Detroit police investigate killing of beloved synagogue president
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Detroit police investigate the area where Samantha Woll was found Saturday. Photo: Sarah Rice/AFP via Getty Images
Police say they are close to naming a suspect in the death of Samantha Woll, a beloved Detroit synagogue leader and activist who was known for uniting people of different backgrounds.
Driving the news: "We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect," chief James White told reporters at a news briefing Monday.
- White reiterated that there is no evidence of antisemitism being a motive and said the community is not at risk while the investigation continues.
Why it matters: The discovery early Saturday morning of Woll's body with multiple stab wounds near her Lafayette Park home sent shockwaves across the city and nation. The neighborhood, renowned for its architecturally significant townhomes, is not known to be particularly unsafe.
- The circumstances of her killing raised questions — and fears — that it could've been a hate crime.
The latest: Police said the investigation so far indicates that Woll was attacked inside her home, then stumbled outside and collapsed in the yard, which is where a blood trail led. There were no signs of a forced entry.
- Woll attended a wedding Friday evening and arrived home around 12:30am. White would not say whether she left the wedding alone.
Catch up fast: Woll, 40, was president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, which was founded in 1921 and reopened in August after a $6 million renovation.
- She loved the city, its cultural vibrancy and was passionate about the arts, travel and the outdoors, according to her obituary.
- Woll was involved in interfaith organizations and active in Democratic politics, previously working on the campaigns of U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Attorney General Dana Nessel and state Sen. Stephanie Chang.
- She also worked to bring together the area's Jewish and Muslim communities.
What they're saying: Hundreds of mourners gathered at her funeral in Oak Park on Sunday to remember Woll's kindness and pursuit of justice for all.
- "You so deeply wanted peace for this world. You fought for everyone, regardless of who they were or where they came from," said Woll's sister, Monica Woll Rosen, according to the Detroit News.
- Nessel's voice broke at the funeral when she said that Woll "may be the nicest person I will ever meet," per the Free Press.