Current:Home > StocksSynagogue president found stabbed to death outside home -Mastery Money Tools
Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
View
Date:2025-04-18 21:30:00
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! (1646)
Related
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- In the ‘Armpit of the Universe,’ a Window Into the Persistent Inequities of Environmental Policy
- Death of Nex Benedict spurs calls for action, help for LGBTQ teens and their peers
- South Carolina and Iowa top seeds in the women’s NCAA Tournament
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- How a Maine 8-year-old inadvertently became a fashion trendsetter at his school
- 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament bracket breakdown: Best games, players to watch
- Bodies of 2 men recovered from river in Washington state
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Authorities says a suspect has been detained in New Mexico state police officer’s killing
Ranking
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Printable March Madness bracket for 2024 NCAA Tournament
- Kristin Cavallari Shares Photo of Boyfriend Mark Estes Bonding With Her Son
- Book excerpt: The Morningside by Téa Obreht
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Byron Janis, renowned American classical pianist who overcame debilitating arthritis, dies at 95
- Riley Strain disappearance timeline: What we know about the missing college student
- Hormel concedes double-dippers had it right, invents chips so all can enjoy snacking bliss
Recommendation
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
United Airlines CEO tries to reassure customers that the airline is safe despite recent incidents
A teen couldn't get size 23 shoes until Shaq stepped in. Other families feel his struggle.
NCAA Tournament bubble watch: Conference tournaments altering March Madness field of 68
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Yale stuns Brown at buzzer to win Ivy League, earn automatic bid to NCAA Tournament
In images: New England’s ‘Town Meeting’ tradition gives people a direct role in local democracy
'Paddy's' or 'Patty's': What's the correct St. Patrick's Day abbreviation