Man Convicted of Murdering Gay US Student in Hate Crime Receives Life Sentence

A California resident, found responsible for the hate crime murder of a gay, Jewish US university student, has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Samuel Woodward, aged 27, was found guilty in July for the 2018 killing of Blaze Bernstein, who was 19. Woodward fatally stabbed Bernstein over 28 times in the face and neck before burying his remains. Following a search that lasted a week, law enforcement located Bernstein’s body within a park in Lake Forest, situated approximately 45 miles (70km) south-east of Los Angeles. During the proceedings, prosecutors asserted that Woodward was associated with Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi extremist organization, and accused him of deliberately targeting gay men through online platforms. The sentencing hearing experienced a delay of several hours, partly due to Woodward’s refusal to exit his cell. Additionally, at one point, he abruptly exited the courtroom while victim impact statements were being delivered. “No mother should have to bury her child…my heart was so broken and yet unable to accept the reality that he was no longer part of our world,” stated Jeanne Pepper, the victim’s mother, in court. She further added, “I will never forget hearing for the first time that Blaze had been stabbed 28 times. It’s the single worst, most painful thing that has ever happened to me, to know that he died in such a horrific, horrible way.” Ken Morrison, Woodward’s defense attorney, had previously indicated his intention to appeal the guilty verdict. Woodward’s legal team contended that he suffered from a long-undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder, which presented difficulties in his personal relationships. The trial itself was postponed for several years after concerns emerged regarding Woodward’s mental health; however, by late 2022, he was deemed fit to stand trial. He ultimately spent five days providing testimony during the trial, occasionally pausing for extended periods before answering direct questions. In January 2018, Bernstein and Woodward arranged to meet for an evening out via Snapchat, as Woodward later informed police. Woodward reportedly became enraged after Bernstein kissed him. Subsequently, Woodward repeatedly stabbed Bernstein during a struggle over a cellphone that Woodward believed Bernstein was using to photograph him. Bernstein’s parents became concerned after he missed a dentist appointment the following day and made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach him. They examined his social media activity and discovered that Bernstein and Woodward had been communicating on Snapchat. One week later, police discovered Bernstein’s body, bearing stab wounds, in a park near his family’s residence. Woodward’s arrest occurred after Bernstein’s DNA was discovered inside Woodward’s rental car. During a search of Woodward’s residence, officers found a black Atomwaffen mask, a folding knife with traces of blood, and a journal containing hateful, anti-gay, and antisemitic content, as reported by the Associated Press. Woodward’s defense attorney explained that his client was confused about his sexuality, having been raised in a Catholic household where homosexuality was openly criticized. Months prior to the assault, Woodward and Bernstein had connected via a dating application. When their meeting took place, Bernstein was visiting his family in Southern California during a winter break from the University of Pennsylvania. Both individuals had previously attended the same high school in Orange County.