A California man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of a gay University of Pennsylvania student nearly seven years ago. Samuel Woodward, 27, was convicted of first-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing Blaze Bernstein, a gay, Jewish college sophomore. The sentencing took place in a Southern California courtroom, with Woodward not present due to illness.
Blaze Bernstein's mother, Jeanne Pepper, emphasized that her son's death was a hate crime, stating that Woodward ended Blaze's life because he was Jewish and gay. She expressed relief that Woodward will remain in custody for life and highlighted the ongoing campaign to commit acts of kindness in Blaze's name.
The jury's verdict mandated a life sentence without parole for Woodward, with his lawyer requesting a 28-year to life sentence. The case involved extensive evidence linking Woodward to the murder, including his affiliation with a violent anti-gay, neo-Nazi extremist group.
Bernstein, 19, disappeared in January 2018 after going out with Woodward to a park in Lake Forest. His body was later found in a shallow grave in the park, with multiple stab wounds to the face and neck. The trial focused on the circumstances surrounding the murder, with prosecutors alleging premeditation due to Woodward's online activities targeting gay men.
Woodward's defense cited his challenging personal relationships and undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder as contributing factors to the crime. The case faced delays before going to trial, sparking public outcry in Southern California and drawing attention to the issue of hate crimes.
Woodward and Bernstein had attended the same high school and connected through a dating app prior to the killing. Woodward claimed that he stabbed Bernstein after a confrontation over a cellphone, while prosecutors presented evidence of Woodward's history of targeting gay men and possession of hate group materials.
The sentencing marked the conclusion of a tragic case that highlighted the devastating impact of hate crimes on individuals and communities.
