Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore

Episode: Blaze Bernstein: Justice, Resilience, and the Fight Against Hate

Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore unravel the tragic 2018 murder of Blaze Bernstein, a gifted 19-year-old student who vanished during winter break in Southern California. The hosts illuminate Blaze’s vibrant life, the chilling investigation, and the hateful motives underlying his killing by former classmate Sam Woodward. They break down each key clue that led to justice, discuss the role of hate groups, and highlight how Blaze’s memory has sparked resilience and kindness.

Tone: Compassionate, detailed, and at times, deeply personal and reflective.
Trigger Warning: This episode covers graphic descriptions of a hate crime, including homophobic and anti-Semitic content and organized hate groups.

Case Introduction and Initial Timeline

Setting the Scene (04:38 – 10:33)

Background:
Blaze Bernstein, a multitalented University of Pennsylvania sophomore, returns home to Lake Forest, CA, for the holidays. The night of January 2, 2018, after a family dinner, Blaze stays up using his phone and dating apps.
Discovery of Disappearance:
The next morning, Blaze’s mother, Jeannie, realizes Blaze hasn’t attended a dentist appointment or contacted anyone. His wallet, keys, and glasses are all at home—only his phone is missing.
Initial Police Response:
When the Bernsteins contact law enforcement, an officer dismissively suggests Blaze is “out on a booty call,” discouraging a timely missing person report.

“The deputy tells them that, quote, 100% of the time, teenagers that unexpectedly stay out overnight are out on a booty call…”
— Kayla Moore (08:06)

Parent’s Intuition:
Jeannie and Gideon know this missing behavior is highly out-of-character and persist in searching.

Blaze’s Life and Background (09:13 – 13:17)

Born April 27, 1998, named after philosopher Blaise Pascal
Attended Orange County School of the Arts; passionate about writing and science (won chemistry awards, managed Penn Appétit magazine)
Volunteered at synagogue, came out as gay at 13, embraced by family
Headed for a bright future: pre-med at University of Pennsylvania

“He had so much to look forward to, and he had this really, really beautiful life that he was cultivating for himself.”
— Kayla Moore (13:12)

Uncovering the First Clues

Social Media Sleuthing (15:24 – 18:04)

Blaze’s younger sister, Bowie, accesses his Snapchat—finds multiple messages from “Sam Woodward,” a name unfamiliar to the family.
Sam’s Snapchats: “Where did you go?” and Blaze’s home address sent at 10:37pm.
Gideon Bernstein speaks with Sam:
Sam, a high school acquaintance, claims to have met Blaze, gone to a Hobby Lobby parking lot, and then Borrego Park. Says Blaze wandered off in the park, never returned.

Notable Quote:

"I want to find Blaze as much as you do."
— Sam Woodward (as recalled by Kayla Moore, 21:11)

Bernsteins sense Sam is nervous and potentially lying. They record the call and bring it to police, finally raising official alarm.

Community Search and Police Involvement (21:54 – 25:19)

Huge volunteer search effort at Borrego Park; nothing found.
Synagogue, community, and even celebrities join the search.
Growing suspicion: Sam may know more.

Escalating Suspicion: Sam Woodward Under Scrutiny

Sam’s Questionable Behavior (25:19 – 29:38)

Police interview Sam—he sticks to his park story, but now claims he went to a girlfriend’s house, can't recall her name or address.
Sam avoids touching door handles, cuts/dyes hair, has dirty/bandaged hands (claimed “fight club” injuries), seen cleaning his car thoroughly.

"Red flag. That’s huge."
— Kayla Moore on Sam’s supposed amnesia about his girlfriend (26:14)

Advancing the Investigation (29:43 – 36:46)

Police subpoena Blaze’s cell location—data shows Blaze and Sam together at a specific park location; Blaze’s phone drops off the map there.
On Jan 9, 2018, after rain unearths disturbed soil, Blaze’s body is discovered in a shallow grave at Borrego Park. His cell phone is found beneath him.

Memorable Moment:

"Captain Ackerman approached the area, he moves the branch to the side, and that is when he sees that there is a human leg... Lying in the soil beneath was the body of Blaze Bernstein.”
— Kayla Moore (34:42)

Key Evidence and Motive Revealed

Autopsy and Search for Motive (36:46 – 41:56)

Blaze was stabbed 28 times—cause of death: multiple sharp force injuries.
Evidence search at Woodward’s home turns up a bloody knife, sleeping bag, car with blood, and a neo-Nazi swastika in Sam’s notebook.
Sam’s lock screen displays Atomwaffen Division imagery—a neo-Nazi hate group known for violent, anti-LGBTQ and anti-Semitic extremism.

"Their handbook calls for white men to commit acts of terrorism in order to bring about a race war."
— Morgan Abshur (41:45)

Blaze’s blood found on knife, car, and mask in Sam’s possession.

Sam Woodward’s Radicalization and Motive

Woodward’s Background and Deep Dive into Hate (44:09 – 51:28)

Social difficulties, obsession with Nazi Germany even in elementary school, disciplinary issues, overt racism and homophobia throughout high school.
Documented involvement with Atomwaffen—attended their “hate camps,” spread hate online, had disturbing diary entries.

“There was a testimony from a sheriff's forensic examiner about the, quote, thousands of homophobic and anti-Semitic images that Sam had on his phone and his computer.”
— Kayla Moore (62:32)

Crossed Paths with Blaze (51:50 – 58:18)

Sam had a documented pattern of luring gay men on social/dating apps, then ghosting or harassing.
Blaze and Sam matched on Tinder twice; January 2, 2018, they matched again. Sam, pretending interest, convinced Blaze to meet.

Last Message:

“At 11:36pm, Blaze sent his best friend Lily the final text of his life. He said, quote, 'I did something really horrible for the story, but also, no one can ever know.'”
— Morgan Abshur (56:13)

The Trial: Justice Pursued

Hate Crime Charge & Court Delays (58:18 – 61:27)

Prosecutors focus on evidence for a hate crime—Blaze’s sexuality and Jewish identity, as targeted by Atomwaffen.
Multiple delays: defense switches, COVID-19, questions about Sam’s competency, and a courtroom outburst all extend proceedings up to 2024.

Trial Proceedings & Defense Strategy (61:27 – 68:38)

Sam appears in court emulating Charles Manson (long hair, beard) in a nod to hate group idolization.
Prosecution highlights files of hate, diary revealing specific tactics used to bait and destroy gay men, text message sent after the murder:

“Hey man, life is good.” — from Sam’s phone at 2:38am after the murder (63:40)

Defense claims Sam was a closeted gay man, killed in panic, possibly autistic—a line rejected by both the evidence and the Bernstein family.

Notable Quotes:

“They’re grasping at straws so hard... just throw it—what if it was his autism?”
— Morgan Abshur (64:47)

“There’s no evidence at all that Blaze had done anything. But the defense still tried to drag him even further, bringing up his mental health history, past breakups, just anything to try to attack his character.”
— Morgan Abshur (65:32)

Verdict and Legacy

Guilty Verdict & Sentencing (68:38 – 71:11)

July 3, 2024: Jury finds Sam Woodward guilty of first-degree murder with hate crime enhancement.
November 15, 2024: Sentenced to life without parole.
Jeannie Bernstein’s impact statement (read to Blaze):

“Blaze, we did the best we could for you. We figured out who did this. We brought him to justice. We saw justice carried out. ... We also continue to make this world a better place in your honor. And for that, we are grateful. We love you, our sweet boy, and we will miss you always.”
— Jeannie Bernstein (69:48)

DA Todd Spitzer’s statement:

“To hate someone simply for who they are is a hate like no other...The acceptance of hate by one of us is a condemnation of all of us, because silence is what allows hate to flourish.”
(Blaze’s memory as a call to action)

Community Uplift and Remembrance

#BlazeItForward (End of Crime Coverage: 70:50+)

The Bernstein family transforms grief into activism with the #BlazeItForward movement, encouraging acts of kindness every January 17.
Memorial and scholarship funds established in Blaze’s name.
Community continues to honor Blaze at Borrego Park, reminding all that “love always outshines hate.”

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 08:06 | Kayla Moore | “100% of the time, teenagers that unexpectedly stay out overnight are out on a booty call…” | | 13:12 | Kayla Moore | “He had so much to look forward to, and he had this really, really beautiful life that he was cultivating for himself.” | | 21:11 | Sam Woodward (via Kayla) | “I want to find Blaze as much as you do.” | | 34:42 | Kayla Moore | “Captain Ackerman…moves the branch…there is a human leg. Lying in the soil beneath was the body of Blaze Bernstein." | | 41:45 | Morgan Absher | "Their handbook calls for white men to commit acts of terrorism in order to bring about a race war." | | 56:13 | Morgan Absher| “At 11:36pm, Blaze sent his best friend Lily the final text of his life. He said, quote, ‘I did something really horrible for the story, but also, no one can ever know.’” | | 62:32 | Kayla Moore | “Thousands of homophobic and anti-Semitic images that Sam had on his phone and his computer.” | | 69:48 | Jeannie Bernstein (read by Kayla Moore) | “Blaze, we did the best we could for you... We kept this world safer... We love you, our sweet boy, and we will miss you always.” |

Key Segment Timestamps

Introduction & Case Context: 04:38 – 10:33
Police Interaction & Parental Search: 10:33 – 15:24
Discovery of Key Clues (Snapchat, Cell data): 15:24 – 21:54
Sam Woodward Interview & Search: 25:19 – 34:42
Body Discovered & Autopsy: 34:42 – 41:56
Neo-Nazi Motive & Evidence: 41:56 – 51:28
Blaze and Sam’s Online Interactions: 51:28 – 58:18
Charges, Legal Procedure, and Trial: 58:18 – 68:38
Verdict & Sentencing: 68:38 – 71:11
Blaze It Forward Legacy: 71:11 – End

Conclusion

Morgan and Kayla’s thorough, empathetic analysis underscores the devastating impact of hate-fueled violence and the importance of honoring victims by promoting kindness and community. The case stands as both a warning about online radicalization and an enduring testament to resilience in the face of tragedy.

Further Engagement

Blaze It Forward: Participate each January 17, or anytime.
Support: Blaze Bernstein Memorial Fund and scholarship.
Join the conversation: @CluesPodcast (Instagram), @CluesPod (YouTube)

[End of Content Summary—Advertisements, Missing Person of the Week, and other podcast-related content omitted as per instruction.]

Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore

Episode: Blaze Bernstein: Justice, Resilience, and the Fight Against Hate

Date: December 3, 2025

Episode Overview

Case Introduction and Initial Timeline

Setting the Scene (04:38 – 10:33)

Background:
Blaze Bernstein, a multitalented University of Pennsylvania sophomore, returns home to Lake Forest, CA, for the holidays. The night of January 2, 2018, after a family dinner, Blaze stays up using his phone and dating apps.
Discovery of Disappearance:
The next morning, Blaze’s mother, Jeannie, realizes Blaze hasn’t attended a dentist appointment or contacted anyone. His wallet, keys, and glasses are all at home—only his phone is missing.
Initial Police Response:
When the Bernsteins contact law enforcement, an officer dismissively suggests Blaze is “out on a booty call,” discouraging a timely missing person report.

“The deputy tells them that, quote, 100% of the time, teenagers that unexpectedly stay out overnight are out on a booty call…”
— Kayla Moore (08:06)

Parent’s Intuition:
Jeannie and Gideon know this missing behavior is highly out-of-character and persist in searching.

Blaze’s Life and Background (09:13 – 13:17)

Born April 27, 1998, named after philosopher Blaise Pascal
Attended Orange County School of the Arts; passionate about writing and science (won chemistry awards, managed Penn Appétit magazine)
Volunteered at synagogue, came out as gay at 13, embraced by family
Headed for a bright future: pre-med at University of Pennsylvania

“He had so much to look forward to, and he had this really, really beautiful life that he was cultivating for himself.”
— Kayla Moore (13:12)

Uncovering the First Clues

Social Media Sleuthing (15:24 – 18:04)

Blaze’s younger sister, Bowie, accesses his Snapchat—finds multiple messages from “Sam Woodward,” a name unfamiliar to the family.
Sam’s Snapchats: “Where did you go?” and Blaze’s home address sent at 10:37pm.
Gideon Bernstein speaks with Sam:
Sam, a high school acquaintance, claims to have met Blaze, gone to a Hobby Lobby parking lot, and then Borrego Park. Says Blaze wandered off in the park, never returned.

Notable Quote:

"I want to find Blaze as much as you do."
— Sam Woodward (as recalled by Kayla Moore, 21:11)

Bernsteins sense Sam is nervous and potentially lying. They record the call and bring it to police, finally raising official alarm.

Community Search and Police Involvement (21:54 – 25:19)

Huge volunteer search effort at Borrego Park; nothing found.
Synagogue, community, and even celebrities join the search.
Growing suspicion: Sam may know more.

Escalating Suspicion: Sam Woodward Under Scrutiny

Sam’s Questionable Behavior (25:19 – 29:38)

Police interview Sam—he sticks to his park story, but now claims he went to a girlfriend’s house, can't recall her name or address.
Sam avoids touching door handles, cuts/dyes hair, has dirty/bandaged hands (claimed “fight club” injuries), seen cleaning his car thoroughly.

"Red flag. That’s huge."
— Kayla Moore on Sam’s supposed amnesia about his girlfriend (26:14)

Advancing the Investigation (29:43 – 36:46)

Police subpoena Blaze’s cell location—data shows Blaze and Sam together at a specific park location; Blaze’s phone drops off the map there.
On Jan 9, 2018, after rain unearths disturbed soil, Blaze’s body is discovered in a shallow grave at Borrego Park. His cell phone is found beneath him.

Memorable Moment:

"Captain Ackerman approached the area, he moves the branch to the side, and that is when he sees that there is a human leg... Lying in the soil beneath was the body of Blaze Bernstein.”
— Kayla Moore (34:42)

Key Evidence and Motive Revealed

Autopsy and Search for Motive (36:46 – 41:56)

Blaze was stabbed 28 times—cause of death: multiple sharp force injuries.
Evidence search at Woodward’s home turns up a bloody knife, sleeping bag, car with blood, and a neo-Nazi swastika in Sam’s notebook.
Sam’s lock screen displays Atomwaffen Division imagery—a neo-Nazi hate group known for violent, anti-LGBTQ and anti-Semitic extremism.

"Their handbook calls for white men to commit acts of terrorism in order to bring about a race war."
— Morgan Abshur (41:45)

Blaze’s blood found on knife, car, and mask in Sam’s possession.

Sam Woodward’s Radicalization and Motive

Woodward’s Background and Deep Dive into Hate (44:09 – 51:28)

Social difficulties, obsession with Nazi Germany even in elementary school, disciplinary issues, overt racism and homophobia throughout high school.
Documented involvement with Atomwaffen—attended their “hate camps,” spread hate online, had disturbing diary entries.

“There was a testimony from a sheriff's forensic examiner about the, quote, thousands of homophobic and anti-Semitic images that Sam had on his phone and his computer.”
— Kayla Moore (62:32)

Crossed Paths with Blaze (51:50 – 58:18)

Sam had a documented pattern of luring gay men on social/dating apps, then ghosting or harassing.
Blaze and Sam matched on Tinder twice; January 2, 2018, they matched again. Sam, pretending interest, convinced Blaze to meet.

Last Message:

“At 11:36pm, Blaze sent his best friend Lily the final text of his life. He said, quote, 'I did something really horrible for the story, but also, no one can ever know.'”
— Morgan Abshur (56:13)

The Trial: Justice Pursued

Hate Crime Charge & Court Delays (58:18 – 61:27)

Prosecutors focus on evidence for a hate crime—Blaze’s sexuality and Jewish identity, as targeted by Atomwaffen.
Multiple delays: defense switches, COVID-19, questions about Sam’s competency, and a courtroom outburst all extend proceedings up to 2024.

Trial Proceedings & Defense Strategy (61:27 – 68:38)

Sam appears in court emulating Charles Manson (long hair, beard) in a nod to hate group idolization.
Prosecution highlights files of hate, diary revealing specific tactics used to bait and destroy gay men, text message sent after the murder:

“Hey man, life is good.” — from Sam’s phone at 2:38am after the murder (63:40)

Defense claims Sam was a closeted gay man, killed in panic, possibly autistic—a line rejected by both the evidence and the Bernstein family.

Notable Quotes:

“They’re grasping at straws so hard... just throw it—what if it was his autism?”
— Morgan Abshur (64:47)

“There’s no evidence at all that Blaze had done anything. But the defense still tried to drag him even further, bringing up his mental health history, past breakups, just anything to try to attack his character.”
— Morgan Abshur (65:32)

Verdict and Legacy

Guilty Verdict & Sentencing (68:38 – 71:11)

July 3, 2024: Jury finds Sam Woodward guilty of first-degree murder with hate crime enhancement.
November 15, 2024: Sentenced to life without parole.
Jeannie Bernstein’s impact statement (read to Blaze):

“Blaze, we did the best we could for you. We figured out who did this. We brought him to justice. We saw justice carried out. ... We also continue to make this world a better place in your honor. And for that, we are grateful. We love you, our sweet boy, and we will miss you always.”
— Jeannie Bernstein (69:48)

DA Todd Spitzer’s statement:

“To hate someone simply for who they are is a hate like no other...The acceptance of hate by one of us is a condemnation of all of us, because silence is what allows hate to flourish.”
(Blaze’s memory as a call to action)

Community Uplift and Remembrance

#BlazeItForward (End of Crime Coverage: 70:50+)

The Bernstein family transforms grief into activism with the #BlazeItForward movement, encouraging acts of kindness every January 17.
Memorial and scholarship funds established in Blaze’s name.
Community continues to honor Blaze at Borrego Park, reminding all that “love always outshines hate.”

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

Key Segment Timestamps

Introduction & Case Context: 04:38 – 10:33
Police Interaction & Parental Search: 10:33 – 15:24
Discovery of Key Clues (Snapchat, Cell data): 15:24 – 21:54
Sam Woodward Interview & Search: 25:19 – 34:42
Body Discovered & Autopsy: 34:42 – 41:56
Neo-Nazi Motive & Evidence: 41:56 – 51:28
Blaze and Sam’s Online Interactions: 51:28 – 58:18
Charges, Legal Procedure, and Trial: 58:18 – 68:38
Verdict & Sentencing: 68:38 – 71:11
Blaze It Forward Legacy: 71:11 – End

Conclusion

Further Engagement

Blaze It Forward: Participate each January 17, or anytime.
Support: Blaze Bernstein Memorial Fund and scholarship.
Join the conversation: @CluesPodcast (Instagram), @CluesPod (YouTube)

[End of Content Summary—Advertisements, Missing Person of the Week, and other podcast-related content omitted as per instruction.]

Blaze Bernstein: Justice, Resilience, and the Fight Against Hate

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore

Episode: Blaze Bernstein: Justice, Resilience, and the Fight Against Hate

Episode Overview

Case Introduction and Initial Timeline

Setting the Scene (04:38 – 10:33)

Blaze’s Life and Background (09:13 – 13:17)

Uncovering the First Clues

Social Media Sleuthing (15:24 – 18:04)

Notable Quote:

Community Search and Police Involvement (21:54 – 25:19)

Escalating Suspicion: Sam Woodward Under Scrutiny

Sam’s Questionable Behavior (25:19 – 29:38)

Advancing the Investigation (29:43 – 36:46)

Memorable Moment:

Key Evidence and Motive Revealed

Autopsy and Search for Motive (36:46 – 41:56)

Sam Woodward’s Radicalization and Motive

Woodward’s Background and Deep Dive into Hate (44:09 – 51:28)

Crossed Paths with Blaze (51:50 – 58:18)

Last Message:

The Trial: Justice Pursued

Hate Crime Charge & Court Delays (58:18 – 61:27)

Trial Proceedings & Defense Strategy (61:27 – 68:38)

Notable Quotes:

Verdict and Legacy

Guilty Verdict & Sentencing (68:38 – 71:11)

Community Uplift and Remembrance

#BlazeItForward (End of Crime Coverage: 70:50+)

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

Key Segment Timestamps

Conclusion

Further Engagement

Summary

Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore

Episode: Blaze Bernstein: Justice, Resilience, and the Fight Against Hate

Episode Overview

Case Introduction and Initial Timeline

Setting the Scene (04:38 – 10:33)

Blaze’s Life and Background (09:13 – 13:17)

Uncovering the First Clues

Social Media Sleuthing (15:24 – 18:04)

Notable Quote:

Community Search and Police Involvement (21:54 – 25:19)

Escalating Suspicion: Sam Woodward Under Scrutiny

Sam’s Questionable Behavior (25:19 – 29:38)

Advancing the Investigation (29:43 – 36:46)

Memorable Moment:

Key Evidence and Motive Revealed

Autopsy and Search for Motive (36:46 – 41:56)

Sam Woodward’s Radicalization and Motive

Woodward’s Background and Deep Dive into Hate (44:09 – 51:28)

Crossed Paths with Blaze (51:50 – 58:18)

Last Message:

The Trial: Justice Pursued

Hate Crime Charge & Court Delays (58:18 – 61:27)

Trial Proceedings & Defense Strategy (61:27 – 68:38)

Notable Quotes:

Verdict and Legacy

Guilty Verdict & Sentencing (68:38 – 71:11)

Community Uplift and Remembrance

#BlazeItForward (End of Crime Coverage: 70:50+)

Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

Key Segment Timestamps

Conclusion

Further Engagement