I’m in Santa Ana today for opening arguments in the trial of Samuel Woodward, who is accused of murdering Blaze Bernstein, a gay Jewish college student who was his former classmate, in 2018.

Woodward was a member of Atomwaffen, an American neo-Nazi group. Updates here 🧵

The trial has faced several delays as multiple public defenders have quit and a lead prosecutor on the case got a judge appointment.

Woodward’s antisemitic and homophobic online writings will likely be a big part of the case against him. Each new lawyer got time to review it.

They also had to start jury selection over halfway through because Woodward threw a cup of water at Judge Kim Menninger.

Woodward’s previous attorney said he had mental health issues and struggled with his sexuality.

Menninger ruled Woodward competent to stand trial in 2022.

Blaze Bernstein was a sophomore pre-med student at UPenn when he went home for winter break.

On Jan. 2, 2018 he went missing. Following a massive search, his body was discovered on Jan. 10 buried at an Orange County park. Woodward was arrested days later.

Blaze Bernstein was remembered for his humor and his sincerity. He was a passionate cook and a member of the Penn student literary magazine.

His family has been frustrated with the trial delays. Today they hope that justice for their son’s death gets one step closer.

Woodward has pleaded not guilty to a first degree murder charge, which came with hate crime and weapon enhancements.

Jury about to come in. More background on the case can be found here. I will update more later in this thread.
forward.com/fast-forward/6…

Lead prosecutor says the state will argue that 'the defendant killed Blaze Bernstein because he was gay.'

Gideon and Jeanne Bernstein, Blaze's parents, will testify.

A recording of a phone call from Gideon to Woodward when Blaze was missing will also be played during the trial.