Man accused of murdering classmate will officially stand trial
Blaze Bernstein was found in a shallow grave with 19 stab wounds to his face and neck
By Steve Brown
A man accused of murdering his classmate has been ordered to stand trial.
Blaze Bernstein, 19, went missing while visiting his parents’ home in California back in January and was found one week later in a shallow grave in a park with 19 stab wounds to his face and neck.
Samuel Woodward, 21, was arrested on suspicion of murder and told authorities that Bernstein had kissed him and he had pushed him away before they went to the park together.
Police combed through Woodward’s cellphone, laptop and social media and found hateful materials against a range of groups.
They determined that there was substantial evidence that the alleged white supremacist targeted Bernstein because he was gay as well as Jewish.
Blaze Bernstein
Woodward’s lawyer, Edward Munoz, previously said that he has Asperger’s syndrome and says he was a “very confused” about his own sexuality.
He said: “There’s going to be some evidence that comes out that shows he’s very confused.”
Woodward pleaded not guilty to the murder and pre-trial hearing was due to take place on August 22 but was postponed as evidence was being reviewed.
Now, The Daily Pennsylvania report that evidence presented at the trial showed Woodward and Bernstein were close and connected over Snapchat.
Woodward was also found to have picked up Bernstein from his home the night he died.
Forensic testing also found that blood stains on the knife found in Woodward’s bedroom, under his watch and on the visor of his car belonged indefinitely to Bernstein.
Now, Woodward will officially stand trial for the murder of the university student.