What happened to Samantha Woll? The Detroit synagogue president was fatally stabbed to death outside her home.
Samantha Woll built a career that involved both religion and politics.
Woll, an adviser to Democratic politicians and president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found stabbed to death outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighborhood of Detroit on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Here’s everything we know about the demise, her impact, how she died, and more about her career.
Who was Samantha Woll?
Samantha Woll was an adviser to Democratic politicians and president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Michigan.
She was born between 1982 and 1983 and was forty years old when she died. She was also a Michigan resident.
Samantha Woll drew widespread praise and admiration in her short life − and again in death – from prominent political and religious leaders in metro Detroit.
According to the Detriot Free Press, Woll was also involved in politics and formerly worked for Congresswoman and Democrat Elissa Slotkin.
She also worked on the re-election campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat, and worked in constituent relations for State Senator Stephanie Chang.
In 2017, Woll was chosen as one of The Detroit Jewish News’ “36 under 36.”
The publication described her as a “social justice and political activist” who “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.”
Woll served as the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022.
She was also involved in “other local Jewish organizations,” per the Detroit Free Press.
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, her life was cut short after she was discovered stabbed to death outside of her home.
What happened to Samantha Woll?
Samantha Woll, a famous Jewish leader and a Detroit synagogue president, has been found stabbed to death outside their home on Saturday.
Police reported in an announcement that they were called to investigate a body discovered with multiple stab wounds in the Lafayette Park neighborhood, just a few miles east of downtown, per the Detroit Free Press.
A trail of blood leading to Woll’s home was noted in the chilling crime scene details by authorities.
A witness first spotted the body, later identified as Woll’s, unresponsive on the ground at around 6:30 a.m.
Cops said they have yet to identify a motive behind Woll’s killing.
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Attorney General Dana Nessel both spoke out after hearing the news of the synagogue president’s death.
“I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news, Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term.”
Slotkin noted in a post to X, formerly Twitter.
The congresswoman added:
“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.
My heart aches that we have lost someone so dedicated to serving others in such a senseless act. I’ll miss her relentless desire to serve & her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area. Team Slotkin shares in the deep grief of her family & her greater community.
Nessel echoed similar sentiments.
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.
the Michigan Attorney General wrote in a message on X.
The Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue also noted in a post to Facebook that the news of Woll’s suspected murder was “unexpected,” and the organization was “shocked and saddened.”
“At this point, we do not have more information but will share more when it becomes available.” May her memory be a blessing,”
the synagogue wrote.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also released an official statement on Woll’s death on Saturday afternoon.
“I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders – Samantha Woll. Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue,”
he told local ABC News affiliate WXYZ.
Mayor Duggan continued:
“It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm. 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.”
The Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Section is investigating Woll’s death.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the department at 313-596-2260.