DETROIT – More information related to the fatal stabbing of Samantha Woll, a well-known Detroit synagogue president, may come to light during the preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing her.
Michael Jackson-Bolanos, 28, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Jan. 16 for a preliminary examination hearing. Jackson-Bolanos has been charged with felony murder, and other charges, in connection with the Oct. 21, 2023, killing of 40-year-old Woll at her Detroit home.
The preliminary hearing was scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 16, but ran behind schedule and did not begin until the afternoon. You can watch live in the video player up above.
What happens at a preliminary hearing?
A preliminary hearing takes place after a person charged with a crime pleads not guilty that crime, and before their trial can occur.
In the case of Woll’s death, Jackson-Bolanos has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
At a preliminary examination hearing, the judge observes evidence provided by the prosecutor who charged the defendant. The hearing serves as a sort of mini trial, in which prosecutors present evidence, and witnesses can testify and be cross-examined.
The point of the hearing is to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
The judge will determine if the defendant should go to trial based on the evidence they observed during the hearing. If there is sufficient evidence and the judge finds there is reason to believe the defendant committed the crime, a trial date will be scheduled. If not, the charges against the defendant could be dismissed.
Case details
Samantha Woll, who also went by Sam, was found stabbed to death the morning of Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, outside her Lafayette Park home in Detroit, just east of Downtown Detroit. A witness found Woll lying on the ground unresponsive at about 6:30 a.m.
First responders arrived at the scene and saw Woll had been stabbed several times. She was declared dead at the scene.
Police said a “trail of blood” led from where Woll’s body was found back to her home. Police believe the woman was attacked in her home sometime after 12:30 a.m., when she arrived home from a wedding, and that she stumbled outside after the attack.
Investigators confirmed that there were no signs of forced entry at Woll’s home. She was found with her wallet and phone on her. Sources have said there were no defensive wounds on Woll, but police would not confirm that detail.
Throughout the investigation, authorities have repeatedly affirmed that there is no evidence to indicate Woll’s killing was a hate crime.
Charges issued in December
Detroit man Jackson-Bolanos was arrested and charged in December 2023. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Dec. 13, 2023, nearly two months after the homicide occurred, that charges had been filed in the case.
Officials accuse Jackson-Bolanos of killing Woll during a home invasion. Authorities do not believe the two knew each other.
In addition to being charged with felony murder, Jackson-Bolanos has also been charged with with home invasion and lying to a peace officer.
A felony murder charge is when someone accused of committing a violent felony is charged with murder if the commission of that felony results in someone’s death.
If convicted, Jackson-Bolanos faces the possibility of life in prison.
Jackson-Bolanos pleads not guilty
Brian Brown, defense attorney for Jackson-Bolanos, has said his client is denying all allegations against him. Brown said he believes Jackson-Bolanos “may be a victim of circumstance,” particularly following a previous arrest made in November that resulted in zero charges.
A man was arrested in western Michigan in November 2023, and was released a few days later without being charged. That person’s identity was not revealed, but the Wayne County prosecutor confirmed the person was not Jackson-Bolanos.
Brown said he believes police have once again have arrested the wrong person.
About Woll
Woll served as president of the board of directors for Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue near Capitol Park, and was well known in the Detroit community. She was also a campaign staffer for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, and a former aide to Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin.
Woll was remembered as someone who supported people and people-centered movements, and was credited for her interfaith work, including by Muslim advocacy groups. The community gathered in mourning last October, with loved ones describing Woll as a bright light and leader for her family, the Detroit community, and beyond.
“Our family is sincerely grateful to the hard-working women and men of the DPD Homicide Task Force who worked around the clock for weeks to thoroughly investigate this tragic crime. Through their dedication and tireless efforts, we firmly believe that they have successfully solved this senseless crime. We cannot thank them enough.
“We would also like to thank everyone for their support and prayers. Samantha‘s death is an unspeakable tragedy that has affected not only her family and friends but also those who knew her as a devoted community activist, leader, and bridge builder. She was loved deeply, and her light spread far and wide. We kindly request that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Statement from members of the Woll family in December 2023