The tragic murder of Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old pre-med student at the University of Pennsylvania, has left his family and community grappling with the aftermath of violence fueled by hate. Bernstein was stabbed to death by Samuel Woodward, 27, during what should have been a joyful winter break visit home to Lake Forest, California, in January 2018. The case draws attention not only for its brutality but also for its wider societal implications concerning violence against marginalized communities.
Blaze was last seen alive on January 2, 2018, after meeting Woodward, who he had reconnected with through Tinder. Initial concerns arose when he failed to return home or answer his family’s calls. His mother, Jeanne Pepper Bernstein, recounted the growing panic as they searched for Blaze. "My dad called me… it’s really weird. Like, we—just let us know if you hear anything," said Beaue Bernstein, Blaze’s sister, describing the unease surrounding her brother’s sudden disappearance.
Days after Blaze was reported missing, he was found buried at Borrego Park; his body showed signs of multiple stab wounds—28, to be exact. This horrifying discovery marked the beginning of the extensive investigation and trial process, which unveiled Woodward's motives tied to anti-gay sentiments. The Orange County Sheriff's Department quickly suspected Woodward due to his known affiliations with hate groups and because he had been the last person seen with Blaze.
According to investigations, Blaze's sister played a pivotal role in unearthing key evidence against Woodward. The Bernsteins gained access to Blaze’s Snapchat account, which revealed prior communications with Woodward, leading investigators to question him directly. This initiative by Beaue not only showcased her tenacity but also laid the groundwork for the case against Woodward. "I told my parents, I’m like, ‘I can try and help you find everything you need,’" Beaue elaborated during the broadcast of ABC's "20/20."
Eventually, after police surveillance and interrogation, Woodward was charged. At trial, prosecutors painted the picture of Woodward as harboring severe anti-gay biases, arguing the murder was not only brutal but premeditated. They provided evidence connecting him to neo-Nazi groups, claiming he had targeted Blaze because he was gay and Jewish. Woodward’s defense strategy attempted to deflect the narrative by claiming he killed Blaze out of panic, believing he was being recorded. This assertion was met with skepticism as no evidence of such recordings was found on Blaze’s devices.
When sentencing occurred, Blaze’s family expressed mixed feelings of relief and sorrow. Samuel Woodward was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on November 15, 2024. Jeanne Pepper Bernstein stated, "We are thrilled with the verdict, which holds Samuel Woodward accountable for the brutal, violent, painful murder of our son. Justice has been served.”
For the Bernstein family, the pain of losing Blaze was palpable, marked by not only grief but also the relentless pursuit of keeping his memory alive. Beaue, who was only 14 at the time of her brother’s death, has grown to become actively involved in humanitarian efforts. She currently serves as the Media Director for the Blaze It Forward Foundation, which aims to support marginalized communities and promote kindness. "I still try my best to see the good in others, because I know there are more people like my brother than the person who took his life," Beaue expressed, highlighting her resilience and determination to honor Blaze’s legacy.
The brutal murder of Blaze Bernstein and the subsequent trial of Samuel Woodward have sparked discussions nationwide about hate crimes and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals. Such cases are reminders of the prejudice and violence still plaguing society today. Grenards have called for increased awareness and reforms to protect vulnerable populations.
A recent episode of ABC's "20/20," titled "The Last Text," chronicles the case, featuring exclusive interviews with the Bernstein family as they reflect on their painful experience and the broader societal discourse ignited by the murder. The emotional toll of Blaze's death has been immense, yet his family's strength and activism strive to turn their tragedy toward positive change.
While Blaze will never be forgotten, his story continues to resonate, urging society to confront the realities of hatred and intolerance. The Bernstein family’s endeavor to keep his spirit alive through advocacy and remembrance stands as a beacon of hope against the backdrop of tragedy. Their commitment to ensuring no other family has to endure such suffering serves as a powerful message of resilience and love.