DETROIT (WXYZ) — Samantha Woll, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was found dead outside her home early Saturday morning.
Detroit Police Chief James White held a press conference on Monday and provided an update on the investigation.
According to White, they have a "number of people that give us interest," and the department is just short of calling one of the people a suspect. However, the investigation is ongoing and they are working to quickly identify a suspect.
White once again reiterated that the information they have right now leads them to believe the murder was not motivated by antisemitism and the suspect acted alone. He also said the department believes there are no other groups or anyone at risk.
He also said there was no sign of forced entry into her townhome.
Police said Woll left a wedding around 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Her body was found around 6:30 a.m. Police would not confirm whether or not Woll left the wedding alone.
He continued to urge people to remain patient in the investigation and said he couldn't release all of the information because of the ongoing investigation.
On Sunday, following Woll's funeral service, Chief White issued a statement regarding the status of the investigation.
"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 White said in an email Sunday.
"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."
Chief White confirms the department will provide an update about the case on Monday.
A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department says they were notified of the body in the 1300 block of Joliet Place at 6:30 a.m. First responders found the body outside the home when they arrived.
Police say Woll had been stabbed multiple times.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President," the Synagogue said in a statement posted to Facebook. "At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing."
Detroit Police Chief James white urged people to remain patient as the investigation continues, and said DPD has mobilized many resources and leveraged every law enforcement resource it has in the investigation.
Woll was also on the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the American Jewish Committee.
“She truly believed in repairing the world around her, making the world a better place... Detroit is better, the world is better because Sam Woll was in it," said Sam Dubin, assistant director at JCRC/AJC.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Woll worked as a Political Director for Attorney General Dana Nessel during her re-election campaign and worked as Deputy District Director for Rep. Elissa Slotkin for two years (2019-2021).
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,” Nessel said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “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.”
"I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news," Slotkin said on X. "Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term. 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. My heart aches that we have lost someone so dedicated to serving others in such a senseless act. I’ll miss her relentless desire to serve & her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area. Team Slotkin shares in the deep grief of her family & her greater community."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also sent a statement on Woll's passing to 7 Action News Saturday afternoon.
"I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders - Samantha Woll," Duggan said. "Just weeks 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. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death."
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also releasing a statement about Woll's death.
“My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her," Whitmer. said. "She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place. Michigan State Police have been assigned to support the Detroit Police Department. Together, they will investigate this vicious crime and bring the perpetrator to justice."
DPD's Homicide Section is investigating the incident. Anyone with information on this is asked to contact them at 313-596-2260.
