Samantha Woll, the president of a synagogue in Detroit, was found dead with multiple stab wounds outside of her home over the weekend, according to the city’s police force.
Detroit authorities said Woll’s body was discovered by a passerby around 6:30 on Saturday morning after a “trail of blood” led to the victim’s home in Lafayette Park. The police were, however, quick to caution against any speculation over the intentions of the murderer, who is yet to be identified. Chief of Detroit police, James White, urged the public to remain patient, adding that a full update will be given on Monday.
Woll, 40, presided over the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and formerly worked as an aide to Democratic Representative Elissa Slotkin as well as a campaign staffer to Attorney General Dana Nessel.
She was described as a “passionate Muslim-Jewish bridge builder” and participated in founding the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit. She also hosted events welcoming Syrian refugees to the city.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President,” the synagogue said in a statement following the news before adding: “At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available.”
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