Detroit synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
The president of a Detroit synagogue was found stabbed to death outside her home Saturday morning, police and the synagogue said.
The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue put out a statement later in the afternoon identifying the victim as board president Samantha Woll.
Detroit police responded to a 911 call of an unresponsive person around 6:30 a.m. and found a body outside a home on Joliet Place. The woman, who was not immediately identified by investigators had suffered multiple stab wounds, police said.
"At this point, we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing," the synagogue said in a Facebook post.
In an update shared on Sunday, the Detroit Police chief said in a brief statement that there is no evidence to point to the crime being motivated by antisemitism.
"The investigation into the death of Ms. Woll remains ongoing. At this time, however, no evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by antisemitism," Chief James White’s statement read.
“DPD investigators are working with the FBI to forensically analyze all of the information obtained up to this point in an effort to ascertain the timeline that ultimately led to Ms. Woll's death. Individuals with information that may further this investigation are being interviewed,” his statement continued.
Authorities are investigating Woll's death as a homicide, police said on Saturday.
"Police officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victim’s residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred," the police said in a statement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
A law enforcement official briefed on the probe told ABC News that the preliminary investigation has revealed there was likely no forced entry to Woll’s home.
Woll's death comes as law enforcement agencies across the country are warning of increased anti-Semitic threats in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Woll had a long career in local politics and worked with several elected officials over the years, according to her LinkedIn page.
She recently served as the political director for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's re-election campaign.
Nessel released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing shock at Woll's murder.
"Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone," Nessel said in her post which included a photo of Woll.
Woll also worked as a deputy district director for U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who also released a statement on X following her death.
"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," Slotkin said.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the state police will be assisting the Detroit Police department in the investigation.
"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.
Other Michigan elected officials also expressed their condolences.
"Decades ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm. Sam’s loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement to ABC affiliate WXYZ. Woll's funeral was planned for Sunday afternoon, according to WXYZ.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Detroit Police's Homicide section at 313-596-2260.
ABC News' Ben Siegel and Josh Maroglin contributed to this report.
