The California man suspected of killing 19-year-old college student Blaze Bernstein is said to have made violent and strange posts on social media, CBS Los Angeles reports.
Samuel Woodward, 20, was arrested Friday in connection with Bernstein’s death.
In one post, Woodward said he would like to learn “waterboarding,” according to the New York Post.
Woodward also allegedly wrote he’d bring “The Bible and a Colt .45” with him if were ever stranded on an island, and he has voiced admiration toward the Confederate flag.
Asked what he thought about cannibals, Woodward responded: “They’ve got the right idea.”
An unknown person later posted they were scared about Woodward’s predilection toward violence.
“I wouldn’t fight anybody unless they attacked me,” Woodward reportedly responded.
It’s not clear whether Woodward was being serious or was joking in the social media posts. Investigators have not identified a motive yet for the killing, but believe Bernstein met up with Woodward at Borrego Park in Foothill Ranch on Jan. 2, and then disappeared. Bernstein was later discovered in a shallow grave.
The kindness of strangers astounds me. These beautiful stones were placed all around a tree near where my son Blaze’s body was found. I know people are good. The world is still a good place. pic.twitter.com/gEjwN01zku
— Jeanne Pepper (@bernsteinmom) January 13, 2018
Bernstein was a University of Pennsylvania sophomore majoring in pre-med and was home on winter break when he disappeared. He attended high school with Woodward near Los Angeles.
Police linked Woodward to the crime based on DNA evidence, Bernstein’s SnapChat account and odd interactions with investigators.
Woodward was reportedly was nervous while talking with police, would avoid touching doorknobs at the police station and had suspicious cuts on him. He also had dirt under his fingernails, which he attributed to falling “into a dirt puddle,” according to court records obtained by the Orange County Register.
On a police form, Woodward said his occupation was “nerf games.”
Bernstein’s family lit Shabbat candles to remember him as they mourned his death. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday.
In a Twitter post Friday night, Bernstein’s mother wrote, “You found Blaze Bernstein now find your goodness and do good now! It’s never too late. Honor Blaze and my family. Just love and forget about everything else – it’s a waste of time and energy.”
Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
Additional Reading
BREAKING: ‘Friend’ arrested in connection with death of Blaze Bernstein
Missing college student Blaze Bernstein found dead; foul play suspected: Police
[Feature Photo: Samuel Woodward/Orange County Sheriff’s Department]
