California man sentenced to life for hate crime murder of gay student

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Woodward was linked to Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi extremist group, and had targeted gay men online.

“A mother’s agony”

The victim’s mother, Jeanne Pepper, delivered an emotional statement during the sentencing. “No mother should have to bury her child… My heart was so broken and yet unable to accept the reality that he was no longer part of our world,” she said. She described learning of her son’s horrific death as “the single worst, most painful thing” in her life, as reported by BBC.

Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper Bernstein, parents of Blaze Bernstein, speak during a press conference after Samuel Woodward was sentenced to life without parole at Orange County Superior Court on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Santa Ana, Calif., for the fatal stabbing of his former classmate, Blaze Bernstein, in Jan. 2018. (AP)

Woodward caused disruptions during the sentencing hearing, refusing to leave his cell initially and later storming out of the courtroom during victim impact statements.

A delayed justice

The trial was delayed for years due to questions surrounding Woodward’s mental health. In late 2022, he was found competent to stand trial. Defence attorneys argued that Woodward, who they said had undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder, struggled with personal relationships and was confused about his sexuality, having grown up in a Catholic home critical of homosexuality.

However, prosecutors rejected these claims, pointing to evidence of premeditation and hate. Police discovered DNA evidence linking Woodward to the crime, as well as disturbing items at his home, including a bloodstained knife, a mask associated with Atomwaffen, and a journal filled with anti-gay and antisemitic material.

The fatal encounter

Bernstein, a University of Pennsylvania student, had been visiting family in Southern California during winter break when he reconnected with Woodward, a former high school classmate, via a dating app. They arranged to meet through Snapchat, but the night turned violent when Bernstein kissed Woodward.

Jeanne Pepper, left, mother of Blaze Bernstein, wipes away tears as she gives a victim impact statement in court in Santa Ana, Calif., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, prior to sentencing of Samuel Woodward, who was convicted of a hate crime murder for the killing of former classmate Blaze Bernstein. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker stands at right. (AP)

According to police, Woodward became enraged and stabbed Bernstein repeatedly, allegedly over fears that Bernstein had taken a compromising photograph. Bernstein’s parents raised the alarm the next day after he missed a dentist appointment and failed to respond to calls.

“This senseless, hate-driven act has torn our family apart,” Bernstein’s parents said in a statement following the sentencing. Woodward’s defence attorney has said he plans to appeal the conviction.

(with inputs from BBC)