Samuel Woodward, a 27-year-old from California, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2018 murder of Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old gay and Jewish university student. The case, described as a hate crime, highlighted connections to neo-Nazi extremism and the dangers of hate-driven violence.
The Crime
Woodward was convicted in July of fatally stabbing Bernstein over 28 times in the face and neck before burying his body in Borrego Park, Lake Forest, about 45 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Bernstein, a University of Pennsylvania student, was home for winter break when he reconnected with Woodward, a former high school classmate, via a dating app.
The two met through Snapchat, but the encounter turned deadly after Bernstein reportedly kissed Woodward. Prosecutors said Woodward, enraged, attacked Bernstein out of hate and fear, stabbing him repeatedly before attempting to conceal the crime.
Connections to Neo-Nazism
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Woodward had ties to Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi extremist group known for targeting minorities, including gay men and Jews. Evidence seized from Woodward’s home included a bloodstained knife, a mask associated with the group, and a journal containing anti-gay and antisemitic writings.
A Mother’s Grief
Jeanne Pepper, Bernstein’s mother, gave a heartbreaking victim impact statement during the sentencing. “No mother should have to bury her child… Learning of Blaze’s death was the single worst, most painful thing in my life,” she said. She described the hate crime as having “shattered our family.”
Trial Delays and Mental Health Claims
The trial faced years of delay as Woodward’s mental health was evaluated. In late 2022, he was found competent to stand trial. His defense argued that he struggled with personal relationships, grew up in a homophobic environment, and had undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder. However, prosecutors rejected these claims, citing evidence of premeditation, including Woodward’s online activity targeting gay men and his extremist affiliations.
Sentencing and Reaction
Woodward caused disruptions during his sentencing hearing, initially refusing to leave his cell and later storming out during victim impact statements. Despite his defense team’s plans to appeal, the verdict brought a sense of closure for Bernstein’s family, who described the crime as a “senseless, hate-driven act” that had torn their lives apart.
This case underscores the pervasive threat of hate crimes in America and the devastating impact they have on individuals, families, and communities.