ABC 20/20 “The Last Text” January 3 2025 Recap & Preview

On Friday, January 3, 2025, from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. EST, 20/20 presents an all-new investigation into the tragic murder of Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old pre-med student at the University of Pennsylvania. When Blaze returned home for winter break, a meeting with a former high school classmate, Samuel Woodward, ended in his brutal death. This chilling case, investigated over the course of seven years, is reported by ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman.

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Blaze’s mysterious disappearance sparked a frantic search by his family. With the help of his sister, Beaue, the Bernsteins uncovered Snapchat messages Blaze had exchanged with Woodward before their meeting. The investigation revealed a disturbing connection: Woodward was affiliated with an anti-gay, neo-Nazi group, and prosecutors argue he lured Blaze—who was gay and Jewish—to a park, where he fatally stabbed him in a hate-driven act. Blaze’s body was discovered in a shallow grave with over 20 stab wounds. DNA evidence from the crime scene linked Woodward to the murder.

Woodward was charged with murder and a hate crime, and eventually convicted of all charges, receiving a life sentence without parole. 20/20 includes an exclusive interview with Blaze’s sister, Beaue, who played a pivotal role in uncovering key evidence from her brother’s social media and messages that helped lead police to Woodward. Additional interviews with Capt. Jack Anderson and Sgt. Dylan Jantzen of the Orange County Sheriff’s department, along with legal expert Matt Murphy, provide further insight into the investigation. The report also features police interrogation footage with Woodward.

Don’t miss this in-depth 20/20 investigation, airing Friday, January 3, 2025, on ABC, and streaming the next day on Hulu. Tune in to uncover the shocking truth behind Blaze Bernstein’s death and the pursuit of justice for this senseless crime.