Lake Forest, California – A trial began today for Samuel Lincoln Woodward, a 26-year-old man from Newport Beach accused of fatally stabbing his former classmate, 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein, near his home in Foothill Ranch. The prosecutor argued that Woodward, who has ties to white supremacist organizations, targeted Bernstein because he was gay and engaged in catfishing activities online.
Defense attorney for Woodward, on the other hand, acknowledged his client’s involvement in the killing but denied that it was motivated by neo-Nazi beliefs or anti-gay sentiments. Instead, the defense argued that Woodward struggled with undiagnosed autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and conflicted sexuality.
The tragic incident occurred in January 2018, when Bernstein, a University of Pennsylvania student home for the holidays, went missing after leaving his parents’ home without their knowledge. A search ensued, leading to the discovery of Bernstein’s body in a shallow grave at Borrego Park.
During the trial, evidence presented included Bernstein’s DNA found on items linked to Woodward, such as a folding knife and an Attomwaffen uniform. The prosecution also detailed Woodward’s involvement with white supremacist groups and his disdain for homosexuality, as shown in journal entries and online exchanges.
Woodward’s defense emphasized his struggles with mental health issues and argued that the killing was not a hate crime but rather a result of a series of events following the meeting between the two former classmates. The defense painted a picture of both Woodward and Bernstein as affluent individuals grappling with parental resentment and sexual identity issues.
The trial shed light on the complexities of the case, with testimonies revealing the dynamics between Woodward and Bernstein leading up to the tragic event. The prosecution highlighted Woodward’s online activities, including his interest in gay men and white supremacist ideologies, while the defense pointed to Woodward’s vulnerabilities and struggles with mental health.
As the trial progresses, jurors will have to weigh the evidence presented by both sides to determine Woodward’s fate. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and discrimination, as well as the importance of addressing mental health issues and supporting vulnerable individuals in our society.