Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband - Episode 261: A Hate That Killed - The Life and Death of Blaze Bernstein

Podcast Information:

• Title: Murder With My Husband
• Host/Author: OH NO MEDIA
• Description: A true crime podcast that ventures into the darkest crimes with a wife who loves it and a husband who hates it.
• Episode: 261. A Hate That Killed - The Life and Death of Blaze Bernstein
• Release Date: March 24, 2025

1. Introduction to the Case

The episode delves into the tragic and horrifying case of Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old college student whose life was brutally cut short in what authorities have determined to be a hate crime. Hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland guide listeners through the intricate details of Blaze's life, disappearance, and the subsequent investigation that led to justice.

2. Background on Blaze Bernstein

Blaze Bernstein was born on April 27, 1998, in Orange County, California. Raised in a supportive and nurturing family, Blaze was the eldest of three siblings. His mother, Jean, was a former lawyer, and his father, Gideon, a partner at a financial consulting firm. Blaze was characterized as a warm, thoughtful, and respectful individual with diverse interests spanning writing, cooking, and active participation in his local synagogue.

Notable Quote:

"Blaze never lost sight of his roots. Every school break, he made his way west to his family home in Orange County, California to unwind and reconnect."
— Peyton Moreland [07:40]

Blaze pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in pre-med with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Simultaneously, he nurtured his passion for writing by serving as a copy editor for the campus’s food-driven magazine, Pen Appetite. Blaze was openly gay, embracing his sexuality and using his writing as a platform to support LGBTQ+ issues.

3. The Disappearance

In the winter of 2017, Blaze returned home for winter break, engaging in family traditions and preparing lavish Hanukkah feasts. On the night of January 2, 2018, Blaze left his family home to meet a friend, Samuel Woodward, a former classmate from high school.

Notable Quote:

"Blaze didn't seem to tell his parents what he was getting into. They assumed he was meeting a friend, but when he missed a dentist appointment and failed to respond to his phone, panic set in."
— Peyton Moreland [12:00]

Blaze was scheduled to return to campus after the break, but his absence and unresponsiveness raised immediate concerns. His parents, Jean and Gideon, initiated a search, contacting friends, checking his digital footprint, and eventually involving the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

4. Investigation and Suspect Identification

The investigation revealed that Blaze had been in contact with Samuel Woodward through Snapchat. Blaze had shared his address with Sam, leading Sam to pick him up around 11 PM. They drove to Borrego Park with the intention of meeting another friend. Early reports from Sam suggested that Blaze disappeared after seeking solitude in a public restroom, which was an unusual claim given Blaze's responsible nature.

Notable Quote:

"Blaze came from a truly loving family, but the disappearance took them on a harrowing journey of uncertainty and fear."
— Peyton Moreland [07:40]

Upon further inquiry, friends of Sam revealed troubling aspects of his character. Sam had a history of homophobic behavior, strict Catholic upbringing, and associations with the extremist neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen. These revelations painted Sam as a person capable of extreme actions motivated by hate.

5. The Arrest and Evidence

On January 12, 2018, Sam Woodward was pulled over by police near his Newport Beach home and arrested on suspicion of Blaze’s murder. Upon searching Sam's vehicle and residence, authorities discovered damning evidence:

• Blood: Belonging to both Sam and Blaze.
• Murder Weapon: A folding knife covered in Blaze's blood.
• Mask: An Atomwaffen mask stained with blood.
• Hate Diary: Entries expressing violent and hateful ideologies.
• Connections to Extremist Groups: Documentation of involvement with Atomwaffen, including attendance at hate camps.

Notable Quote:

"The autopsy revealed that Blaze had been stabbed 19 times in the neck, with defensive wounds indicating he fought back."
— Peyton Moreland [26:09]

6. Trial and Legal Proceedings

The trial, initially scheduled for January 2019, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually commencing in April 2024. Sam's defense team portrayed him as a troubled individual battling autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, struggling with his sexuality in a conservative environment. They contended that Blaze provoked Sam, leading to a moment of uncontrollable rage.

Notable Quote:

"The defense painted Sam as someone who felt threatened by Blaze's sexuality, ultimately leading to the tragic murder."
— Peyton Moreland [38:57]

Contrary to the defense’s narrative, extensive evidence showcased Sam’s premeditated involvement in extremist activities and hatred towards the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, positioning the murder as a hate crime.

7. Verdict and Aftermath

After six grueling years, the jury found Sam Woodward guilty of first-degree murder with the enhancement of it being classified as a hate crime. The courtroom erupted in emotion as justice was served, affirming the community's stand against hate-fueled violence.

Notable Quote:

"We bring Blaze's case as proof that love will always win in the end."
— Jean Bernstein, Blaze's Mother [46:04]

Sam Woodward was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would never again pose a threat. Blaze's family found some solace in the verdict, highlighting the importance of confronting and eradicating hate.

8. Reflections and Conclusions

The episode underscores the pervasive threat of hate crimes and extremist ideologies, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance and community support. Blaze Bernstein’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of hate and the resilience required to overcome such tragedies.

Notable Quotes:

"Hate is a very dangerous weapon... But hate never wins in the end."
— Peyton Moreland [04:16]

"Most people are good. Majority people aren't killers. Majority people have good morals and are looking to do good things for other people and treat others nicely."
— Garrett Moreland [49:54]

The hosts concluded with a heartfelt message of hope and the importance of spreading positivity amidst the darkness.

Closing Remarks: Blaze Bernstein’s life and untimely death highlight the critical need for societal awareness and proactive measures against hate-driven violence. The case not only brought justice for Blaze but also served as a catalyst for confronting and diminishing hate within communities.

Notable Moments:

• [07:40] Introduction to Blaze Bernstein’s background.
• [12:00] Initial concerns and investigation kickoff.
• [26:09] Discovery of the murder weapon and evidence.
• [38:57] Defense’s portrayal of Sam Woodward.
• [46:04] Mother's statement in court.
• [49:54] Hosts’ reflections on human morality and goodness.

Conclusion: Episode 261 of Murder With My Husband meticulously unravels the life and tragic death of Blaze Bernstein, illustrating the profound impacts of hate and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through detailed narrative and emotional depth, the hosts honor Blaze's memory while advocating for a more compassionate and understanding world.