On Wednesday, Samuel Woodward, 26, was found guilty of first-degree crime and a hate crime enhancement in the stabbing death of a Gay University of Pennsylvania pupil.
During spring break, Bernstein, a 19- year- ancient junior, was spending time with his family in Southern California when he vanished. His body was discovered in a deep tomb at Borrego Park in Lake Forest a week later, according to ABC News.
Prosecutor Jennifer Walker in the closing discussion emphasized Woodward’s associations with a harsh, against- gay, neo- Nazi radical team known as Atomwaffen Division ( Orange County District Attorney’s Office ). She said that Woodward constantly sought out the firm, which targeted homosexual men.
With reference to Woodward’s autism spectrum disorder and his confused physical arrangement as a result of his liberal culture, Woodward’s attorney, Ken Morrison, argued for a reduced cost. Morrison, arguing that the prosecutor withheld critical information, intends to file an appeal.
According to the Orange County district attorney’s office, authorities connected Woodward to Bernstein through messages posted on Snapchat and evidence discovered during the research of Woodward’s household, including a bruised folding knife and love group items.
Both Woodward and Bernstein had both graduated from the same great school, and they had reconnected through a dating game. Woodward claimed that he had thought Bernstein had taken a photo of him as justification for his murder. The prosecutors presented facts supporting Woodward’s aggressive intentions and cruel acts, leading to his conviction.
Hate will never be tolerated around in Orange County, according to Orange County district attorney Todd Spitzer. This faith demonstrates how our society will not tolerate those who terrorize our most vulnerable citizens.
