A man from California was found guilty of murder with a hate crime enhancement in the case of Blaze Bernstein, a gay University of Pennsylvania student who was stabbed to death in 2018. Samuel Woodward, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder with the enhancement after Bernstein, who was home visiting his family during winter break, was reported missing and later found dead in a shallow grave at a nearby park. The trial focused on Woodward’s motive, with the prosecution highlighting his connection to a violent, anti-gay, neo-Nazi extremist group called Atomwaffen Division.
With the hate crime enhancement, Woodward could potentially receive a sentence of life without parole. The defense attorney, Ken Morrison, argued that Woodward did not have intentions to kill Bernstein and did not harbor hate towards anyone, aiming for a lesser charge such as second-degree murder or manslaughter.
Bernstein’s family expressed that while no verdict could diminish the pain of losing their son, they hope for closure after years of waiting for justice. The family described Bernstein as a remarkable individual with a bright future ahead of him, filled with diverse talents and a kind spirit.
Woodward and Bernstein had attended the same high school in Orange County and had connected via a dating app before the tragic incident. Prosecutors revealed that Woodward had a history of targeting gay men online and showed interest in committing violent acts leading up to the killing. The defense attorney highlighted Woodward’s struggles with relationships due to an undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder and confusion about his sexuality stemming from his conservative upbringing.
Woodward was initially assessed for his mental state before the trial commenced and was eventually deemed competent to stand trial in late 2022. The case faced delays due to these mental health evaluations and changes in defense attorneys. Bernstein’s disappearance in January 2018 sparked a search effort that tragically ended with the discovery of his body, which had been repeatedly stabbed.
Authorities recovered incriminating evidence from Woodward’s residence, including a knife with blood on the blade, a mask associated with Atomwaffen, and materials promoting hate. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned hate crimes, stating that such actions would not be tolerated in the community.
