The tragic stabbing death of the president of a Detroit synagogue over the weekend, as reported by Detroit police on Sunday, is not thought to be related to antisemitism.
According to a statement made by Detroit Police Chief James E. White on Sunday, the investigation into the death of 40-year-old Samantha Woll, who was discovered dead from stab wounds outside her home on Saturday, is still underway.
White said, “There’s no sign that this crime was driven by antisemitism.”
There was no sign of forced entry into Woll’s home, her body showed no signs of defensive wounds, and there was a sizable Israeli flag in the house that seemed unharmed, according to numerous law enforcement sources familiar with the inquiry.
Early on Saturday morning, Woll’s home received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive person laying on the ground. Woll was discovered by police with numerous stab wounds and a blood trail leading to her home.
White pledged to keep watching the case.
Together with the FBI, the DPD detectives are carefully reviewing all the data they have thus far. The police chief stated, “They want to determine the timetable that came to an end with Ms. Woll’s passing. “They’re talking to people who might know something to help with the investigation.”
The chief pleaded with the locals to be patient as they continued their investigation. “We’re doing everything we can to close this matter,” he said.
The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue’s congregation was under the direction of Ms. Woll. To honor her memory, attendees gathered on Sunday for a burial service.
During the service, her sister, Monica Woll Rosen, reportedly said, “You so deeply wanted peace for this world,” as reported by Detroit’s NBC affiliate WDIV.
She said, “You battled for everyone, no matter who they were or where they came from. “You embodied what a leader should be. Without you, our world is destroyed.
Woll has previously been connected to state Democrats. She supported Dana Nessel’s bid for reelection while working for state attorney general Elissa Slotkin.
Slotkin commended Woll for his service and commitment.
Slotkin gave a moving speech on how Ms. Woll, as the deputy district director, had a natural talent for supporting and serving people. “She dedicated her short life to bringing understanding between different faiths and shining light in difficult times,” Slotkin said in a statement.
On Saturday, Michigan’s U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib referred to Ms. Woll as a friend in a post on her Facebook page. “Sam Woll, my friend from our organizing community, was tragically killed,” she wrote in a letter. “I don’t know what to say. Sam has nice eyes and a charming grin for everyone.
Tlaib stated that “Our community is heartbroken” in order to convey the profound pain present.