"California Man Faces Trial in Hate Crime Killing of College Student Blaze Bernstein"

Samuel Woodward, a 26-year-old from Newport Beach, California, is set to stand trial for the murder of University of Pennsylvania student Blaze Bernstein, who was stabbed to death in an act of hate more than six years ago. Woodward, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of stabbing Bernstein, a 19-year-old gay, Jewish college sophomore, nearly 20 times in the face and neck after picking him up from his parents' home. DNA evidence and Woodward's cellphone contents, including anti-gay, antisemitic, and hate group materials, are linked to the killing. The case, which faced delays due to questions about Woodward's mental state, is finally going to trial, with the defense urging the public to reserve judgment until all evidence is presented.