Police Say Suspect In Killing Of Detroit Jewish Leader Was Released

DETROIT — Detroit Police confirmed Tuesday a suspect in the killing of Samantha Woll, a well-known Detroit Jewish leader, was released without charges.

Sources told WDIV the man was released after he stopped talking to investigators and hired an attorney. Police arrested the man based on ambiguous statements he told investigators that were open to more than one interpretation, which is not enough for police to request murder charges, according to the report.

The Detroit Police department released this statement Tuesday as the investigation into the killing continues:

The homicide investigation into Samantha Woll’s tragic murder is ongoing. Despite recent developments, DPD’s Homicide Unit remains committed to presenting a comprehensive set of facts for submission to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

This crime reflects a common challenge in our line of work, when an arrest is made as the investigation unfolds.

We appeal to the community for any information and appreciate your patience as investigators thoroughly examine every aspect of this case.

Our heartfelt thoughts remain with Ms. Woll’s loved ones.

Officers found Woll, 40, dead from multiple stab wounds early Oct. 21 outside her home in the 1300 block of Joliet Place, a neighborhood just east of downtown, police said.

Detroit Police Chief James White said officers then followed a "trail of blood" that led detectives to Woll’s home, where investigators believe she was attacked before she stumbled outside and collapsed where her body was found.

White said officers found her body at roughly 6:30 a.m. Oct. 21, hours after she left a wedding around 12:30 a.m. He would not confirm whether Woll left the wedding alone.

White said there was no sign of forced entry to Woll’s home, or any defensive wounds on Woll. He did not say how many times Woll was stabbed before she died, indicating that releasing some details could harm the investigation.

Police do not believe antisemitism played a role in the killing. Police also said they don't believe any other groups or people are at risk.

Woll was well known in the Detroit community and served as the board president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue in Downtown Detroit.