Detroit synagogue president found fatally stabbed outside her home

A Detroit synagogue president was found fatally stabbed outside her home Saturday morning.

Samantha Woll, 40, led the congregation of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, which confirmed Woll’s death in a statement. “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President,” it said.

“May her memory be a blessing,” the statement continued.

Mourners attended a funeral service for Woll on Sunday.

On Saturday evening, Detroit Police Chief James E. White asked the public for patience as resources poured into the investigation. He promised an update Sunday morning.

“I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence,” he said in a statement. “It is important that no conclusions be drawn until all of the available facts are reviewed.”

ADL Michigan, the state chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, also asked Michiganders to refrain from speculating on motive.

“As we mourn her tragic passing, we urge the community to refrain from speculation and allow law enforcement to gather facts,” it said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Authorities said a 911 caller early Saturday reported a person lying on the ground unresponsive at Woll’s home. Police discovered multiple stab wounds on Woll’s body and found a trail of blood leading to her house, where they believe the crime occurred.

Woll had ties to state Democrats. She previously worked for Rep. Elissa Slotkin and served on state Attorney General Dana Nessel’s re-election campaign.

Slotkin praised Woll’s dedication to serving Detroit communities.