DETROIT – Detroit police are investigating the murder of a well-known Detroit synagogue president found dead outside her home.
Community leaders across Metro Detroit are mourning the death of Samantha Woll, the Board President of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, who was found dead outside her home in Lafayette Park, stabbed to death, according to Detroit police.
Police have not released her name, but the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue confirmed her death to Local 4.
Woll’s death is being investigated as a homicide. While on scene, officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victim’s residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred, police said.
Detroit Police Chief James White released a statement Saturday evening about the homicide investigation.
“Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence,” White said in a statement. “It is important that no conclusions be drawn until all of the available facts are reviewed.”
The FBI and Michigan State Police were on scene helping with the investigation.
“The FBI is aware of the incident, and we will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested,” an FBI Detroit spokesperson said.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit sent a message to community members saying it had been in touch with law enforcement agencies and “there are no known threats to the community at this time. No evidence has been shared to indicate this was a targeted act motivated by antisemitism.”
Fellow leaders in the Jewish community mourn her death, including Sam Dubin at Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC/AJC).
“As hard as it is today and as in shock as we all are, we’re really focusing on that legacy and the better world that she’s built for all of us here in the Detroit Jewish community,” Dubin said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-2260.
In a statement posted on social media, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said she was “horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder.”
Other leaders have released their own statements in response to Woll’s death.
“I’ve been briefed on the death of Samantha Woll.
My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place.
Michigan State Police have been assigned to support the Detroit Police Department. Together, they will investigate this vicious crime and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Today, let’s hold one another close. Let’s keep Samantha and all those who loved her in our hearts.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
“I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders - Samantha Woll.
Just weeks 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. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal 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.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
“I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news. Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term.
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.
My heart aches that we have lost someone so dedicated to serving others in such a senseless act. I’ll miss her relentless desire to serve & her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area. Team Slotkin shares in the deep grief of her family & her greater community."
Rep. Elissa Slotkin
“I am shattered and broken and unable to move. I have no adequate words. There was no kinder human being than Sam Woll. She was love and light personified. She would text you randomly to check in and say hi. She was always looking out for others.
Sam devoted her life to fighting for justice and equality. She believed in the city and the people of Detroit, and her deep commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people reflected in all of her work. Sam was a gift to this world.
It is inconceivable that someone could commit such an act of evil against another human being, let alone one so good as Sam Woll. May her memory be a blessing. Her life was a blessing. All she would have wanted is for us to continue to fight for justice & equality in her memory.
In her name we will never give up. Baruch Dayan Emet. Sam Woll, you were so loved and cherished.”
State Rep. Noah Arbit
“Sam cared so deeply, for so many people. She helped many of us get elected, work tirelessly in constituent services roles in a number of offices. If she ever had a bad day, you’d never know it. Always positive, always looking to help. I’m devastated.
There are a few people you grow used to seeing all the time, at everything. Sam was that person. It was comforting, reassuring. This loss is going to be felt by so many people in so many places for a long, long time.”
Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow
“Optimistic, cheerful and driven. Sam was the exact person you’d want on your side.
I’m heartsick.
I knew Sam and her family from growing up in grade school and at our synagogue, and our friendship blossomed over the last decade through many campaign trails together. We just saw each other last week.
My thoughts are with the Woll family and our entire grieving community. May Sam’s memory be for a blessing.”
Michigan Sen. Jeremy Moss
I am deeply saddened to learn of the violent murder of Sam Woll, a synagogue president, interfaith activist and former Congressional staffer whose life was lived in service to her community and country.
While we learn more about the motivation behind this senseless attack, it comes at a time where too many Americans, including our Jewish sisters and brothers, have reason to fear for their safety based on who they are or what they believe.
My prayers are with her family and loved ones, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue community, Team Slotkin and the entire Michigan congressional delegation. May Sam’s memory be a blessing to the many people touched by her life of service.
US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
“I was devastated to learn that Samantha Woll, the leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, resident of my district, and neighbor was tragically found stabbed to death. She was a pillar of society and worked for peace and understanding between the Muslim and Jewish communities. Samantha will be sorely missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with her many family members and friends during this difficult time.”
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield
