Man Stabs His Gay Friend To Death For Kissing Him

Samuel Woodward, 20, was charged with murder in California on Wednesday.A former high school classmate of the University of Pennsylvania student found stabbed and buried in a Southern California park has been charged with his murder, according to a criminal complaint.

Samuel Lincoln Woodward, 20, was charged on Wednesday with murdering 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein with a knife while Bernstein was visiting his parents in Orange County on winter break.

Orange County prosecutors also filed a sentencing enhancement for use of a knife, which would allow them to seek more jail time for Woodward if he is convicted.

Prosecutors also revealed that Woodward returned to the scene of the crime while under police surveillance.

Authorities have said Bernstein went to Borrego Ranch Park with Woodward on January 2. His body was found in a shallow grave at the park a week later.

Woodward was arrested and told investigators he became angry after Bernstein kissed him the night they went to the park.

Bernstein’s parents say the killing may have been a hate crime against their gay son.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckus told reporters on Wednesday that investigators are looking for evidence that would support making the legal case a hate crime.