Current:Home > NewsSynagogue president found stabbed to death outside home -Edge Finance Strategies
Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
View
Date:2025-04-18 10:20:08
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! (7)
Related
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Lent 2024 food deals: Restaurants offering discounts on fish and new seafood menu items
- Lack of snow forces Montana ski resort to close halfway through season
- NYC trial scrutinizing lavish NRA spending under Wayne LaPierre nears a close
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Biden touts hostage talks that could yield 6-week cease-fire between Israel and Hamas
- A man apologizes for a fatal shooting at Breonna Taylor protest, sentenced to 30 years
- MIT suspends student group that protested against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- When will the Fed cut interest rates in 2024? Here's what experts now say and the impact on your money.
Ranking
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- 3 people questioned after 4 students shot in parking lot of Atlanta high school: What we know
- 1 dead, 5 injured after vehicle crashes into medical center in Austin, Texas
- House Intel chair's cryptic warning about serious national security threat prompts officials to urge calm
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- A man died from Alaskapox last month. Here's what we know about the virus
- Say Yes To These 15 Dresses That Will Keep You Feeling Cute & Comfy Even When You're Bloated
- At 17, she found out she was autistic. It's a story that's becoming more common. Here's why.
Recommendation
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
US applications for jobless benefits fall as labor market continues to show resilience
Engagements are set to rise in 2024, experts say. Here's what's driving people to tie the knot.
Protestors pour red powder on U.S. Constitution enclosure, prompting evacuation of National Archives
Bodycam footage shows high
William Post, who played a key role in developing Pop-Tarts, dies at 96
Phoenix attorney appointed to Arizona Legislature; will fill vacant seat through November election
National Archives closes to public after activists dump red powder on case holding Constitution