Samantha Woll murder update: New details revealed in suspect’s release

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

Detroit police announced the suspect’s arrest earlier this week, the first major development in the investigation since Woll was found brutally murdered at her home in Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighbourhood on 21 October.

The unnamed man, who reportedly knew Woll, was released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

An “ambiguous statement” the suspect made to police is being probed by investigators, according to the Detroit News.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Ms Kriger did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Independent. Detroit police are yet to confirm his release, and did not respond to a request for comment.

Authorities believe Woll was attacked inside her home and then stumbled out before collapsing on the sidewalk.

Police have said they have not found any evidence linking the shocking killing to antisemitism.

Detroit Police Chief James White stressed earlier this week that the arrest did not “represent the conclusion of our work in this case”.

Key Points

• Suspect released by Detroit police without charge

• A Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death at her home. Police don’t have a motive

• Funeral held for synagogue leader found stabbed to death outside her home

• Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s murder not motivated by antisemitism

• Why was the murder suspect released without charge?

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:42 , Kelly Rissman

More details about the previously detained suspect, revealed

On 8 November, police announced that they had taken a suspect into custody — however, authorities withheld his name and any charges against him. Although police did not identify the suspect’s gender, sources told ClickonDetroit that a man had been arrested.

That person was then set free on 10 November without charge, police confirmed today.

According to reporting by the outlet, the suspect was taken into custody based on the statements he gave to investigators. However, the suspect was subsequently released because those statements were too ambiguous to press murder charges.

Under Michigan law, suspects can only be detained without charges for 72 hours.

Wednesday 15 November 2023 14:26 , Kelly Rissman

Police confirm the suspect who had been held in custody was released

Tuesday 14 November 2023 14:00 , Kelly Rissman

The lastest update in a slow rolling case

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death in her home in Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighbourhood on 21 October.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 12:00 , Kelly Rissman

Why did it take weeks to announce a suspect?

Investigators announced the arrest of a suspect “for the murder of Samantha Woll” on 8 November - nearly two and a half weeks after her stabbing.

Police Chief White called the arrest “an encouraging development” but warned that “it does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case.”

Police did not reveal the suspect’s name or release the intended charges. However, local outlets reported that the suspect was a man.

A day after announcing the arrest, police wrote that they had hit a “critical juncture,” perhaps hinting that they were going to have to release the suspect in custody.

Read the full story...

Why was the Samantha Woll murder suspect released without charge?

Tuesday 14 November 2023 10:00 , Kelly Rissman

Not a hate crime, police say

Chief White said he is confident the crime was not motivated by antisemitism.

Investigators pointed to a large Israeli flag hanging in Woll’s home to support this claim.

On top of Woll’s role as a synagogue leader, speculation grew that her death could be a hate crime due to the rise in antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas war’s outbreak.

The Anti-Defamation League recorded a total of 312 antisemitic incidents between 7 October and 23 October this year; by contrast, last year in the same time period, ADL recorded 64 incidents, including four that were Israel-related.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 08:00 , Kelly Rissman

The timeline

20 October:

• Sam Woll attends a wedding.

21 October:

• Woll returns home at 12.30am from the wedding. It’s unclear whether she came back from the wedding alone or with someone.

• At 6.30 am, police discover Woll’s body. It appears that she was stabbed inside of her home and collapsed later onto her yard.

The initial investigation:

• Detroit Police Chief James White said he believed the suspect acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large.

• Police said there was no sign of forced entry at Woll’s home or any sign that she tried to defend herself.

• Authorities also ruled out that her death was a hate crime, citing the untouched Israeli flag still hanging in Woll’s home.

• A law enforcement source told CNN that the police were treating Woll’s death as arising from a domestic dispute.

8 November:

• Police announced that they had a suspect in custody for “the murder of Samantha Woll.” No details about the suspect, nor any charges were released.

• Under Michigan law, suspects can only be held in custody without charges for 72 hours.

9 November:

• Investigators wrote in a statement that they had hit a “critical juncture” in the case.

11 November:

• The suspect was released from custody without explanation from authorities.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 06:00 , Kelly Rissman

Social media users are offering condolences on Woll’s last Facebook post

In the comments section of Sam Woll’s last Facebook post, users are expressing their condolences for her family and their love of the late synagogue leader.

“I met Sam at Michigan. She is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever known,” one user wrote.

Another commented, “You’ve been on my heart and I cant process everything thats happening. My heart hurts and I continued to stay in prayer for your family.”

Yet another remarked, “Your radiating energy was immediately obvious to everyone around you.”

Tuesday 14 November 2023 04:00 , Kelly Rissman

Director of Detroit’s American Jewish Committee Asher Lopatin mourns Woll’s death

We are absolutely heartbroken over the murder of Sam Woll, a thoughtful and beloved leader, neighbor, and member of the JCRC/AJC family. We are grieving for her family and with our community.

She will forever be remembered as a ray of sunlight to all who knew her. She was a longtime leader in AJC’s Global ACCESS and ACCESS Detroit Young Leadership Programs and a passionate Muslim-Jewish bridge builder.

We will cherish her memory. May it forever be a blessing.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 02:00 , Kelly Rissman

Why wasn’t the suspect charged?

Under Michigan state law, a suspect can only be held without charges for 72 hours. That charging window appeared to close, as police released the suspect on 11 November. It’s unclear what drove the authorities to arrest the person and it’s also unclear what drove them to release him.

A criminal attorney not linked to the case told the Detroit Free Press that the suspect’s release likely indicates a lack of evidence to support the charges against him. “In a high profile case, they would want to err on the side of caution, move slowly, move methodically, to make sure the decision they make is actually supported by the evidence, especially in a case where the charge is going to be scrutinized,” the attorney, Adam Clements, told the outlet.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 00:00 , Kelly Rissman

What happens next?

At present, it is unclear whether the person arrested last week is still considered a suspect after his release.

If he is, it is likely that police will continue working to collect evidence before a second potential arrest and filing of charges.

If he is not, police will be going back to the drawing board to find a new suspect.

Authorities have remained extremely tight-lipped on the subject, refusing repeated requests for comment from The Independent.

Monday 13 November 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

Murder suspect’s ‘ambiguous statement’ to police

A suspect who was arrested and released without charge over Samantha Woll’s murder made an “ambiguous statement” to police, according to the Detroit News.

The unnamed suspect, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was released on Friday after a 72 hour deadline to charge them lapsed.

Citing four sources, the Detroit News reported that police are continuing to probe the suspect’s statements for irregularities.

Police have not commented on the suspect’s released, but Chief James White said earlier this week that the arrest was encouraging but did not bring their investigation to an end.

Monday 13 November 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

In photos: scenes of the crime

Monday 13 November 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman

What do we know about the stabbing?

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on 21 October.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Woll’s residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief White said on 23 October. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Woll’s home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Woll’s death.

Woll was last seen attending a wedding on the evening of 20 October, which she left at around 12.30am.

“By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self,” Chief White told reporters.

The chief said that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

“We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation,” he said, adding that Woll might or might have not known her killer. “We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.”

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Woll’s home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Finally, on 8 November, more than two weeks after Woll’s stabbing, Chief White announced in a statement that a suspect had been taken into custody “for the murder of Samantha Woll.”

“The details of the investigation will remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain,” he wrote.

Monday 13 November 2023 20:02 , Kelly Rissman

Disturbing neighbourhood incident that happened before Woll’s murder, revealed

Neighbours of Woll have since come forward with reports that the two driver-side tires on their white Mercedes were slashed when they returned home on Sunday after leaving town for the weekend.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told Fox News that her car was parked just 200 feet away from Woll’s home — and she and her husband have since notified law enforcement. When asked about the incident as he delivered updates on Monday, Chief White said that his office would be investigating the reports and whether it is connected to Woll’s murder.

A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department told The Independent on Tuesday that there are no updates in that regard.

Read the full story...

Samantha Woll’s neighbour reveal disturbing incident around time of murder

Monday 13 November 2023 19:30 , Kelly Rissman

Questions linger: Why was the Samantha Woll murder suspect released without charge?

A suspect was taken into custody related to Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s stabbing — but was released days later, tacking on further questions to a case that is drenched in them.

Woll, the beloved 40-year-old president of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was killed on 21 October.

Weeks later, there appeared to be a breakthrough in the case when Detroit Police Chief James White announced on 8 November that a suspect had been arrested “for the murder of Samantha Woll.” Three days later, the suspect was released without charge.

It marked the latest troubling turn in a case with many more questions than answers more than three weeks on from the killing. The Independent investigates the unresolved questions in the Woll case: the motive, the delay of the arrest, the release of the suspect, and what happens next.

Read the full story...

Why was the Samantha Woll murder suspect released without charge?

Monday 13 November 2023 19:02 , Kelly Rissman

Not a hate crime, police say

Chief White said he is confident the crime was not motivated by antisemitism.

Investigators pointed to a large Israeli flag hanging in Woll’s home to support this claim.

On top of Woll’s role as a synagogue leader, speculation grew that her death could be a hate crime due to the rise in antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas war’s outbreak.

The Anti-Defamation League recorded a total of 312 antisemitic incidents between 7 October and 23 October this year; by contrast, last year in the same time period, ADL recorded 64 incidents, including four that were Israel-related.

Monday 13 November 2023 18:02 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Rep Elissa Slotkin, Woll’s former boss, asks for moment of silence in her honour

Monday 13 November 2023 17:23 , Kelly Rissman

The latest on Samantha Woll

On Saturday, a suspect who had been held in custody in connection to the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue leader has been released.

Allison Kriger declined to comment further to The Associated Press beyond saying the suspect was free. Local outlets reported the suspect was a man.

No charges have been filed in the case.

Monday 13 November 2023 17:02 , Kelly Rissman

Samantha Woll’s friend recalls her ‘happy, fun’ final hours

Just hours before she was found stabbed to death on the sidewalk outside of her Detroit home on Saturday, 40-year-old Woll attended a wedding where she celebrated with friends, authorities previously said.

Woll, the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was her “normal, positive, pleasant” self. She left the ceremony shortly after midnight, but nothing about her demeanour could have predicted the horrific attack she would endure in the following hours.

“She was happy, she was having fun,” Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang, a close friend of Woll, told Fox’s LiveNow. “My last memories of her will always be really happy and positive.”

Sen Chang and Woll attended the University of Michigan together and had grown closer in the years that followed through their community work. Woll, who worked as a former aide in Michigan Attorney General Danna Nessel’s reelection campaign last year, was also part of Sen Chang’s campaign.

Read the full story...

Samantha Woll’s friend recounts slain synagogue leader’s final hours

Monday 13 November 2023 15:06 , Kelly Rissman

What was the motive?

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Monday 13 November 2023 14:06 , Kelly Rissman

A criminal attorney explains what happened

Adam Clements, a criminal attorney with no connection to the Woll case, told the Detroit Free Press that the suspect’s release signals a lack the evidence for charges.

“If they made a decision to release someone, it’s because they believe they don’t have enough evidence to charge or they don’t believe it would be in their best interest to charge at that particular time,” said Mr Clements.

He added, “In a high profile case, they would want to err on the side of caution, move slowly, move methodically, to make sure the decision they make is actually supported by the evidence, especially in a case where the charge is going to be scrutinized.”

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Monday 13 November 2023 13:01 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Full story below.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

What was the motive?

Monday 13 November 2023 11:01 , Bevan Hurley

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Monday 13 November 2023 09:01 , Bevan Hurley

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on 21 October.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Woll’s residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on 23 October. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Woll’s home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Woll’s death.

Woll was last seen attending a wedding on the evening of 20 October, which she left at around 12.30am.

“By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self,” Chief White told reporters.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Woll’s home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Who was Samantha Woll?

Monday 13 November 2023 07:01 , Bevan Hurley

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the article read.

More than 1,000 people attended Woll’s funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service.

“Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes,” Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Monday 13 November 2023 05:01 , Bevan Hurley

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Woll’s lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Andrea Blanco delves into the case for The Independent.

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Murder suspect’s ‘ambiguous statement’ to police

Monday 13 November 2023 03:01 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect who was arrested and released without charge over Samantha Woll’s murder made an “ambiguous statement” to police, according to the Detroit News.

The unnamed suspect, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was released on Friday after a 72 hour deadline to charge them lapsed.

Citing four sources, the Detroit News reported that police are continuing to probe the suspect’s statements for irregularities.

Police have not commented on the suspect’s released, but Chief James White said earlier this week that the arrest was encouraging but did not bring their investigation to an end.

Friend recalls Woll’s vibrant personality

Monday 13 November 2023 01:01 , Bevan Hurley

Samantha Woll was attending a wedding mere hours before her fatal stabbing.

Woll, the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was her “normal, positive, pleasant” self. She left the ceremony shortly after midnight, but nothing about her demeanour could have predicted the horrific attack she would endure in the following hours.

“She was happy, she was having fun,” Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang, a close friend of Woll, told Fox’s LiveNow. “My last memories of her will always be really happy and positive.”

Read the full story...

Samantha Woll’s friend recounts slain synagogue leader’s final hours

Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing revealed

Sunday 12 November 2023 23:01 , Bevan Hurley

The slain community leader’s sister Monica Woll Rosen delivered a eulogy at her funeral where she told mourners that Samantha Woll’s final text was a heart emoji sent to a friend.

Read the full story...

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing death revealed

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Sunday 12 November 2023 21:01 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Full story below.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Samantha Woll’s neighbour reveals disturbing incident around time of murder

Sunday 12 November 2023 20:01 , Bevan Hurley

A couple who lives near the home where a Detroit synagogue leader was killed over the weekend has revealed a disturbing incident that occurred around the time of the murder.

Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette neighbourhood in the early morning hours of 21 October. Police officials said that it is believed she was attacked inside the home and walked to the street before collapsing on the sidewalk.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told Fox News that her car was parked just 200 feet away from Woll’s home — and she and her husband have since notified law enforcement.

Full story below.

Samantha Woll’s neighbour reveal disturbing incident around time of murder

What was the motive?

Sunday 12 November 2023 19:01 , Bevan Hurley

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Sunday 12 November 2023 18:01 , Bevan Hurley

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on 21 October.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Woll’s residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on 23 October. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Woll’s home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Woll’s death.

Woll was last seen attending a wedding on the evening of 20 October, which she left at around 12.30am.

“By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self,” Chief White told reporters.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Woll’s home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Who was Samantha Woll?

Sunday 12 November 2023 17:01 , Bevan Hurley

Woll had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the article read.

More than 1,000 people attended Woll’s funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service.

“Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes,” Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing revealed

Sunday 12 November 2023 16:09 , Bevan Hurley

The slain community leader’s sister Monica Woll Rosen delivered a eulogy at her funeral where she told mourners that Samantha Woll’s final text was a heart emoji sent to a friend.

Read the full story below...

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing death revealed

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Sunday 12 November 2023 14:58 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death in her home in Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighbourhood on 21 October.

The killing of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who tried to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Full story below.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Sunday 12 November 2023 14:06 , Bevan Hurley

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Woll’s lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Andrea Blanco delves into the case for The Independent.

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

What was the motive?

Sunday 12 November 2023 13:00 , Bevan Hurley

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Sunday 12 November 2023 11:00 , Bevan Hurley

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on 21 October.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Woll’s residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on 23 October. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Woll’s home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Woll’s death.

Woll was last seen attending a wedding on the evening of 20 October, which she left at around 12.30am.

“By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self,” Chief White told reporters.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Woll’s home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Who was Samantha Woll?

Sunday 12 November 2023 09:00 , Bevan Hurley

Woll has led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the article read.

More than 1,000 people attended Woll’s funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service.

“Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes,” Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Sunday 12 November 2023 07:00 , Bevan Hurley

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Woll’s lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Andrea Blanco delves into the case for The Independent.

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing revealed

Sunday 12 November 2023 05:00 , Bevan Hurley

The slain community leader’s sister Monica Woll Rosen delivered a eulogy at her funeral where she told mourners that Samantha Woll’s final text was a heart emoji sent to a friend.

Read the full story below...

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing death revealed

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Sunday 12 November 2023 03:00 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death in her home in Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighbourhood on 21 October.

The killing of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who tried to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Murder suspect’s ‘ambiguous statement’ to police

Sunday 12 November 2023 01:00 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect who was arrested and released without charge over Samantha Woll’s murder made an “ambiguous statement” to police, according to the Detroit News.

The unnamed suspect, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was released on Friday after a 72 hour deadline to charge them lapsed.

Citing four sources, the Detroit News reported that police are continuing to probe the suspect’s statements for irregularities.

Police have not commented on the suspect’s released, but Chief James White said earlier this week that the arrest was encouraging but did not bring their investigation to an end.

Friend recalls Woll’s vibrant personality

Saturday 11 November 2023 23:00 , Bevan Hurley

Samantha Woll was attending a wedding mere hours before her fatal stabbing.

Woll, the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was her “normal, positive, pleasant” self. She left the ceremony shortly after midnight, but nothing about her demeanour could have predicted the horrific attack she would endure in the following hours.

“She was happy, she was having fun,” Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang, a close friend of Woll, told Fox’s LiveNow. “My last memories of her will always be really happy and positive.”

Read the full story...

Samantha Woll’s friend recounts slain synagogue leader’s final hours

Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing revealed

Saturday 11 November 2023 22:00 , Bevan Hurley

The slain community leader’s sister Monica Woll Rosen delivered a eulogy at her funeral where she told mourners that Samantha Woll’s final text was a heart emoji sent to a friend.

Read the full story...

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing death revealed

Murder suspect’s ‘ambiguous statement’ to police

Saturday 11 November 2023 21:33 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect who was arrested and released without charge over Samantha Woll’s murder made an “ambiguous statement” to police, according to the Detroit News.

The unnamed suspect, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was released on Friday after a 72 hour deadline to charge them lapsed.

Citing four sources, the Detroit News reported that police are continuing to probe the suspect’s statements for irregularities.

Police have not commented on the suspect’s released, but Chief James White said earlier this week that the arrest was encouraging but did not bring their investigation to an end.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Saturday 11 November 2023 21:11 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Full story below.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

What was the motive?

Saturday 11 November 2023 20:00 , Bevan Hurley

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Saturday 11 November 2023 19:00 , Bevan Hurley

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on 21 October.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Woll’s residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on 23 October. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Woll’s home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Woll’s death.

Woll was last seen attending a wedding on the evening of 20 October, which she left at around 12.30am.

“By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self,” Chief White told reporters.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Woll’s home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Who was Samantha Woll?

Saturday 11 November 2023 18:00 , Bevan Hurley

Woll has led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the article read.

More than 1,000 people attended Woll’s funeral, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service.

“Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes,” Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

What we know about the suspect

Saturday 11 November 2023 17:00 , Mike Bedigan

In short, not much.

Authorities announced on Wednesday that they had taken a suspect into custody -- but they did not name the person, nor did they release the charges.

On Thursday, ClickOnDetroit reported that the suspect was a man.

Detroit Police Chief James White told the outlet that his team will “go where the evidence takes us.”

“I don’t want to characterize this as a complete investigation,” he said of the arrest. “We’ve got a lot of work to do and we’re gonna do it.”

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Saturday 11 November 2023 16:31 , Bevan Hurley

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Woll’s lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Andrea Blanco delves into the case for The Independent.

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

What we know about the killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samatha Woll

Saturday 11 November 2023 15:30 , Bevan Hurley

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Woll’s lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of 21 October. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue shocked the local community and city officials, who remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Two days after the murder, Police Chief James White declared that few details about the investigation would be shared publicly to protect the probe. He said the killing was not believed to be motivated by antisemitism, and that persons of interest were being looked at.

Andrea Blanco reports.

What we know about the killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samatha Woll

What was the motive?

Saturday 11 November 2023 15:00 , Mike Bedigan

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief James White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Saturday 11 November 2023 14:46 , Bevan Hurley

A suspect arrested over the killing of Samantha Woll has been released by police in Detroit without charge, his attorney says.

The unidentified man, who reportedly attended Woll’s funeral, was arrested on Tuesday before being released on Friday, his attorney Allison Kriger told the Detroit Free Press.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest.

Full story below.

Samantha Woll suspect released without charge, attorney says

Michigan State Sen Stephanie Chang issued a statement following Woll’s death

Saturday 11 November 2023 13:00 , Mike Bedigan

Saturday 11 November 2023 11:30 , Mike Bedigan

In photos: the scene of the crime

ICYMI: What happened to Sam Woll

Saturday 11 November 2023 10:00 , Mike Bedigan

Samantha Woll, 40, was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief White said on 23 October. It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Woll’s home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Woll’s death.

Woll was last seen attending a wedding the evening before, which she left at around 12.30am.

“By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self,” Chief White told reporters. Police have also rejected the theory that her death was a hate crime, pointing to an Israeli flag that was left untouched in her home.

WATCH: Rep Elissa Slotkin, Woll’s former boss, talk about the tragedy

Saturday 11 November 2023 08:01 , Mike Bedigan

Community fundraiser in honour of Samantha Woll passes $4000

Saturday 11 November 2023 06:00 , Mike Bedigan

Samantha Woll was a wonderful soul who spent her whole life working to uplift others and build bridges across communities. She was a Metro-Detroit native and brought people together. She helped build bridges and advocated for peace and dialogue between different social, political, and religious groups.

Sam was so passionate about unity and bringing people from different faiths together. She believed that by having important – and sometimes difficult – conversations, we could empathize and better understand each other. We could bring more harmony into the world.

As of Friday evening the fundraiser has already garnered over $4,000.

Friend recalls Woll’s vibrant personality

Saturday 11 November 2023 04:00 , Mike Bedigan

Samantha Woll was attending a wedding mere hours before her fatal stabbing.

Woll, the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was her “normal, positive, pleasant” self. She left the ceremony shortly after midnight, but nothing about her demeanour could have predicted the horrific attack she would endure in the following hours.

“She was happy, she was having fun,” Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang, a close friend of Woll, told Fox’s LiveNow. “My last memories of her will always be really happy and positive.”

Read the full story...

Samantha Woll’s friend recounts slain synagogue leader’s final hours

Who was Samantha Woll?

Saturday 11 November 2023 02:00 , Mike Bedigan

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

Andrea Blanco has the full story...

Who killed Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Friday 10 November 2023 22:14 , Kelly Rissman

What was the motive?

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on 23 October that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he didn’t think there was a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Friday 10 November 2023 21:14 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Rep Elissa Slotkin, Woll’s former boss, asked for a moment of silence in honour of Sam Woll

Friday 10 November 2023 20:14 , Kelly Rissman

Woll’s final text before stabbing, revealed

Authorities in Detroit continue investigating 40-year-old Woll’s murder on 21 October as it emerged on Monday that several “persons of interest” are being interviewed by law enforcement.

Detroit Police Chief James White said Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood and then stumbled out of her residence before collapsing on the sidewalk, leaving behind a trail of blood that led investigators to the disturbing scene.

The slain community leader’s sister Monica Woll Rosen delivered a eulogy, sharing with mourners that Woll’s final text was a heart emoji sent to a friend.

Read the full story...

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing death revealed

Friday 10 November 2023 19:14 , Kelly Rissman

“36 Under 36”

In January 2017, Sam Woll was named one of Detroit Jewish News’s “36 under 36.”

“She was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit — a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths who gather in partnership to learn, celebrate and build community together,” the outlet wrote.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the outlet added.

Friday 10 November 2023 17:31 , Kelly Rissman

Michigan Attorney General, Woll’s former boss, remarks on her death

Friday 10 November 2023 13:00 , Kelly Rissman

Did Woll leave the wedding alone?

The 40-year-old attended a wedding the night before and returned home from the wedding at about 12.30am, investigators have said; her body was found hours later around 6.30am in her yard.

Police said they found no signs of forced entry into Woll’s residence. They have also rejected the theory that Woll’s death was a hate crime, as an Israeli flag that’s hanging on a wall of her home was left intact.

CNN reported that investigators are treating her death as arising from a domestic dispute. All of this begs the question of whether she left the wedding alone?

Friday 10 November 2023 05:15 , Kelly Rissman

Neighbours share freaky incident that occurred right before Woll’s murder

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told Fox News that her car was parked just 200 feet away from Woll’s home — and she and her husband have since notified law enforcement. When asked about the incident as he delivered updates on Monday, Chief White said that his office would be investigating the reports and whether it is connected to Woll’s murder.

A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department told The Independent on Tuesday that there are no updates in that regard.

“It’s very family friendly here ...,” the woman said, noting that she and her husband have lived in the neighbourhood for three decades. “There are a lot of families and playgrounds. We’ve been down here since 1992 and nothing like this has ever happened. Something this violent, it’s scary.”

Friday 10 November 2023 01:15 , Kelly Rissman

What we know about the stabbing

Weeks after Woll’s stabbing, mystery is still swirling around exactly what happened. It seems we know more about what didn’t happen in this case than exactly what did.

Detroit Police Chief James White said there was no forced entry at the home of Samantha Woll, who was murdered on 21 October.

She is believed to have been attacked between 12.30am and 6.30am, when her body was found.

Investigators have also dismissed the idea that her murder was a hate crime, citing a large Israeli flag in her home that was still intact.

Thursday 9 November 2023 23:15 , Kelly Rissman

The clock is ticking...

On Wednesday, authorities announced they took someone into custody -- no other details, including charges, have been released.

Under Michigan law, a suspect can only be detained for 72 hours. This adds some pressure onto the police, who are already not on favourable terms with the public.

Many social media users have accused the investigators of moving too slowly -- Woll’s fatal stabbing occurred on 21 October -- and of not being transparent enough.

Thursday 9 November 2023 22:15 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Suspect arrested in connection to synagogue president Samantha Woll’s death

Thursday 9 November 2023 21:15 , Kelly Rissman

A disturbing incident occurred just before Woll’s death, neighbours reveal

Neighbours of Woll have since come forward with reports that the two driver-side tires on their white Mercedes were slashed when they returned home on Sunday after leaving town for the weekend.

“It’s very family friendly here ...,” the woman said, noting that she and her husband have lived in the neighbourhood for three decades. “There are a lot of families and playgrounds. We’ve been down here since 1992 and nothing like this has ever happened. Something this violent, it’s scary.”

Read the full story...

Samantha Woll’s neighbour reveal disturbing incident around time of murder

Thursday 9 November 2023 21:03 , Kelly Rissman

Investigators are at a ‘critical juncture’ in the case

Thursday 9 November 2023 20:15 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened to Samantha Woll

Samantha Woll, 40, was president of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. She previously worked as an aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

She was found dead outside her Detroit home 21 October -- just hours after returning from a wedding, investigators said.

Given her position in the community, the theory her death was a hate crime has circulated but was ultimately rejected by police. Authorities noted that they came across a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, indicating something else could have motivated the attack.

On 8 November, weeks after Woll was killed, Detroit Police Chief James White announced that a suspect had been taken into custody for Woll’s murder; the suspect has not been named, and the charges have not been released.

Thursday 9 November 2023 19:15 , Kelly Rissman

‘No evidence’ suggests Woll’s death was a hate crime

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Thursday 9 November 2023 18:15 , Kelly Rissman

The latest from Detroit Police Chief James E. White

As part of my continuing commitment to transparency in this matter, I am sharing with the community that a suspect has been taken into custody for the murder of Samantha Woll. While this is an encouraging development in our desire to bring closure for Ms. Woll’s family, it does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case.

The details of the investigation will remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain. Investigators will be continuing their work with the Wayne County Prosecutors Office until the conclusion of this investigation.

Thursday 9 November 2023 17:15 , Kelly Rissman

What was the motive?

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on Monday that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he doesn’t think there is a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Authorities have asked anyone with information to reach investigators at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Thursday 9 November 2023 16:15 , Kelly Rissman

A chilling final text to Samantha Woll, revealed

The grieving sister of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has revealed her final text before she was stabbed to death on 21 October.

“You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know you’re thinking of them — because you cared,” Ms Woll Rosen said, also revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death.

Read the full story...

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s final text before stabbing death revealed

Thursday 9 November 2023 15:15 , Kelly Rissman

Who was Samantha Woll?

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the article read.

More than 1,000 people attended Woll’s funeral on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the service.

“Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes,” Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Woll’s sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president “fought for everyone.”

“You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know you’re thinking of them — because you cared,” Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

“That was you, Sam,” Ms Woll Rosen added. “You didn’t even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other people’s names because you knew it would make the receiver happy — and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday.

Thursday 9 November 2023 14:20 , Kelly Rissman

A Michigan State Sen Stephanie Chang makes a statement following suspect’s arrest:

Like many friends and community members, I am glad to know that law enforcement has made progress in this investigation and have a suspect in custody for the killing of our friend Samantha Woll,” said Sen. Chang. “I am grateful for the many hours of work that the Detroit Police Department, FBI and Michigan State Police have dedicated to this case so far and remain hopeful as police continue to build the case that will bring justice for Samantha and her family.

Nothing will be able to bring Sam back to us, but some sense of closure and justice is within reach. I encourage community members and friends to continue to uplift Sam’s memory and her many contributions to our society. Let us continue to wish her family peace, strength and love during this very challenging time. May Sam continue to inspire us and may her memory be a blessing.

‘She acted with profound solidarity,’ Samantha Woll’s friend says

Thursday 9 November 2023 14:00 , Graeme Massie

In an opinion piece published on Monday The Jewish Daily Forward, Rabbi Alana Alpert wrote that Woll had been planning a Muslim-Jewish dinner in the weeks that preceded her death.

“That request really epitomized her: always thoughtful, always building welcoming and diverse communities, always acting from profound solidarity,” Alpert wrote.

Alpert also touched on the speculation surrounding Woll’s death, asking the community not to jump to conclusions and wait until the investigation is concluded.

Authorities said earlier this week that Woll’s stabbing is not believed to have been motivated by anti-Semitism.

‘She fought for everyone’

Thursday 9 November 2023 12:04 , Graeme Massie

Samantha Woll’s sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president “fought for everyone.”

“You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know you’re thinking of them — because you cared,” Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

“That was you, Sam,” Ms Woll Rosen added. “You didn’t even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other people’s names because you knew it would make the receiver happy — and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday.”

Suspect arrested more than two weeks after Samantha Woll’s Detroit murder

Thursday 9 November 2023 10:03 , Graeme Massie

The 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on the morning of Saturday 21 October.

Samantha Woll stabbing: suspect arrested over two weeks after Detroit murder

Crime scene where Samantha Woll found fatally stabbed

Thursday 9 November 2023 07:58 , Graeme Massie

Thursday 9 November 2023 14:35 , Kelly Rissman

The latest from Detroit Police Chief James E. White

As part of my continuing commitment to transparency in this matter, I am sharing with the community that a suspect has been taken into custody for the murder of Samantha Woll. While this is an encouraging development in our desire to bring closure for Ms. Woll’s family, it does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case.

The details of the investigation will remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain. Investigators will be continuing their work with the Wayne County Prosecutors Office until the conclusion of this investigation.

Prosecutors have 72 hours to bring charges against suspect

Thursday 9 November 2023 06:03 , Graeme Massie

Prosecutors in the Samantha Woll case have 72 hours in the state of Michigan to bring charges against the suspect they have behind bars or release them.

Samantha Woll’s neighbour reveals disturbing incident around time of murder

Thursday 9 November 2023 04:01 , Graeme Massie

A couple who lives near the home where a Detroit synagogue leader was killed over the weekend has revealed a disturbing incident that occurred around the time of the murder.

Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette neighbourhood in the early morning hours of Saturday. Police officials said that it is believed she was attacked inside the home and walked to the street before collapsing on the sidewalk.

Read more:

Samantha Woll’s neighbour reveal disturbing incident around time of murder

Suspect arrested in Samantha Woll murder

Wednesday 8 November 2023 20:31 , Graeme Massie

WATCH: Investigation ongoing into killing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll

Thursday 26 October 2023 23:30 , Andrea Blanco

Synagogue plans community gathering to honour slain president

Thursday 26 October 2023 17:30 , Andrea Blanco

The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue announced plans to celebrate slain president Samantha Woll’s life on Friday.

“Before Shabbat, come together to grieve, share stories, and be in community as we remember Sam,” the congregation wrote in a Facebook post. “Sam loved Shabbat, and being together on Shabbat is a way to honor her memory, “

There will be a candle lighting at 6.30pm on Friday.

Samantha Woll remembered for her interfaith work

Thursday 26 October 2023 14:00 , Graeme Massie

The Michigan chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations called her death a “tragic loss,” noting interfaith work with Woll’s congregation.

That included a prayer vigil for the victims of the deadly 2018 attack on a Pennsylvania synagogue.

“We are troubled by the horrific murder of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” said Dawud Walid, the Muslim advocacy group’s executive director, in a Saturday statement.

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death in her home. Police have no idea why

Thursday 26 October 2023 11:30 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities in Detroit believe that 40-year-old Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Woll, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue, left a trail of blood as she stumbled outside of her home and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco reports:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Police say it is confident antisemitism was not motive in Woll’s killing

Thursday 26 October 2023 09:30 , Andrea Blanco

A motive in Woll’s murder has yet to be established. The possibility of a home invasion has been ruled out.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. He said that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Woll’s home that was left untouched, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Chief White said on Monday that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he doesn’t think there is a threat to the community at large. He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

“We are not in the position to discuss [details,]” Chief White said. “There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.”

Detroit community mourns the passing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll

Thursday 26 October 2023 07:30 , Andrea Blanco

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022

Thursday 26 October 2023 05:30 , Andrea Blanco

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relations’s Michigan chapter, called Woll’s death a “tragic loss” and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

“We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit,” Mr Walid said in a statement. “We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.”

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit,” an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

“By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world,” the article read.

‘She was a source of light,’ Michigan Governor says about Samantha Woll

Thursday 26 October 2023 03:30 , Andrea Blanco

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Woll.

“My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place,” she said in a statement.

Authorities believe Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home

Thursday 26 October 2023 01:30 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities in Detroit said Woll’s body was found just outside her home on Saturday morning after someone called officers to alert them of a person lying on the ground unresponsive.

“While at the scene, police officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victim’s residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred,” Cpl Dan Donakowski said.

Police Chief James White said that investigators believe Woll was attacked inside her home and she then stumbled out and eventually collapsed on a sidewalk.

Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Friend of Samantha Woll says slain synagogue president had been organizing

Wednesday 25 October 2023 23:30 , Andrea Blanco

In an opinion piece published on Monday The Jewish Daily Forward, Rabbi Alana Alpert wrote that Woll had been planning a Muslim-Jewish dinner in the weeks that preceded her death.

“That request really epitomized her: always thoughtful, always building welcoming and diverse communities, always acting from profound solidarity,” Alpert wrote.

Alpert also touched on the speculation surrounding Woll’s death, asking the community not to jump to conclusions and wait until the investigation is concluded.

Authorities said earlier this week that Woll’s stabbing is not believed to have been motivated by anti-Semitism.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website