No evidence of hate crime in Detroit synagogue president’s death: Police
Share and Follow


Editor’s Note: This article was corrected to reflect that a suspect has been taken into custody during investigations into the death of Samantha Woll. 

(NewsNation) — Detroit police announced a suspect is in custody in connection with the death of Samantha Woll, a synagogue leader in Detroit who was fatally stabbed at her home.

“As part of my continuing commitment to transparency in this matter, I am sharing with the community that a suspect has been taken into custody for the murder of Samantha Woll. While this is an encouraging development in our desire to bring closure for Ms. Woll’s family, it does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case,” Detroit Police Chief James E. White said.

Police did not identify the suspect and said further details would remain confidential to protect the ongoing investigation.

In a separate statment the department issued Thursday, police said investigators are “at a critical juncture” in the case.

“At this time, the details of the investigation must remain confidential including the name of the suspect. Investigators are at a critical juncture in this case and are working tirelessly toward bringing this matter to closure.”

Detroit Police Department

NewsNation correspondent Rich McHugh reported sources are saying the person in custody is a former love interest of Woll’s.

Police haven’t publicly released details about the suspect’s identity.

“This individual may or may not be the actual killer,” former Detroit Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt told NewsNation. “It could be someone who was complicit either before or after the fact.”

The suspect would need to be arraigned within 48 hours or released if no charges are brought forward, Dolunt said.

Woll, who was 40 years old, was the board president of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. She was found fatally stabbed outside her home Oct. 21 after leaving a wedding in the early hours of the morning. Police believe she was stabbed inside her home but managed to make it outside before collapsing.

The timing of Woll’s death led some to speculate the stabbing was motivated by antisemitism connected to the war between Israel and Hamas. However, police cautioned the public about drawing early conclusions and said initial investigations showed no indications the attack was a hate crime. Authorities also said there was no sign of forced entry at Woll’s home.

Woll was remembered by the community as a leader deeply involved in social justice and interfaith movements.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
First land border crossing with enhanced face recognition announced in Southern California

New facial recognition technology introduced at the first land border crossing in Southern California

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — The Cross Border Xpress, or CBX, has…
Trump takes victory lap and teases White House UFC fight

Trump celebrates success and hints at hosting a UFC fight at the White House

President Donald Trump took a victory lap after Congress passed his ‘Big Beautiful…
Inside Caitlyn Jenner's close friendship with Sophia Hutchins before shocking death

Exploring the strong bond between Caitlyn Jenner and Sophia Hutchins before tragic passing

Sophia Hutchins and Caitlyn Jenner had an extremely close friendship before the…
SEE IT: Small plane flips over in South Carolina backyard after pilot's deliberate maneuver

SEE IT: Small plane flips over in South Carolina backyard after pilot’s deliberate maneuver

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Home surveillance footage captured…
Australian teen Sonny Blundell tragically dies after hitting his head in botched backflip attempt: 'Grown his wings'

Australian teenager Sonny Blundell dies after head injury during failed backflip attempt: ‘Earned his wings’

An Australian teenager died after a celebratory backflip attempt took a tragic…
Hidden detail in Bryan Kohberger plea deal that everyone overlooks

The unnoticed detail in Bryan Kohberger’s plea agreement that people miss

A prosecutor in Idaho faced criticism for offering a plea deal to…
Why Eric Stoltz was fired from Marty McFly role

The reason for Eric Stoltz losing the part of Marty McFly

Forty years ago, moviegoers were almost shouting, “Great Stoltz!” “Back to the…
San Francisco Zoo welcoming silverback gorilla Cecil

San Francisco Zoo is excited to add silverback gorilla Cecil to its collection.

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is set…