Investigation into Prominent Synagogue Leader’s Murder Continues; “Persons of Interest” Identified

As the investigation unfolds in the tragic murder of Samantha Woll, a distinguished leader in the Detroit synagogue community, Detroit police officials are diligently pursuing leads, indicating that the department is still examining multiple “persons of interest.”

During the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Thursday, Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes updated the commissioners on the progress of the investigation. He revealed that while investigators have identified individuals of interest, no suspects have been apprehended at this time.

Samantha Woll, who served as the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, met a tragic end, discovered lifeless with multiple stab wounds outside her residence in Lafayette Park at approximately 6:30 a.m. on a fateful Saturday.

Chief James White, earlier this week, shared that Woll met her demise in the early hours of Saturday after returning home from a Friday night wedding. Authorities suspect she was attacked within her home and then managed to make her way outside, where she ultimately collapsed on the sidewalk.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the motive behind this devastating crime remains enigmatic. Hayes reiterated on Thursday what White had conveyed on Monday – that there is no evidence to suggest that this act was driven by antisemitism.

Deputy Chief Hayes affirmed on Thursday: “The relentless pursuit of the violent suspect responsible for this heinous act is ongoing.”

While Detroit police have made headway in identifying “persons of interest,” no one has been designated as a suspect, and no details about these individuals have been disclosed.

Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information regarding Samantha Woll’s murder. They can contact the DPD’s Homicide Unit at 313-596-2260 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

Samantha Woll, at the age of 40, was not only a prominent figure within the synagogue community but also had connections in Michigan’s political circles. She had previously served as an aide to Rep. Elissa Slotkin and contributed to Attorney General Dana Nessel’s re-election campaign last year. The loss of such a dedicated and influential individual has left the community in shock and mourning.