Current:Home > MySynagogue president found stabbed to death outside home -TradeBridge
Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
View
Date:2025-04-27 13:07:21
The president of a Detroit synagogue was found stabbed to death outside her home Saturday morning, police and the synagogue said.
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 had suffered multiple stab wounds, police said.
Although the police department didn't immediately identify the deceased person, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue put out a statement later in the day identifying the woman as Samantha Woll, the synagogue's board president.
"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.
The police did not have any information on a possible motive behind the killing, which is being investigated as a homicide.
MORE: Jewish, Muslim, Arab communities see rise in threats, federal agencies say
"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 is ongoing.
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.
MORE: Law enforcement 'very concerned' about 'lone wolf' threat against Jewish communities after Hamas attack: Mayorkas
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.
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.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Detroit Police's Homicide section at 313-596-2260.
ABC News' Ben Siegel contributed to this report.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Travis Kelce’s Grotesquerie Costars Weigh In on His Major Acting Debut
- West Virginia college plans to offer courses on a former university’s campus
- Jury awards $2.78 million to nanny over hidden camera in bedroom
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Jack Schlossberg Reveals His Family's Reaction to His Crazy Social Media Videos
- Bridgerton Ball in Detroit Compared to Willy's Chocolate Experience Over Scam Fan Event
- Oklahoma Gov. Stitt returns to work after getting stent in blocked artery
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Sean Diddy Combs and Kim Porter’s Kids Break Silence on Rumors About Her Death and Alleged Memoir
Ranking
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Woman sentenced to 18 years for plotting with neo-Nazi leader to attack Baltimore’s power grid
- Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Details Bittersweet Memories of Late Son Garrison Brown
- Alabama man declared 'mentally ill' faces execution by method witnesses called 'horrific'
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Nashville district attorney secretly recorded defense lawyers and other office visitors, probe finds
- Kenny G says Whitney Houston was 'amazing', recalls their shared history in memoir
- Every J.Crew Outlet Order Today Includes Free Shipping, Plus an Extra 50% off Sale -- Styles Start at $9
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Wisconsin rock climber dies after fall inside Devils Tower National Monument
Fall kills climber and strands partner on Wyoming’s Devils Tower
Pirates DFA Rowdy Tellez, four plate appearances away from $200,000 bonus
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
Fall kills climber and strands partner on Wyoming’s Devils Tower
The Masked Singer Reveals That Made Fans' Jaws Drop
Nashville district attorney secretly recorded defense lawyers and other office visitors, probe finds