Current:Home > InvestSynagogue president found stabbed to death outside home -Capitatum
Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-06 09:42:05
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! (44)
Related
- Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
- Mandalorian actress Gina Carano sues Disney over firing
- Schools are trying to get more students therapy. Not all parents are on board
- Usher Drops New Album Ahead of Super Bowl 2024 Halftime Performance
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz want you to see the 'Giants' of art in their collection
- Verbal gaffe or sign of trouble? Mixing up names like Biden and Trump have done is pretty common
- Country Singer Parker McCollum and Wife Hallie Expecting First Baby
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Super Bowl 2024: How to watch the Chiefs v. 49ers
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Hottest January on record pushes 12-month global average temps over 1.5 degree threshold for first time ever
- 30-foot decaying gray whale found washed ashore in Huntington Beach, California after storm
- Brittany Mahomes makes debut as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Kevin Harlan, Olivia Harlan Dekker make Super Bowl 58 a family affair with historic broadcast feat
- At Texas border rally, fresh signs the Jan. 6 prosecutions left some participants unbowed
- Why do women look for freelance, gig jobs? Avoiding the 'old boys network' at the office.
Recommendation
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Pakistan's 2024 election takes place amid deadly violence and allegations of electoral misconduct
Elon Musk’s Neuralink moves legal home to Nevada after Delaware judge invalidates his Tesla pay deal
Biden disputes special counsel findings, insists his memory is fine
The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
Arizona gallery owner won’t be charged in racist rant against Native American dancers
Will $36M Florida Lottery Mega Millions prize go unclaimed? The deadline is ticking.
What is Wagyu? The beef has a 'unique, meltaway texture' but comes with a heavy price tag