Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office issues charges in Samantha Woll murder case

Synagogue president killed in October

DETROIT – The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday, Dec. 13, that charges will be filed in the murder of Samantha Woll.

Update: Detroit man charged with murder in death of Samantha Woll

The clock continues to tick on the 72-hour rule. The person of interest taken into custody must be charged within 72 hours of the arrest, or they will be released.

Woll, a well-known leader in Detroit’s Jewish community, was found stabbed to death outside her Lafayette Park home Oct. 21. Detroit police wrote up its warrant for the case and submitted it to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review, which means investigators are confident they found Woll’s killer and presented its evidence to the prosecutor seeking charges. The warrant request signals major movement in the case.

Police did make an arrest in November, but that suspect was later released.

Detroit police are asking for patience because people who loved Woll and those in the Jewish communities want to know if her death was a hate crime. Chief James White has said from the beginning of the investigation that it is not, but the pressure is on Detroit police to show evidence of why they know it was not a hate crime.

Prior coverage:


About the Authors
Dane Kelly headshot

Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.

Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

Loading...