Samuel Woodward stabbed gay, Jewish college student Blaze Bernstein more than 28 times

Summary

Samuel Woodward, 27, was sentenced to life without parole for the 2018 murder of Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old gay, Jewish college student.

Woodward, affiliated with the neo-Nazi Atomwaffen Division, stabbed Bernstein 28 times after the victim kissed him during a meetup arranged via Snapchat.

Prosecutors deemed it a hate crime, citing evidence like anti-gay and antisemitic writings found in Woodward’s home.

Woodward’s defense argued undiagnosed autism and confusion about his sexuality. An appeal is expected.