Police ID several 'possible persons of interest' in stabbing death of synagogue leader

Detroit — Investigators have identified a number of "possible persons of interest" in the stabbing death of Jewish community leader Samantha Woll, who police believe was killed inside her east-side home before she stumbled to the front yard and collapsed, Detroit Police Chief James White said Monday.

During a press conference at Detroit Public Safety Headquarters that was attended by representatives from multiple national media outlets, White said the investigation has not uncovered evidence that the 40-year-old Woll's killing was related to ongoing tensions in Israel, or that the stabbing was motivated by antisemitism or the victim's position as president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.

"We believe this was not motivated by antisemitism and that the suspect acted alone," White said.

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"The purpose of this press conference is to bring clarity to this incident that has brought attention to national leaders and international outlets," White said. "We don't feel as of this press conference that anyone is in danger and that this was a hate crime."

The chief added that while he was limited in what he could discuss about the ongoing investigation, several people were being looked at as possible persons of interest and that detectives had established a "working theory" about what happened.

"We have a number of people that give us interest; we're falling just short of calling one of the people a suspect, but we're working to that end, and we'll be there, but it takes time," White said. "There's a lot of information that needs to be analyzed."

When asked how he knew it wasn't a hate crime when investigators hadn't yet determined a suspect, White said police aren't ruling that out, but that "the evidence so far doesn't point in that direction."

"We're confident with the information we have right now that it isn't (a hate crime), but this is a two-day investigation and we're not ruling anything out right now. We're looking at every aspect of this case and will go where the evidence takes us."

Woll left a wedding at about 12:30 early Saturday morning, White said, adding: "And by all accounts she wasn't under any distress; she was her normal, pleasant self."

After the stabbing inside her home in the 1300 block of Joliet Place, she left a trail of blood leading to her body in the front yard. White said detectives believed she lay there for "quite a while" before someone dialed 911 at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Deputy Chief Kari Sloan, commanding officer of the DPD Detective Bureau, said after Woll returned home from the wedding, "there were no signs of forced entry. At some point before returning from (the wedding) and the early morning hours, she was fatally assaulted.

"By all accounts, Ms. Woll was loved in the community, so it's clearly shocking to her friends and family that this occurred," Sloan said.

White said he could not release details that include whether or not Woll left the wedding alone.

Detectives are poring over video along the route from the wedding to Woll's house "to see if she may have been followed," White said.

The Detroit Jews for Justice called Monday for those feeling "despair and confusion, to stay true to Sam's core values: bridge building and deep listening."

"We cannot jump to conclusions," said Allie Zeff, executive director of DJJ, and Hayley Sakwa, chair of DJJ's board of trustees, in a statement. "We cannot justify further violence against anyone. We cannot allow ourselves to be divided from our neighbors."

Zeff and Sakwa encouraged the community to support one another in grief following Woll's death.

"We can hold each other close," they said. "We can turn to our Jewish teachings and to each other for comfort. We can listen deeply. Most importantly, we can recommit to Sam’s vision for community: one that is supportive and connected, that includes all people regardless of faith or race, and in which everyone can be safe and thrive."

They suggested donations to be directed the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, Louis & Fay Woll Memorial Bible Garden At Congregation Beth Ahm or Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee.

ghunter@detroitnews.com

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Staff Writer Jakkar Aimery contributed.