GUILTY CA - Blaze Bernstein, 19, Lake Forest, 2 Jan 2018 #8 *Arrest*

DNA Solves
DNA Solves
DNA Solves

New Posts

Niner said:
I can't believe it!! I got an article in my alerts on this case! And it is dated June 5th - so I am going to guess that this happened on 6/4/24... Tuesday.

forward.com

In Blaze Bernstein murder trial, mother of accused testifies about his troubled childhood

Samuel Woodward's mother Michele was evasive on the stand, and admitted she cared about how the family and her older son Clay were portrayed.
forward.com forward.com

June 5, 2024
SANTA ANA, Calif. – With her son facing first-degree murder and hate crime charges for the death of Blaze Bernstein, Michele Woodward provided hundreds of pages of family history to aid his defense.
[.....]
In his opening statement, Samuel Woodward’s attorney said those documents — along with hours of interviews she had given defense investigators — would help establish that he grew up in a toxic home, leaving him vulnerable to neo-Nazi recruitment as he sought acceptance outside of it.
[.....]
With the defense now calling witnesses — Michele Woodward was its second — the facts of the case have largely been established. Samuel Woodward’s attorney in his opening statement conceded his client, then 20, stabbed 19-year-old Bernstein to death on the night of Jan. 2, 2018, then buried his body in an Orange County park. What’s contested is the defendant’s state of mind leading up to the killing — whether, as prosecutors allege, he plotted to murder his gay and Jewish former high school classmate, or whether he reacted violently to something Bernstein did or said that night.

Yet something strange happened with Michele Woodward under oath: She had trouble remembering many of the things she had once vividly described. Looking at the evidence she herself had provided — among it report cards, medical records, journal entries and handwritten correspondence — hardly helped refresh her memory.


A lot more in the article in some detail on what his mother testified to. Looks like she is a defense witness. His father & bro will be testifying & Sam also according to this article.
Click to expand...
I can’t believe his Mother is defending him. If things were so bad at home they could have tried family counseling.

He could have taken medication for what she is claiming. If they didn’t do these things, why not? It may have been a stigma thing since she is a counselor.
 
Niner said:
I can't believe it!! I got an article in my alerts on this case! And it is dated June 5th - so I am going to guess that this happened on 6/4/24... Tuesday.

forward.com

In Blaze Bernstein murder trial, mother of accused testifies about his troubled childhood

Samuel Woodward's mother Michele was evasive on the stand, and admitted she cared about how the family and her older son Clay were portrayed.
forward.com forward.com

June 5, 2024
SANTA ANA, Calif. – With her son facing first-degree murder and hate crime charges for the death of Blaze Bernstein, Michele Woodward provided hundreds of pages of family history to aid his defense.
[.....]
In his opening statement, Samuel Woodward’s attorney said those documents — along with hours of interviews she had given defense investigators — would help establish that he grew up in a toxic home, leaving him vulnerable to neo-Nazi recruitment as he sought acceptance outside of it.
[.....]
With the defense now calling witnesses — Michele Woodward was its second — the facts of the case have largely been established. Samuel Woodward’s attorney in his opening statement conceded his client, then 20, stabbed 19-year-old Bernstein to death on the night of Jan. 2, 2018, then buried his body in an Orange County park. What’s contested is the defendant’s state of mind leading up to the killing — whether, as prosecutors allege, he plotted to murder his gay and Jewish former high school classmate, or whether he reacted violently to something Bernstein did or said that night.

Yet something strange happened with Michele Woodward under oath: She had trouble remembering many of the things she had once vividly described. Looking at the evidence she herself had provided — among it report cards, medical records, journal entries and handwritten correspondence — hardly helped refresh her memory.


A lot more in the article in some detail on what his mother testified to. Looks like she is a defense witness. His father & bro will be testifying & Sam also according to this article.
Click to expand...
I can’t believe his Mother is defending him. If things were so bad at home they could have tried family counseling. Some denial going on.

He could have taken medication for what she is claiming. If they didn’t do these things, why not? It may have been a stigma thing since she is a counselor.
 
Thursday, June 13th:
*Trial continues (Day 27) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 26) arrested (1/15/18) & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial began on 4/9/24. Court DARK on Fridays.
Judge Kimberly K. Menninger presiding. Prosecutor DA Todd Spitzer & Senior Deputy DA Jennifer Walker; Defense attorney assistant public defender Kenneth S. Morrison (from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office).
State rested their case (I think) on 5/7/24. Defense began on 5/8/24.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 2/29/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-14 (3/6 thru 4/4/24) & Trial Day 1-23 (4/9-6/5/24) reference post #354 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-18
6/11/24 Tuesday, Trial Day 25: No info available. Trial continues on Wednesday, 6/12/24.
6/12/24 Wednesday, Trial Day 26: No info available. Trial continues on Thursday, 6/13/24.
 
Friday, June 14th:
*Trial continues with Hearing Evidential Proceedings (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 26) arrested (1/15/18) & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial began on 4/9/24. Court DARK on Fridays.
Judge Kimberly K. Menninger presiding. Prosecutor DA Todd Spitzer & Senior Deputy DA Jennifer Walker; Defense attorney assistant public defender Kenneth S. Morrison (from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office).
State rested their case (I think) on 5/7/24. Defense began on 5/8/24.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 2/29/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-14 (3/6 thru 4/4/24) & Trial Day 1-23 (4/9-6/5/24) reference post #354 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-18
6/11/24 Tuesday, Trial Day 25: No info available. Trial continues on Wednesday, 6/12/24.
6/12/24 Wednesday, Trial Day 26: No info available. Trial continues on Thursday, 6/13/24.
6/13/24 Thursday, Trial Day 27: No info available. Next hearing evidential proceedings hearing on 6/14/24 @ 9am & trial continues on Monday, 6/17/24.
 
www.abc7.com/post/blaze-bernstein-murder-trial-defendant-samuel-woodward-takes/14945707/

With his legs shackled and extra security in place, Samuel Woodward took the stand Thursday for the first time...

(...)

Thursday's testimony marked the trial's 26th day.

Because of previous court outbursts, Woodward was offered an option during his testimony: Sit at the witness stand with two officers behind him, or have his legs shackled and arms free with just one officer behind him.

He chose to have his legs shackled. He was taken to another room out of the jury's sight to be shackled.

(...)

Thursday's testimony did not address the killing of Bernstein. His testimony is expected to continue Monday and the trial may wrap up by the end of the month.

Capture.JPG
 
Last edited:
www.abc7.com/post/blaze-bernstein-murder-trial-defendant-samuel-woodward-takes/14945707/

The defendant's father, Blake Woodward, took the stand earlier in the day to discuss his son's upbringing and any signs he may have observed of violent behavior and racist or anti-gay statements. He said he couldn't recall his son making negative comments about gays or Jews.

But he did recall some angry outbursts or meltdowns in which he lashed out violently and would scream and destroy property. He also often wanted to be alone and not spend time with his family, his father said. By age 10, his father said, his son became obsessed with World War II, including weaponry and knives.
 
www.ocregister.com/2024/06/13/samuel-woodward-on-trial-for-murder-of-blaze-bernstein-takes-the-stand/

Woodward appeared calm on the stand, though he often paused mid-sentence or before beginning his answers and at-times spoke in a near-mumble or seemed to jumble words together, leading both the judge and the court reporter to ask him to repeat himself. Several times Woodward’s attorney also reminded him to pull his long hair back so the jurors could see his face.

(...)

Woodward’s testimony is eventually expected to outline, in his words, what happened the night he killed Bernstein. At the outset of the trial, Woodward’s attorney while promising his client would take the stand also warned jurors that Woodward’s mental state has deteriorated during the more than five years he has spent in local lockup awaiting trial.

OCR-L-WOODWARD-0614-01-LO-1.jpg
 
www.ocregister.com/2024/06/14/did-he-kill-blaze-bernstein-out-of-hatred-for-gays-portrait-of-samuel-woodward-at-trial-is-mixed/

Leading up to that key testimony, jurors have heard from Woodward’s parents, former classmates, former dormmates and family friends as the defense has worked to paint a complicated picture of a young man who was considered by nearly all who knew him as a loner and a social outcast.

(...)

The father confirmed during his testimony that he feared the “homosexuals” at the [Orange County School of the Arts] would “convert Sam because he was different.”

Many classmates who have taken the stand during Woodward’s trial remembered little of him from their high school years. They generally described Woodward as expressing conservative, and at times homophobic, views and then keeping to himself away from other students during breaks. One described him as seeming “closed off and awkward,” while another said he seemed to have a “disagreeable personality.”
 
jash said:
www.abc7.com/post/blaze-bernstein-murder-trial-defendant-samuel-woodward-takes/14945707/

The defendant's father, Blake Woodward, took the stand earlier in the day to discuss his son's upbringing and any signs he may have observed of violent behavior and racist or anti-gay statements. He said he couldn't recall his son making negative comments about gays or Jews.

But he did recall some angry outbursts or meltdowns in which he lashed out violently and would scream and destroy property. He also often wanted to be alone and not spend time with his family, his father said. By age 10, his father said, his son became obsessed with World War II, including weaponry and knives.
Click to expand...

“Destroying property, acting out violently, preferring isolation from the family and obsessed with knives and weaponry by age 10”

He exhibited clear signs of behavior to be concerned about from adolescence. So far no mention of counseling, treatment or medication. If proven true Id like to know the reason why.

In large contrast Blaze was loved, supported and had a large circle of very good friends. He was very popular, had a tremendous following and showed every sign of success. His monthly newsletter on cuisine was already receiving accolades beyond Penn. He really was a special person.

I remember when his brother said ‘Blaze was everything, he made us look good just by being his family’. They showed random artsy things around the house that Blaze did.

This also may have added to SW’s envy. They couldn’t be more opposite.

Thanks for the updates @jash. It’s been nothing for so long.
 
"Woodward’s attorney while promising his client would take the stand also warned jurors that Woodward’s mental state has deteriorated during the more than five years he has spent in local lockup awaiting trial."

So? Why don't we ask Blaze how he's been doing in the meantime? I'm so annoyed they're trying to paint this case as complex, seems very clear to everyone else. But I guess that's just an attorney being an attorney.
 
Please stop personalizing posts and saying rude and snarky things to each other. If someone is sparky to you please report and scroll. Do not respond.
Thank you,
Tricia
 
Last edited:
Luna20 said:
“Destroying property, acting out violently, preferring isolation from the family and obsessed with knives and weaponry by age 10”

He exhibited clear signs of behavior to be concerned about from adolescence. So far no mention of counseling, treatment or medication. If proven true Id like to know the reason why.

In large contrast Blaze was loved, supported and had a large circle of very good friends. He was very popular, had a tremendous following and showed every sign of success. His monthly newsletter on cuisine was already receiving accolades beyond Penn. He really was a special person.

I remember when his brother said ‘Blaze was everything, he made us look good just by being his family’. They showed random artsy things around the house that Blaze did.

This also may have added to SW’s envy. They couldn’t be more opposite.

Thanks for the updates @jash. It’s been nothing for so long.
Click to expand...
Some parents remain in denial, even when they know their kid has violent tendencies...
 
LinasK said:
Some parents remain in denial, even when they know their kid has violent tendencies...
Click to expand...

True, recently it was Ethan Crumbley (not sure if the last name is spelled correctly).

It makes me wonder if his parents had trauma in their childhood.

As a parent I personally would be very concerned about him harming family members so it’s just hard to imagine living like that for years.
 
Monday, June 17th:
*Trial continues (Day 27) (@ 9am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 26) arrested (1/15/18) & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial began on 4/9/24. Court DARK on Fridays.
Judge Kimberly K. Menninger presiding. Prosecutor DA Todd Spitzer & Senior Deputy DA Jennifer Walker; Defense attorney assistant public defender Kenneth S. Morrison (from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office).
State rested their case (I think) on 5/7/24. Defense began on 5/8/24.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 2/29/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-14 (3/6 thru 4/4/24) & Trial Day 1-23 (4/9-6/5/24) reference post #354 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-18
6/11/24 Tuesday, Trial Day 24: No info available. Trial continues on Wednesday, 6/12/24.
6/12/24 Wednesday, Trial Day 25: No info available. Trial continues on Thursday, 6/13/24.
6/13/24 Thursday, Trial Day 26: Defense witnesses: Blake Woodward, Sam’s father. Samuel Woodward. Will return on stand on Monday. Next hearing evidential proceedings hearing on 6/14/24 @ 9am & trial continues on Monday, 6/17/24.
For more info see post #376 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-19
6/14/24 Friday, Trial Day no #: with hearing on evidential proceedings (Evidence Code 402], no info available. Trial continues on Monday, 6/17/24.
 
www.ocregister.com

As murder trial resumes, Samuel Woodward struggles to recall past interactions with victim

Woodward also denied sending explicit photographs of himself to other men.
www.ocregister.com www.ocregister.com

June 17, 2024
On the stand for a second day of testimony in his murder trial, Samuel Woodward struggled Monday to recall high school interactions he had with the victim — former Orange County School of the Arts classmate Blaze Bernstein — and denied sending explicit photographs of himself to other people.
[.....]
Woodward, who is scheduled to return to the stand Tuesday, has not yet spoken in court about the night of Bernstein’s slaying. His testimony has moved slowly, with Woodward taking lengthy pauses before answering his attorney’s questions.
[.....]
During his testimony Monday, Woodward was noticeably uncomfortable when questioned by his attorney about his own sexuality. It took several similar questions by the defense attorney until Woodward said he had been sexually or romantically attracted to females growing up, but that he had never gotten any dates or had sexual encounters with them. He denied sending explicit photos of himself to any other men.
[.....]
Along with the night of Bernstein’s slaying, Woodward has also not yet discussed his ties to Atomwaffen Division during his testimony. And he has yet to be cross-examined by the prosecutor, Senior Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker.
 
Tuesday, June 18th:
*Trial continues (Day 28) (@ 9:15am PT) – CA – Blaze Bernstein (19) (Jan. 2, 2018, Lake Forest; found Jan. 9, 2018; he was stabbed 19 times in his neck; 14 times on the left, 5 on the right & 1 stab wound in his left knee) – *Samuel Lincoln Woodward (20/now 26) arrested (1/15/18) & charged (1/17/18) & arraigned (11/9/18) with 1 count of felony murder with a hate crime enhancement for killing someone because of their sexual orientation & sentencing enhancement-personal use of a knife. Plead not guilty (again on 11/9/18). $5M bail, bail revoked (11/9/18). In custody of the Theo Lacy jail.
Trial began on 4/9/24. Court DARK on Fridays.
Judge Kimberly K. Menninger presiding. Prosecutor DA Todd Spitzer & Senior Deputy DA Jennifer Walker; Defense attorney assistant public defender Kenneth S. Morrison (from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office).
State rested their case (I think) on 5/7/24. Defense began on 5/8/24.
Court hearings from 2/2/18 thru 2/29/24 & Jury Selection Days 1-14 (3/6 thru 4/4/24) & Trial Day 1-26 (4/9-6/14/24) reference post #377 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-19
6/17/24 Monday, Trial Day 27: Defense witness: Samuel Woodward back on stand. Trial continues on Tuesday, 6/18/24.
For more info see post #379 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ake-forest-2-jan-2018-8-arrest.618349/page-18
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DNASolves

Who is Escambia County John Doe (1989)?

Members online

... and 118 more.
Total: 1,960 (members: 119, guests: 1,841)

Online statistics

Members online
119
Guests online
1,841
Total visitors
1,960
Totals may include hidden visitors.

Forum statistics

Threads
599,870
Messages
18,100,508
Members
230,942
Latest member
Patturelli
Back
Top