Current:Home > BackSynagogue president found stabbed to death outside home-VaTradeCoin
Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside home
View Date:2025-01-07 14:08:13
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! (38)
Related
- Former NFL coach Jack Del Rio charged with operating vehicle while intoxicated
- Here are 6 movies to see this spring
- Expand March Madness? No thanks. What a bad idea from Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark
- 2 police officers, paramedic die in Burnsville, Minnesota, shooting: Live updates
- 13 Skincare Gifts Under $50 That Are Actually Worth It
- Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series offers glimpse at Olympic lacrosse format
- Greece becomes first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage, adoption
- 1 dead, 5 others injured in early morning shooting at Indianapolis Waffle House
- Guns smuggled from the US are blamed for a surge in killings on more Caribbean islands
- Patrick and Brittany Mahomes Celebrate Daughter Sterling's 3rd Birthday at Butterfly Tea Party
Ranking
- Man killed in Tuskegee University shooting in Alabama is identified. 16 others were hurt
- See Ryan Seacrest and 26-Year-Old Girlfriend Aubrey Paige's Road to Romance
- Celebrate Presidents Day by learning fun, interesting facts about US presidents
- Inside the arrest of Nevada public official Robert Telles
- Ben Foster Files for Divorce From Laura Prepon After 6 Years of Marriage
- Greece becomes first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage, adoption
- Minnesota community mourns 2 officers, 1 firefighter killed at the scene of a domestic call
- You’ll Choose And Love This Grey’s Anatomy People’s Choice Awards Reunion
Recommendation
-
Hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field can be fixed for about $55M in time for 2026 season, per report
-
BIG unveil new renderings for NYC Freedom Plaza project possibly coming to Midtown
-
New Jersey Devils dress as Sopranos, Philadelphia Flyers as Rocky for Stadium Series game
-
Joe Manganiello Makes Caitlin O'Connor Romance Instagram Official 7 Months After Sofía Vergara Breakup
-
Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos Gets Engaged During Season Finale
-
Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series offers glimpse at Olympic lacrosse format
-
2 police officers, paramedic die in Burnsville, Minnesota, shooting: Live updates
-
Student-run dance marathon raises $16.9 million in pediatric cancer funds