DETROIT (WWJ) -- Days after Detroit Police released a suspect in the murder of Jewish community leader Samantha Woll, officials with the department are finally talking.
But they're not saying much.
A statement attributed to the Detroit Police Department, released Tuesday afternoon, reads as follows:
"The homicide investigation into Samantha Woll's tragic murder is ongoing. Despite recent developments, the Detroit Police Department's Homicide Unit remains committed to presenting a comprehensive set of facts for submission to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
"This crime reflects a common challenge in our line of work, when an arrest is made as the investigation unfolds.
"We appeal to the community for any information and appreciate your patience as investigators thoroughly examine every aspect of this case.
"Our heartfelt thoughts remain with Ms. Woll's loved ones."
This is the first time the DPD has said anything about the case, at least on the record, since the suspect was released from custody over the weekend.
The man, who has not been named publiclly, was reported to have been close to Woll and to have attended her funeral, officials said. Police arrested him in Kalamazoo on Tuesday after The Detroit Free Press reported police executed a search warrant as his home.
The man's attorney has declined to elaborate on either his release or the investigation.
While the DPD has not comment as to the why, a suspect is typically released if police are not able to satisfy requirements by prosecutors, and no charges are filed within three days following an arrest — as is required by Michigan law.
Woll was stabbed to death on the morning of Oct. 21, 2023, at her home in Detroit's Lafayette Park neighborhood. Investigators said they found a trail of blood leading into her house and believed that was where the crime took place.
Woll was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue and had previously worked as an aide to Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and with Attorney General Dana Nessel on her reelection campaign.
Officials have said that antisemitism was not believed to be a motive in Woll's death, although the investigation is ongoing.
