Detective details investigation in day two of Chen murder trial

A screenshot of text messages between Jason Chen and Jasmine Pace shortly before Pace’s death, presented in Chen’s murder trial.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday was day two of the Jason Chen murder trial.

Chen is charged with first degree murder in the November 20-22 death of Jasmine Pace in North Chattanooga.

Day two was dominated by the lead investigator into this case, Detective Zackary Crawford of the Chattanooga Police Department.

Detective Crawford described how he tracked down Jason Chen at his parent’s home in Nolensville, TN after fleeing Chattanooga, and what he found there.

Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp. who is serving as the lead investigator for this case, asked, “Did Mr. Chen make any statements to you, when he was first contacted?”

Crawford responded, “He had some questions.”

Detective Crawford described Jason Chen’s demeanor as calm when he arrived to detain him a week after Pace’s killing.

He described the items he found inside of his bedroom inside of his parent’s home.

These included a series of notes, many of which referenced Jasmine Pace, and an apparent false timeline before her death on the night of November 22, 2022.

Crawford read the notes said, “Saturday November 19th was the last time I saw her, Tuesday November 22nd, last time she called. She has been a… scribbled out word… long history of running from her parents, long history of running away to Canada, has a restraining order against her ex.”

Detective Crawford also shared some of the phone records he obtained from Chen and Pace.

He showed some of their text messages and pictures that was stored in Chen’s phone.

Crawford said of a picture of Jasmine, “When you look at the metadata, it identifies when the picture was taken by date. This one was taken on November 16, 2022 at 2:02:06 AM.”

Chen’s defense once again questioned the sanctity of the crime scene at his apartment on Tremont Street following searches by the Pace family before a search warrant.

During pre trial motions, they had attempted to suppress evidence collected from these searches, but had failed.

These are currently under appeal.

The defense asked Crawford, “How many of the Pace family members entered the apartment before you did?”

Crawford responded, “As I was informed… that at least three had entered.”

The prosecution continues their side of this case on Wednesday in day 3 of this trial.