The Detroit police chief stated that investigators are currently looking for a motive in the killing of a synagogue leader in the city. Samantha Woll, who served as the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found dead at her residence on Saturday morning with multiple stab wounds, as per the statement issued by the Detroit Police Department.
Officers who responded to the incident followed a trail of blood to the residence of the victims, according to a statement from the Detroit Police Department. The crime is believed to have occurred at this location, but a suspect has not yet been identified and it remains unclear what circumstances led to the killing.
Detroit Police Chief James E. White addressed the concerns surrounding the crime, acknowledging that it naturally gives rise to numerous unanswered questions. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he reassured the public that the matter is currently being investigated. White emphasized the need for patience, urging everyone to wait until the investigators thoroughly analyze all aspects of the evidence.
Furthermore, White stressed the significance of withholding any premature conclusions. He emphasized the importance of reviewing all the available facts before drawing any firm judgments.
The FBI is aware of the incident, and "will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested," the agency said in a statement to CNN.
Samantha Woll, Board President of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
The President of a Detroit synagogue was discovered fatally stabbed outside of their residence, as confirmed by the police. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has assigned the Michigan State Police to provide assistance to the local authorities in the investigation of this brutal act, with the shared goal of apprehending and holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions.
Governor Whitmer expressed her sincere condolences to the family, friends, and community of the deceased, emphasizing the significant impact she had made in Michigan as a dedicated source of light and progress.
In response to her passing, Wolls synagogue issued a statement expressing deep shock and sadness.
The synagogue expressed deep shock and sorrow upon receiving the news of Samantha Woll, our Board President's untimely demise. "May her memory be a source of blessings," they conveyed.
Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit reminisced about his recent celebration with Woll at the synagogue, following its successful renovation.
"It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm," Duggan said. "This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death."
A law enforcement agent walks near the scene where Samantha Woll was found dead in Detroit on Saturday.
David Rodriguez Munoz/Detroit Free Press/AP
She didnt deserve this
MoReno Taylor II, who worked with Woll on Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels reelection campaign in 2022, said her death was "a devastating loss."
"Sam was a beacon of positivity," he shared with CNN. "Her presence would instantly illuminate any space she entered. Accompanied by a radiant smile, she would greet everyone with a warm handshake, genuinely interested in getting to know them."
In his recollection, Woll was not only a kind-hearted individual but also deeply committed to actively participating in her community, striving to make a difference.
"She doesn't deserve this, and I sincerely hope that a resolution is found swiftly and the person responsible is identified," he expressed.
Taylor revealed his five-year acquaintance with Woll and regarded her as a younger sister.
"It's hard to fathom that such a genuine and compassionate individual could experience such a tragic fate," he expressed.
Attorney General Nessel extended her heartfelt condolences through a Facebook statement, emphasizing, "Sam embodied kindness like few others. Her unwavering dedication to her community, state, and country was driven by her genuine love."
Woll had previously collaborated with Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, as mentioned in a post on Slotkin's social media. The congresswoman expressed that Woll had devoted her life to fostering interfaith understanding and spreading positivity in challenging times.
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Woll, according to the Democrat, provided support in establishing and managing the office during her initial term. The congresswoman expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of someone who was wholeheartedly committed to serving others. She mentioned missing Woll's unwavering dedication to service and her radiant smile that seemed to light up the entire Detroit region.
CNNs Andy Rose, Nicole Grether, Polo Sandoval and Evan Perez contributed to this report.