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Judge subs in alternate juror in Samantha Woll murder trial

DETROIT – The jury in the Samantha Woll murder trial remains deadlocked, but the composition of the jury is going to change.

Starting Tuesday, July 16, an alternate juror is being put in place, bringing a new voice to the deadlocked jury room.

Woll was stabbed to death at her Lafayette Park condo last October. Jackson-Bolanos was arrested a month later.

He’s now on trial for first-degree murder, home invasion and lying to a peace officer. The trial included dozens of witnesses and has been going on for a month now. Closing statements were delivered Tuesday, July 9.

The jurors first announced they were struggling to reach a verdict Friday, July 12.

One juror was released Monday, July 15, due to a vacation and two other jurors said they have conflicts Tuesday -- a doctor’s appointment and a childcare issue.

Jackson-Bolanos faces the possibility of life in prison and Woll’s family is still waiting for justice.

Attorneys believe the changing of the jury will bring in new perspective and address the deadlock.


About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Dane Kelly is a digital producer who has been covering various Michigan news stories since 2017.

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