RWU expert urges caution after SC student was murdered after Uber mix-up

Safety is on the minds of college students across the country this week after a University of South Carolina student was killed after getting into what she thought was the Uber she ordered.

Samantha Josephson, 21, was out with friends in Columbia, SC Friday night when she got separated, called for a ride, and never came home.

She was found murdered in a field the next day by a group of hunters 90 miles away from where she was last seen.

Police were able to track down a suspect and arrested Nathaniel Rowland, 24, on murder and kidnapping charges.

Students at Roger Williams University are now a bit shaken after hearing the news.

“It’s a really big scare because a lot of college students use Uber,” said freshman Samantha Poland. “It can happen anywhere really.”

“It’s terrifying actually thinking someone got killed,” said Julia Hull, a senior at RWU. 

Eric Bronson is the Dean of the School of Justice Studies at RWU who said that when it comes to any crime, it’s all about the opportunity for a perp.

“The opportunity is the essential part of the criminal activity. If it’s not there, you really can’t commit it,” he said. “I wouldn’t say don’t take an Uber or don’t take a Lyft, but be smart about it.”

Bronson said that the key to safety is using the tools these ride sharing apps provide to users.

“The color of the car, the make of the car, the license plate of the car, along with the driver’s name on the car,” Bronson said. “Make sure those match up before entering the vehicle.”

Another way students can stay safe is taking advantage of what they pay for in tuition by using the school’s shuttle buses.

He also advises staying in a group with friends.