Current:Home > FinanceSynagogue president found stabbed to death outside home -Edge Finance Strategies
Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
View
Date:2025-04-17 01:12:45
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! (1625)
Related
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- He's been in an LA hospital for weeks and they have no idea who he is. Can you help?
- Trump says he wouldn't sign a federal abortion ban. Could he limit abortion access in other ways if reelected?
- Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are expecting a baby, renew their vows
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- WNBA to expand to Toronto, per report. Team would begin play in 2026.
- A look at the growing trend of women becoming single parents by choice
- 'Young Sheldon' tragedy: George Cooper's death is flawed father's 'Big Bang' redemption
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- 2 skiers killed, 1 rescued after Utah avalanche
Ranking
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- ‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ in development with Andy Serkis to direct and star
- Attorney for slain airman, sheriff dig in after release of shooting body-camera footage
- A cyberattack on a big US health system diverts ambulances and takes records offline
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Cornell University president Martha Pollack resigns. She's the 3rd Ivy League college president to step down since December.
- Authorities make arrest in 2001 killing of Georgia law student who was found dead in a burning home
- TikToker Taylor Odlozil Shares Wife Haley's Final Words to Son Before Death From Ovarian Cancer
Recommendation
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
Betting money for the WNBA is pouring in on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever
Meet the new 'Doctor Who': Ncuti Gatwa on the political, 'fashion forward' time-traveling alien
A look at the growing trend of women becoming single parents by choice
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
Virginia school board votes to restore names of Confederate leaders to 2 schools
How to watch (and stream) the Eurovision Song Contest final
How long does Deion Sanders want to remain coach at Colorado? He shared a number.