Prominent Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll was found dead outside of her home early Saturday morning, police said.
Police found multiple stab wounds and a trail of blood leading to her home, which is where law enforcement believes the crime was committed, Detroit police said in an email.
There’s no apparent motive for the deadly attack, according to police, which assigned the case ot the homicide division.
The 40-year-old leader led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and the re-election campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel, both Democrats.
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Samantha Woll, a prominent Detroit leader and president of a Jewish synagogue, was found dead Saturday morning. (Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue/Facebook)
Detroit police declined to answer Fox News Digital’s questions about leads on a potential suspect or if this was considered a hate crime.
The FBI said it’s “aware of the incident, and we will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested.”
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Michelle Zukowski-Serlin, who met Wool a few times and chatted with her on the phone, described her as “sparky” in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“She just wanted to do good things in the world, and she was very passionate with a lot of energy,” Zukowkski-Serlin said.
“She wasn’t a personal close friend of mine, but she was someone I was friendly with and talked to on the phone … But I really liked her. He was very passionate. Oh my gosh, she was so deeply committed to social justice.”
Samantha Woll (right) was “an amazing leader,” her friend, Eric Feldman (middle) said on Facebook after learning Wool was found dead. (Eric Feldman/Facebook)
The Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue called Woll’s death “unexpected” in a statement.
“At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing.”
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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel took to social media and said on X (formerly Twitter), “I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s murder.”
“Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known,” Nessel said. “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.”
Samantha Woll, a Detroit synagogue president, found dead outside her home, according to police (Dana Nessel/X)
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that “My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her.”
“She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place. Today, let’s hold one another close. Let’s keep Samantha and all those who loved her in our hearts,” Whitmer said. “Michigan State Police have been assigned to support the Detroit Police Department. Together, they will investigate this vicious crime and bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Online tributes have been populating all over social media as news spreads of Woll’s death.
Her friend, Eric Feldman, said in a Facebook post that he knew Wool since she was a teenager, “and it was already clear what an amazing leader she would become.”
“Today she was murdered at just 40 with so much ahead of her,” Feldman wrote. “Sam, you were a light upon our community and we will ensure that your memory enduresa blessing. My deepest condolences to her family, her friends and to all of us as we grieve this tragic and horrifying loss to our community.”
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Another one of Woll’s friends, Michigan lawyer Kelley Neuman posted pictures of Woll surrounded by herself and their friends.
“Absolutely devastated by the murder of our friend Samantha Woll,” Neumann wrote in a touching Facebook tribute.
“A huge democratic contributor, a synagogue President and a mover and shaker. Most of all a genuine, compassionate and heartfelt friend. These are crazy times friends. Hold each other close.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was “devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders.”
“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,” Duggan said.
“Sam’s loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.”
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Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Homicide Section as soon as possible at 313-596-2260.
Fox News Digital reporter Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
