Cops say 'no evidence' Jewish synagogue leader's murder was antisemitism

22 October 2023 , 20:57

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The murder of Samantha Woll was likely not motivated by antisemitism, the police have revealed (Image: AP)

Police have said there is "no evidence" the brutal murder of Jewish synagogue leader Samantha Woll was motivated by antisemitism, in a major update on Sunday.

An investigation continues into the actual motive behind the shocking stabbing death of the Detroit synagogue president, but the police have confirmed they currently have no evidence Woll, 40, was slaughtered because she was Jewish, the Detroit police said. "No evidence has surfaced," the force said in a statement by police Chief James White.

Police are still mystified as to the motive behind the horrific murder, more than 30 hours since it took place, with many unanswered questions still under investigation. White said on Saturday that he has "mobilised many of [the police department's] resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation.

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Samantha Woll's sister breaks down at funeral to synagogue leader stabbed to death saying 'I feel like I'm about to wake up from a terrible nightmare' (hebrewmemorial.org)

"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 in a statement Sunday afternoon.

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The FBI has joined the hunt for Woll's killer, as did the Michigan State Police, White noted, and are working with local law enforcement to analyse evidence and formulate conclusions that could lead them to the perpetrator. The first step is to establish the timeline leading up to her death, he said, noting that "individuals with information that may further this investigation" should come forward to share it and be interviewed — as some already have been.

A funeral was already held for Woll at 3pm local time at Hebrew Memorial Chapel in Oak Park, Detroit, Michigan, in the US Midwest, near the area where Woll lived and served her community.

Woll, left, poses for a picture with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, whom she helped get into office (AP)

A neighbour discovered Woll's body on her lawn in the 1300 block of Joliet Place in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood of Detroit at around 6:30am and immediately called the police. But when they arrived with emergency services, they pronounced the political activist dead.

A horrific and gory trail of blood trailed up through the lawn and into the home, which led the authorities to believe that she was murdered inside, they previously stated. Her body was covered in multiple gashes as stabbing was generally determined to be the cause of death.

She had been the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, where she was known for her bubbly personality and her desire to promote equality and community — something she dedicated her whole life to.

The crime scene was thoroughly investigated and as much evidence collected as possible as the authorities continue to work to find Woll's killer (AFP via Getty Images)

Woll worked on the campaigns and in the offices of several prominent local Democrats, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who released a statement following the 40-year-old's tragic passing. She wrote on Twitter: "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."

Over the past decade Woll became known for her work establishing the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit as a way to foster peace, harmony and friendship between both faiths and unite them in the Detroit community. That move got her listed as one of Detroit's 36 Under 36 by The Detroit Jewish News.

The publication wrote that Woll "exemplified the values of healing the world," which is called "tikkun olam" in the Jewish faith. It heralded her activism and work for her community, country and religion.

The Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue where Woll served as the president (Google)

Congresswoman Elise Slotkin was another politician Woll worked for, helping her re-election campaign over the years and promoting her Democratic policies. Slotkin also released a statement on Twitter about her friend and colleague, writing: "She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness."

She noted that her "heart aches" at the loss and that she'll "miss her relentless desire to serve & and her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area."

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For much of her career, and 'short life,' Woll dedicated herself to activism (Facebook)

Mike Duggan, the mayor of Detroit, added his own sympathies into the mix, saying in a statement that she "successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm" and that he remembered her joy during the dedication of the newly renovated synagogue she headed.

"This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death," he wrote. The police have said that more information will be provided as it becomes available, as has her synagogue.

Jeremiah Hassel