The trial of a man accused of killing his former classmate more than six years ago begins Tuesday in Santa Ana.
Samuel Woodward was charged with murder with sentencing enhancements in the death of Blaze Bernstein. Prosecutors claim it was a hate crime, alleging Woodward killed Bernstein because the 19-year-old was gay and Jewish.
Bernstein’s parents reported him missing on Jan. 3, 2018. On Jan. 9, the Foothill Ranch teen’s body was found buried in a shallow grave at Borrego Park. He had 19 stab wounds, according to the Los Angeles Times.
It was later revealed Bernstein and Woodward were former high school classmates who reconnected on social media and met up the night Bernstein went missing.
Woodward was arrested Jan. 12 after DNA evidence linked him to the murder. During a search warrant at Woodward’s home, a knife with Bernstein’s blood on it was found in Woodward’s bedroom, according to the Orange County Register. Blood was also found in Woodward’s car.
A search of Woodward’s cellphone revealed anti-gay and anti-semitic content as well as links to a white supremacist group.
Woodward pleaded not guilty. His former attorney said Woodward was “afflicted with Asperger’s syndrome” and was conflicted about how own sexuality. During questioning, Woodward told authorities that Bernstein tried to kiss him but that Woodward pushed him away.
If convicted, Woodward could be sentenced to life without parole.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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