Suspect in murder of Detroit synagogue president released from custody, attorney says

Samantha Woll was found stabbed to death outside her home on Oct. 21.

November 11, 2023, 6:20 PM

A suspect taken into custody in connection with the murder of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll this week has since been released, the suspect's attorney confirmed to ABC News.

The suspect was released from custody on Friday, according to the attorney, Allison Kriger, who did not go into further detail.

Detroit Police Chief James White initially announced the suspect's arrest in a statement on social media on Wednesday, calling it an "encouraging development in our desire to bring closure for Ms. Woll's family" but one that "does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case."

ABC News has reached out to Detroit police for comment.

In this image posted to the Facebook account of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, Samantha Woll is shown.
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue

Woll was found stabbed to death outside her home on Oct. 21.

Detroit police said last month that there was no evidence to point to the crime being motivated by antisemitism.

Police did not release the suspect's name.

"At this time, the details of the investigation must remain confidential including the name of the suspect," police said in a statement on Thursday. "Investigators are at a critical juncture in this case and are working tirelessly toward bringing this matter to closure."

In this Oct. 21, 2023, file photo, Detroit police officers work near the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead in Detroit.
Sarah Rice/AFP via Getty Images, FILE

Woll had a long career in local politics and worked with several elected officials over the years, according to her LinkedIn page.

She recently served as the political director for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's re-election campaign.

"Sam was as kind a person as I've ever known," Nessel said. "She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone."

Woll also worked as a deputy district director for Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.

"She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents," Slotkin said. "Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness."