Detroit police still have no suspect or motive in the terrifying murder of a female synagogue president — 27 hours after she was stabbed to death in her home.
Samantha Woll, 40, head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was found dead on Joliet Place at 6:30 a.m. yesterday — and more than a day later, police still say they have made no arrests.
While it is unclear whether this was a hate attack, the shocking ordeal comes amid historic unrest in Israel and Gaza – and just days after the murder of a Muslim boy in Chicago.
Woll was known for her work within the community, and with several Democratic politicians, including Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.
Samantha Woll, 40, served as head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and was known for her work with several Democratic politicians, including Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin
Woll had appeared on the Detroit Jewish News “36 under 36” list in 2017, where she was noted as a “social justice and political activist”
Her body was reportedly discovered after a ‘blood trail’ led to her home, where she was found with multiple stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say they are still investigating the crime and have not yet released a motive for the crime.
It remains unclear whether the murder has any connection with the unrest in the Middle East.
Tributes soon poured in for the religious leader, known for her work building bridges between the Jewish and Muslim communities, as her synagogue expressed shock over her sudden ‘unexpected’ death.
“We do not have more information at this time, but we will share more as it becomes available,” her synagogue said.
“May her memory be a blessing.”
Woll was named to Detroit Jewish News’ “36 under 36” list in 2017, which described her as a “social justice and political activist.”
“She was instrumental in founding the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit – a grassroots collective of young adults from both faiths who come together to learn, celebrate and build community together,” the beaming profile reads.
She was praised for helping “build and deepen important relationships” between local Jewish and Muslim communities, where she organized “revolutionary events including an interfaith Iftar dinner welcoming Syrian refugees.”
Woll was tragically pronounced dead at the scene outside her home after suffering multiple stab wounds
Woll served as the head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and was also known for her work with several Democratic politicians
“By reaching out and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world.”
According to the World Population Review, Michigan has one of the largest Muslim populations per capita in the United States.
Investigators have not indicated any connection to the conflict in the Middle East, but it comes just days after US Attorney General Merrick Garland warned that Muslims and Jewish people are at increased risk of threats and hate crimes because of the situation.
The fatal stabbing also occurred just a week after Palestinian-American boy Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6, was stabbed to death in Illinois.
In a statement after the Jewish leaders’ deaths, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, for whom Woll had also worked during her re-election campaign, said she was “shocked, saddened and horrified” by the “murder.”
“Sam was as kind as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her genuine love for her community, state and country. Sam has really used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone,” Nessel said on X.
The Jewish leader’s body was discovered outside her downtown Detroit home after police followed a blood trail to her property.
Michigan Attorney General Danal Nessel paid a heartbreaking tribute to Woll (pictured together), saying the Jewish leader was “as kind a person as I have ever known.”
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin also praised Woll, saying she was one of the leaders who helped guide her office during her first full term in Washington.
“As deputy district director, she did for our team what came so naturally to her: helping others and serving her constituents,” she said on X.
“Separately, in politics and in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding between faiths and bringing light in the face of darkness.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was devastated “to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders.”
‘Just a few weeks ago I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project that she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm,” he said in a statement.
“The loss of Sam has left a huge hole in the Detroit community. This entire city, along with her family and friends, mourns her tragic death.”
State Rep. Noah Arbit, who is Jewish, described Woll as the “kindest, most beautiful soul” as he paid his respects.
‘I’m shattered and broken and can’t move. There are no words,” he said.
‘The kindest, most beautiful soul, taken in the most evil, brutal way. Sam was committed to justice and equality. In her name we will never give up. Baruch Dayan Emet, Sam. You were so loved and cherished.”