Crime & Safety
Blaze Bernstein Murder: Preliminary Hearing Pushed Back
Attorneys for the man accused in the murder of Blaze Bernstein say he is "depressed" and he feels "remorse for his family" while jailed.
LAKE FOREST, CA — Just days after family and friends gathered to support and honor the murdered Lake Forest resident, University of Pennsylvania student Blaze Bernstein, attorneys have requested a continuance in the case against the man accused of the crime. Defense attorneys say that the next court date for Samuel Lincoln Woodward has been moved to the middle of June, according to a report by NBC News.
Defense lawyer Edward Munoz spoke up Friday about Woodward's current state of mind while in jail, saying his client is depressed and feeling remorse for his family, and has been reading the Bible while behind bars.
Woodward is currently held on $5 million bail.
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bernstein went missing in early January, and his body was found in a shallow grave, stabbed multiple times, just one week from the night of his disappearance. Woodward and Bernstein were acquainted in high school, but the nature of their relationship is unclear. The Orange County District Attorneys Office is investigating whether the murder was a hate crime, as Bernstein was both gay and Jewish.
Last week, the family of Blaze Bernstein gathered to celebrate his life and the officers and supporters during the time of the search, asking all to "Blaze it Forward" and do good on behalf of their loved one.
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bernstein's parents -- Gideon and Jeanne -- issued a statement in January noting the possibility the killing may have been a hate crime.
"Our son was a beautiful, gentle soul who we loved more than anything," the Bernsteins said. "We were proud of everything he did and who he was. He had nothing to hide. We are in solidarity with our son and the LGBTQ community. There is still much discovery to be done and if it is determined that this was a hate crime, we will cry not only for our son, but for LGBTQ people everywhere that live in fear or who have been victims of hate crime."
Blaze's parents made a Communal Call For Kindness in their son's name at the Feb. 24 tribute.
Photo by Jae C. Hong/Associated Press
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
