DETROIT, Mich. – Authorities charged a man with murder in the October death of a Detroit synagogue leader, alleging that she was murdered by a stranger who broke into her home.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated that there was no “shred of evidence” that Samantha Woll was murdered as a result of antisemitism or any other hate crime.
Michael Jackson-Bolanos, 28, has been charged and, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, appears to be a random stranger.
“There are no facts to suggest this defendant knew Ms. Woll,” Worthy said.
Samantha Woll, President of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit, was discovered dead on the morning of October 21, 2023, having sustained multiple stab wounds, according to police.
Read: Jewish Groups Sue California University System For ‘Longstanding, Unchecked’ Antisemitism
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President. At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing,” said Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in a Facebook post.
According to a statement from the Detroit Police Department, when officers arrived at the scene on Saturday morning, they discovered a “trail of blood” that led them to Woll’s residence.
The officers had been called about an unconscious person who was lying on the ground.
The murder, according to the police, happened inside her house. Woll was pronounced dead at the scene after officers discovered her body with multiple stab wounds, according to the authorities.
The police department stated that they do not yet know the reason behind the killing.
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