Samantha Woll murder - update: Detroit police at ‘critical juncture’ after suspect arrest

A suspect has been arrested over the fatal stabbing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll that shocked the Detroit community.

Detroit Police Chief James White announced the arrest in a statement released on Tuesday 8 November.

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

At around 6.30am on Saturday 21 October, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

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

Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that his agency was working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

Chief White also said there was no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

“We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation,” he said. “We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.”

Woll once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Key Points

• Samantha Woll stabbing: Suspect arrested more than two weeks after Detroit murder

• 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

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.

WATCH: Detroit police say it is close to arresting the suspect in Jewish leader's killing

Wednesday 25 October 2023 21:20 , Andrea Blanco

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

Wednesday 25 October 2023 18:30 , Andrea Blanco

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

Slain synagogue president sent heart emoji to friend hours before stabbing death, sister says

Wednesday 25 October 2023 17:00 , Andrea Blanco

The grieving sister of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has revealed her final text before she was stabbed to death over the weekend.

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.

Woll, the president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was laid to rest on Sunday during a service with more than 1,000 in attendance, including city and state politicians whom she had worked with. 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.

“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, according to The New York Post.

Friend of Samantha Woll recounts slain synagogue leader’s ‘happy, fun’ final hours

Wednesday 25 October 2023 15:30 , Andrea Blanco

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 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.

Synagogue leader had tried to cheer up friend with text message before she was killed

Wednesday 25 October 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Woll’s family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend “just because”.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

Police close to naming suspect in Samantha Woll death investigation

Wednesday 25 October 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president but would not talk about their connections to the woman during a press conference Monday.

Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Woll’s body outside her home early Saturday after a caller told police about a person lying on the ground.

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll — who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue — attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

He said there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home and investigators believe Woll was stabbed inside before stumbling into the yard.

“We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect,” he said, adding that investigators believe a suspect “acted alone.”

WATCH: Detroit police say it is close to arresting the suspect in Jewish leader's killing

Wednesday 25 October 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing Woll’s stabbing ask for patience as investigation unfolds

Wednesday 25 October 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco

The FBI is aware of the incident, and “will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested,” the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Detroit Police Department Chief James E White urged the public not to draw any conclusions until more facts were gathered.

“Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence,” he said in a statement.

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

Wednesday 25 October 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

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 Saturday. 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 has shocked the local community and city officials, who have remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Few details about the murder will be released in order to protect the investigation, Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday, but the evidence suggests that the killing was not motivated by antisemitic sentiments.

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco reports:

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

Neighbour says her tires were slashed around time of Samantha Woll’s murder

Wednesday 25 October 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.

Authorities have yet to name a suspect in the investigation, but Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday that several “persons of interest” are being interviewed. 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.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Wednesday 25 October 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco reports:

Detroit synagogue leader’s murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

‘She fought for everyone’

Wednesday 25 October 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.”

WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest

Wednesday 25 October 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco

What have police revealed about Samantha Woll’s stabbing?

Wednesday 25 October 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

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

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 Monday.

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.

Governor mourns death of beloved community leader

Wednesday 25 October 2023 04:00 , 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.

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at her home

Wednesday 25 October 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

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

Wednesday 25 October 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Hours before she was found dead just outside her home, Samantha Woll had attended a wedding, police say

Wednesday 25 October 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll — who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue — attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

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

Who was slain Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll?

Wednesday 25 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.”

Politicians mourn Samantha Woll’s death

Tuesday 24 October 2023 20:47 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

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.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: “She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness”.

Nessel said that she was “shocked, saddened and horrified”.

WATCH: Detroit police say it is close to arresting the suspect in Jewish leader's killing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 20:06 , Andrea Blanco

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

Tuesday 24 October 2023 19:02 , Andrea Blanco

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.

Authorities have yet to name a suspect in the investigation, but Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday that several “persons of interest” are being interviewed. 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.

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

Tuesday 24 October 2023 18:10 , Andrea Blanco

The grieving sister of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has revealed her final text before she was stabbed to death over the weekend.

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.

Woll, the president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was laid to rest on Sunday during a service with more than 1,000 in attendance, including city and state politicians whom she had worked with. 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.

“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, according to The New York Post.

Samantha Woll’s final text message revealed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:10 , Andrea Blanco

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Woll’s family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend “just because”.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:58 , Andrea Blanco

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

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 Monday.

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.

Samantha Woll’s sister delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.”

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll’s murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Tuesday 24 October 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

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.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Woll’s residence.

Read more:

Detroit synagogue leader’s murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Samantha Woll was ‘instrumental’ in building bridges between communities

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.

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.”

Detroit mayor issues heartfelt statement following death of Samantha Woll

Tuesday 24 October 2023 22:50 , Andrea Blanco

Mayor Mike Duggan issued a statement saying he was “devastated” to learn of Woll’s death.

“Sam’s loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community,” the mayor said. “This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.”

Politicians mourn Samantha Woll’s death

Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

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.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: “She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness”.

Nessel said that she was “shocked, saddened and horrified”.

Final text message of slain synagogue leader revealed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:29 , Rachel Sharp

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Woll’s family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend “just because”.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Everything we know about Samantha Woll’s stabbing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco

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 Saturday. 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 has shocked the local community and city officials, who have remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Few details about the murder will be released in order to protect the investigation, Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday, but the evidence suggests that the killing was not motivated by antisemitic sentiments.

Read more:

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

Samanths Woll attended wedding hours before being killed, police say

Tuesday 24 October 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll — who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue — attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12:30 a.m.

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

Detroit synagogue president laid to rest

Tuesday 24 October 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Nick Ferris reports:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Police warn the public not to jump to conclusions

Tuesday 24 October 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco

The FBI is aware of the incident, and “will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested,” the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Detroit Police Department Chief James E White urged the public not to draw any conclusions until more facts were gathered.

“Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence,” he said in a statement.

WATCH: Detroit Police Chief James White provides update on Samantha Woll murder

Tuesday 24 October 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Woll remembered for her interfaith work

Tuesday 24 October 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.”

Detroit police say they've identified several people of interest in synagogue president's killing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president but would not talk about their connections to the woman during a press conference Monday.

Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Woll’s body outside her home early Saturday after a caller told police about a person lying on the ground.

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll — who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue — attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

He said there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home and investigators believe Woll was stabbed inside before stumbling into the yard.

“We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect,” he said, adding that investigators believe a suspect “acted alone.”

What do we know about the stabbing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco

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

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 Monday.

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.

Slain synagogue president Samantha Woll ‘fought for everyone’

Tuesday 24 October 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco

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 ceremony.

“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.”

Authorities believe that Samantha Woll’s killer acted alone

Tuesday 24 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Chief James 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.”

Police ask for public’s help in Samantha Woll’s stabbing investigation

Monday 23 October 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

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.

Police have encouraged neighbours to reach out to investigators with any details they recall from the early morning hours of Saturday, no matter how small it may seem.

“If they saw anything ... if they saw someone who is not known to the neighbourhood, someone who was there earlier in the week, or someone who was lurking around, certainly let us know,” the chief said. “Check your video cameras at home, share anything you know with us.”

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

Monday 23 October 2023 21:47 , Andrea Blanco

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

Monday 23 October 2023 20:41 , 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.

Andrea Blanco reports:

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