Samuel Woodward, a California man accused of murdering his former classmate in 2018, has been found guilty in the hate crime case.
Blaze Bernstein — a 19-year-old gay, Jewish student at the University of Pennsylvania — went missing while visiting his family in Newport Beach during winter break in January 2018. His body was found following a dayslong search buried in a park in Lake Forest he went to with Woodward the night he went missing, authorities said. He had been stabbed 28 times, prosecutors said.
Woodward, now 26, was charged with first-degree murder with hate crime enhancement. Prosecutors had alleged that Woodward murdered his high school classmate because Bernstein was gay.
Woodward had pleaded not guilty.
Samuel Woodward testifies in Orange County Superior Court, on June 13, 2024, in Santa Ana, Calif.
Orange County Register via MediaNews Group via Getty Images, FILE
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Former classmate Samuel Woodward was convicted of killing gay teen Blaze Bernstein in a case that has shocked the nation. The two young men had been classmates at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, where Bernstein was known for his bright personality and academic achievements.
The murder took place in January 2018, when Bernstein went missing after meeting up with Woodward in a park in Lake Forest, California. His body was later found buried in a shallow grave in a nearby park, with evidence pointing to Woodward as the perpetrator.
During the trial, it was revealed that Woodward had a history of homophobic and white supremacist beliefs, which may have motivated him to commit the heinous crime. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Woodward had searched online for information on gay slurs and hate crimes before the murder.
The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice for LGBTQ individuals who are often targeted for violence and discrimination. Bernstein’s family has been vocal in their support for LGBTQ rights and have called for stricter hate crime laws to be implemented.
The conviction of Woodward serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by LGBTQ individuals in a society that still struggles with acceptance and tolerance. It also highlights the importance of standing up against hate and bigotry in all its forms.
As the nation mourns the loss of Blaze Bernstein, we must also remember to continue fighting for equality and justice for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The memory of Blaze Bernstein will live on as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
