Detroit Police have arrested a suspect in the stabbing murder of synagogue leader Samantha Woll.
The suspect has not been identified.
In a statement today, Chief James E. White said: ‘A suspect has been taken into custody for the murder of Samantha Woll. While this is an encouraging development in our desire to bring closure for Ms. Woll’s family, it does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case.
‘The details of the investigation will remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain.’
Woll was stabbed multiple times in the early hours of October 21. Police believe she was attacked inside her home, and stumbled outside afterwards. Her body was found outside her house.
The police department previously confirmed that Woll’s death was not a hate crime, but investigators are yet to reveal the suspect’s motive.
Woll was stabbed to death in the early hours of October 21 outside her home
The Jewish leader’s body was discovered outside her home in the downtown area of Detroit, after police followed a trail of blood to her property
‘We believe this incident was not motivated by antisemitism and that this suspect acted alone,’ Chief White said at a press conference on October 23.
Woll was named in the Detroit Jewish News‘ ’36 under 36’ list in 2017, which described her as a ‘social justice and political activist’.
‘She was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit — a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths who gather in partnership to learn, celebrate and build community together,’ the glowing profile read.
She was praised for helping ‘to build and deepen important relationships’ between local Jewish and Muslim communities, where she hosted ‘revolutionary events, including an Interfaith Iftar dinner welcoming Syrian refugees.’
‘By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world.’
Tributes have poured in for the synagogue president, who was known for her work building bridges between the local Jewish and Muslim communities
