Suspect In Detroit Jewish Leader's Death Released, Not Charged: Report

DETROIT, MI — A suspect arrested in the death of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll was released without being charged Friday, according to a Detroit Free Press report citing the man's attorney.

Police arrested the suspect Tuesday, authorities confirmed. Detroit police did not release details about the suspect or the arrest, stating it would "remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain."

Police released the man after authorities executed a search warrant at his home earlier this week, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the Free Press.

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.

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.