Shivangi Sinha
Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old college student, was found dead in January 2018 after being reported missing in Orange County, California. He had been brutally stabbed and buried in a shallow grave. His death deeply shattered his family, which includes his parents, Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper, and sister, Beaue Bernstein. They have since spoken about their immense grief and the irreplaceable loss they’ve suffered. The Bernsteins have also become vocal advocates for justice and kindness in his memory. CBS’ ‘48 Hours: The Life and Death of Blaze Bernstein’ explores the case, the investigation that followed, and the legacy Blaze left behind.
Blaze Bernstein’s Family Always Took Pride in His Identity and Advocacy
Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein built their life and family in Orange County, California, where they raised three children: Blaze, their eldest, followed by son Jay and daughter Beaue. Blaze was born in April 1998 and was deeply loved by his family for his unique spirit and identity. When he came out, his parents stood by him with pride, never once wishing he would change who he was. In January 2018, Blaze was home for the holidays. On January 3, Jeanne waited for him to accompany her to a doctor’s appointment, but he never arrived. He had gone out the previous night and didn’t return.
A search was immediately launched, and his family made public appeals, clinging to the hope that he would be found safe. His sister Beaue played a crucial role by helping law enforcement access Blaze’s Snapchat, where they uncovered his communications with Sam Woodward. This breakthrough led to Woodward’s arrest and eventual conviction. The Bernsteins expressed that no outcome could truly bring peace, as their son and brother had been taken from them simply for being who he was. However, they felt that the conviction, including the hate crime charge, was an important step in acknowledging the truth and getting justice.
Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper Continue to Honor Their Son’s Memory
Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper have continued to honor their son’s legacy by focusing on who he was beyond the circumstances of his death. Refusing to let his life be defined solely by violence, they embraced the idea of “Blaze It Forward,” turning it into a growing community movement that encourages acts of kindness. They also established the Blaze Bernstein Memorial Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County to support children and families in need, reflecting Blaze’s compassionate spirit. Additionally, the couple helped launch a culinary school in their late son’s name, inspired by his love for food and cooking.
Professionally, Gideon continues his work as a Financial Advisor and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, a firm he co-founded. His expertise in investment strategy and wealth management remains his focus, even as he channels his personal grief into advocacy. Jeanne, who earned her law degree from Pepperdine University in 1995 and practiced law until 2000, has since shifted her energy toward public speaking. She now uses her personal story and voice to uplift others through her platform, PeppTalks with Jeanne. On her social media channels and speaking engagements, she discusses a range of topics, including grief, resilience, and parenting, all deeply informed by her experience after her son’s death. As advocates, parents, and professionals, both Gideon and Jeanne have found meaningful ways to preserve Blaze’s memory while making a lasting impact on their community.
Beaue Bernstein is Enrolled at UPenn Today
Beaue Bernstein, the younger sister of Blaze Bernstein, has continued to carry forward her brother’s legacy. Blaze’s murder left a profound mark on her life, and though the emotional impact remains, she has actively worked to honor his memory. She serves as the Media Director of the Blaze It Forward Foundation, the family-led initiative created in her brother’s name to promote acts of kindness and support for marginalized communities. Even after the conviction and life sentence of Samuel Woodward in 2024, Beaue remains deeply committed to ensuring Blaze’s legacy is defined not by the hate that ended his life but by the love and creativity he embodied.
A driven and accomplished young woman, Beaue attended TVT Community Day School from 2018 to 2022, where she consistently demonstrated academic and extracurricular excellence. She earned a place on the Principal’s List and Honor Roll, served as Co-President of the California Scholarship Federation, and captained the varsity soccer team, receiving the Varsity Soccer Exceptional Achievement award. She also embraced her Jewish identity by studying Jewish Studies and actively participating in the Sustainable Gardening Club.
In parallel with school, Beaue worked part-time as a Pre-K and Kindergarten Leader at University Synagogue Pre-School from 2018 to 2022. She also gained experience as a Medical Assistant at the Dermatology Center of Newport and interned briefly at Leisure Capital Management in 2021. Since August 2022, she has been pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Her campus roles include being co-president of the Shabbatones, a Jewish a cappella group, and a member of Chi Omega. She has interned with Penn Food and Wellness Collaborative, Summit Environmental Group and returned to Leisure Capital Management as an ESG Analyst Intern. Set to graduate in 2026, she continues to channel her energy into all things meaningful.
Read More: Blaze Bernstein Murder: Where is Samuel Woodward Now?
