DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit synagogue president was discovered brutally murdered outside her home in Detroit's Lafayette Park neighborhood on Saturday morning.
The Detroit Police Department's Corporal Dan Donakowski said early Saturday afternoon that officers received a call for help around 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 21 in the 1300 block of Joliet Pl. after a person was lying unresponsive on the ground.
According to Donakowski, the female victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered she had sustained multiple stab wounds and found a trail of blood leading to the woman's home, which is where they believe the crime occurred.
Police called the death "unexpected," and turned the case over to the Homicide Section for further investigation.
So far, there is no motive for the killing.
Detroit police did not release the identity of the victim, but Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue confirmed the deceased as 40-year-old Samantha Woll, who served as their Board President since 2022.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President, the synagogue stated. "At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing."
We are asking that anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Homicide Section as soon as possible at 313-596-2260.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed his shock at the news, stating Woll's loss left "a huge hole in the Detroit community."
"I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit's great young leaders - Samantha Woll," Duggan said. "Just weeks 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."
He went on to say: "This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death."
Before working with Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, Woll was previously a staffer for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and worked on the re-election campaign for 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.
Police asked that anyone with information regarding this incident contact the Homicide Section as soon as possible at 313-596-2260.
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