[UPDATE] Samantha Woll Murder: Police Find no Evidence Suggesting Antisemitism in Fatal Stabbing

Detroit police chief James E. White said that officials did not find any evidence to suggest that antisemitism motivated the fatal stabbing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll.

The remarks were made as authorities are continuing their investigation of the murder after the discovery of the body of the victim inside her home on Saturday. Woll was the president of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and was found to have multiple stab wounds.

Samantha Woll's Murder

Law enforcement personnel said that they followed a "trail of blood" that led to Woll's home which is where they believe the crime occurred. Officials have not yet identified a suspect in the murder and it remains unclear what led up to the killing.

The victim's family and friends gathered on Sunday to share their final goodbyes during Woll's funeral service. They remembered the synagogue leader's kindness and the love that she had for other people while also lamenting about the unknowns of why she was killed, as per CNN.

White released a statement on Sunday saying that investigators were working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to forensically analyze all of the information that has been obtained so far. They are making efforts to determine the timeline that ultimately led to Woll's death.

The police chief added that they were interviewing individuals who may have information that could further the investigation. He also asked the community to remain patient while investigators and law enforcement partners continued their work in regard to the case. He said that they would provide a media update on the case on Monday.

FBI Detroit said that it has provided "technical, forensic, and intelligence assistance" in the case at the request of the Detroit Police Department. Additionally, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan State Police have also been assigned to support local law enforcement personnel in the case.

Mysterious Killing of Synagogue Leader

Woll also worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and the re-election campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel. In a statement, the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue called the victim's death "unexpected," according to Fox News.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Nessel expressed her shock and horror to learn of Woll's murder. On the other hand, Gov. Whitmer described the victim's killing as a "vicious crime." She noted that Woll was a source of light and a beacon in her community who worked hard to make the state a better place.

The assistant director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, Sam Dubin, said that Woll always had the biggest smile on her face. He noted that whenever someone talked to the synagogue leader, they would put whatever they were thinking of doing prior aside for just that moment.

Law enforcement personnel initially received a call and traveled to the Lafayette Park area on Saturday before finding the victim unresponsive. They also used dogs to search the area for any evidence that could provide additional information regarding the murder but have not yet discovered any useful leads, said BBC.

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