The boss of the Detroit Police Department (DPD), James E. White, reported that the death of Samantha Woll, president of a synagogue in that city, who was stabbed to death last Saturday, October 21, in her home, indicated that, so far, no evidence has emerged to suggest that this crime was motivated by anti-Semitism.
Through social media, he explained that DPD investigators are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to forensically analyze all the information obtained so far.
This, he said, was in an effort to determine the timeline that ultimately led to Woll's death.
He also said that people with information that could help the investigation move forward are being interviewed.
White asked the community to be patient as investigators continue their work.
"Everything possible is being done to close this matter," he said.
According to a DPD statement, authorities received a call Saturday morning that a person was lying on the ground unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers found Woll's body with numerous stab wounds and a "trail of blood" leading to her home, where the crime is believed to have taken place.
Samantha Woll was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the tragic discovery, Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, said on her X account that she was shocked by the case and acknowledged Woll's work.
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was the kindest person I have ever met. She was driven by her sincere love for her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for all,” she wrote.
The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in downtown Detroit, where Woll served as board president, issued a statement of deep regret on its Facebook page.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Samantha Woll, Chair of our Board of Directors. We do not have any further information at this time, but will share it when it is available. May her memory be a blessing,” he said.
Although the police are not calling it a hate attack, many see it as a strong guide to clarifying the facts, as the attack took place in the midst of a war between Israel and the extremist group Hamas.
A few days before Woll's murder, the six-year-old boy Wadea Al-Fayoume, was stabbed to death by his landlord Joseph Czuba, 71 years old, who attacked the child and his mother (seriously injured), under an anti-Muslim rhetoric.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, ayou administeredred by the CaliFornia State Library.
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