Vigil held for murdered college student found in OC park

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (KABC) -- A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday to honor the memory of Blaze Bernstein, the 19-year-old college student whose body was found in a Lake Forest park.

Bernstein was last seen alive at Borrego Park on Jan. 2 and was reported missing the next day by his family. An intense search of the area led to his body being found in brush at the perimeter of the park Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators believe his death was a homicide and they have served search warrants at a Newport Beach home in connection with the case.

Dozens of candles were lit and a photo of Bernstein was displayed at the memorial held at Borrego Park.

Friends remembered him as a talented writer and storyteller.

Bernstein was a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania and the school said he was involved in several campus publications.

"He was blessed with the power of storytelling," one friend said at the memorial. "If he were here, he would be able to make a beautiful story out of this. I'm sending all my love to his family and my prayers are with you."