DETROIT (WWJ) – As Detroit police continue to investigate the murder of Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue President Samantha Woll continues, she was laid to rest Sunday afternoon.
Shortly after Chapel service at Hebrew Memorial Chapel in Oak Park concluded on Sunday, Detroit Police Chief James White provided an update in the case, saying “no evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by antisemitism.” A motive in the killing remains unclear.
Woll was found stabbed to death outside her Downtown home near Lafayette and Chrysler around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Investigators discovered she had sustained multiple stab wounds and found a trail of blood leading to her home, which is where they believe the crime occurred.
Detroit police were expected to hold a press conference updating the case on Sunday, but White said a media update will now be provided on Monday.
White said DPD investigators are working with the FBI to “forensically analyze all of the information obtained up to this point in an effort to ascertain the timeline that ultimately led to Ms. Woll's death.”
Investigators are interviewing people they believe have more information regarding Woll’s death.
“I again ask the community to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work. Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service,” White said.
During Sunday’s chapel service, Woll’s brother-in-law Ben shared she was someone who always listened and engaged with others.
“There are very few people in this world that will stay up with me into the wee hours of the morning, talking about cooking, politics, sports, artificial intelligence, Taylor Swift, quantum physics. Some subjects you knew way more about me than others and vice versa,” he said. “But your ability to be engaged with the person in front of you, absorbed in the conversation and truly listening and connecting is a talent that I will always admire and respect.”
Woll was also connected to Michigan's political world, having previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, and on the reelection campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Nessel released the following statement on X:
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal 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.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Woll's death left "a huge hole in the Detroit community."
Detroit police are still asking anyone who knows something about her murder to call the Homicide Section as soon as possible at 313-596-2260.