck by the weight of what we were there to do. The process of selecting a jury was meticulous, and sitting among a group of strangers, I had no clue that we would soon be bound together by the gravity of this trial. I didn’t expect to feel such an immense sense of duty—not just to the justice system, but to Jasmine, her family, and even to Jason Chen, to make sure the verdict we delivered was the right one.

One of the most surprising things about being a juror was how isolating it felt. We were instructed not to discuss the case, not even with each other, until deliberations began. It was surreal to be living through such an intense experience and not be able to process it with anyone in the moment. Instead, I had to sit with my thoughts, my emotions, and the evidence presented — piecing everything together in silence.

Another unexpected aspect of the trial was how emotionally draining it would be. I had prepared myself for the graphic evidence, testimonies, and legal intricacies, but I underestimated the profound impact it would have on me. Honestly, I couldn’t comprehend the emotions I carried home until weeks after returning. In fact, creating this podcast has become my means of processing the trial. Jasmine’s story was one of unimaginable tragedy, and as a juror, I felt the immense responsibility of ensuring that her story was accurately portrayed and that justice was served.

Behind the Scenes of Creating Sequestered: A Juror’s Perspective on the Murder of Jasmine Pace

After the trial ended and the verdict was read, I wondered if I would feel closure, but I didn’t. Instead, I found myself replaying every moment. The deliberations, the testimony, the overwhelming responsibility—it all stayed with me. That’s when I realized I needed to tell this story in a way that went beyond the trial itself. I wanted to share my experience sitting in that jury box and feeling the immense pressure of making a life-altering decision. More importantly, I wanted to find a way to honor Jasmine’s life by providing people with a deeper understanding of what transpired.

The process of making SEQUESTERED has been unlike anything I’ve ever done before. It is the definition of a “passion project” for me.  From combing through court transcripts to revisiting my own notes and emotions from the trial, every step has been a delicate balance of honoring the case while also staying true to my experience. Recording the first few episodes felt deeply personal—almost like stepping back into that courtroom all over again. But this time, I get to speak freely. I get to process what happened, and I get to share it with others who are just as invested in Jasmine’s story as I am.

True crime has always fascinated me, but being on the inside of a case like this changed everything. It’s not just about solving a mystery or analyzing a criminal—it’s about real people, real lives, and real pain. Through this podcast, I aim to offer a glimpse into the significance of sitting in that jury box, bearing the responsibility of justice, and never forgetting the individuals at the core of this case.

Why This Case Still Matters

Although my role in this trial has concluded, my involvement with this case continues. Jasmine’s story deserves to be told with care and dignity. Her family deserves to know that people still care, that her life mattered, and that she will not be forgotten. I carry this experience with me every day, and while I never expected to be in this position, I know now that sharing this story is part of my purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a juror on a high-profile case, or if you want to understand the emotional and psychological impact of sitting through a murder trial, I invite you to listen to SEQUESTERED. This podcast isn’t just about the facts—it’s about the experience, the aftermath, and the responsibility that comes with being a juror.

Jasmine’s story isn’t over, and as long as people are willing to listen, I’ll keep telling it.

Feel free to drop me a line at sequesteredpod@gmail.com.

Thanks as always for listening.

Sara