In a significant court ruling on Wednesday, Samuel Woodward, a 26-year-old California man, was found guilty of first-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement in the killing of Blaze Bernstein, a gay University of Pennsylvania student. The murder took place in 2018 when Bernstein, a sophomore, was visiting his family in Southern California during winter break.

The trial centered around investigating the motives behind Woodward's heinous act. Prosecutor Jennifer Walker emphasized Woodward's affiliation with Atomwaffen Division, a violent, anti-gay, neo-Nazi extremist group. Walker argued that Woodward's actions stemmed from hatred, rather than being influenced or victimized by the group.

Due to the hate crime enhancement, Woodward could face a sentence of life without parole. However, his attorney, Ken Morrison, sought a conviction on lesser charges such as second-degree murder or manslaughter, arguing that Woodward did not plan Bernstein's murder and did not harbor hatred towards anyone.

Woodward and Bernstein had attended the same high school in Orange County and connected via a dating app prior to the attack. Woodward claimed that he picked up Bernstein and they went to a nearby park. He allegedly stabbed Bernstein multiple times after suspecting the victim had taken pictures of him with a cellphone. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Woodward targeted gay men online, joined Atomwaffen Division, and maintained a hateful journal documenting his actions.

Blaze Bernstein's family issued a statement expressing that no verdict could heal the pain of losing their son. Woodward's conviction brings some measure of resolution after a lengthy legal process that was marked by questions about Woodward's mental state and numerous changes in defense attorneys.

This tragic case demonstrates the devastating consequences of prejudice and hate. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized that such acts of hate would never be tolerated in the county and commended Woodward's conviction as a stern message against those who terrorize vulnerable members of society.

Bernstein's disappearance in January 2018 sparked an extensive search effort. His body was eventually discovered in a shallow grave at a nearby park, revealing multiple stab wounds to the face and neck. Authorities also found incriminating evidence at Woodward's family home in Newport Beach, including a knife with a bloodied blade and an Atomwaffen mask, along with materials promoting hate groups and expressing antisemitic and anti-gay sentiments.

Woodward's sentencing will occur at a later date, but his attorney has already expressed plans to appeal, citing key rulings that allegedly hindered a fair trial.