Samantha Woll, president of the Isaac Agree Synagogue Downtown Detroit, was found stabbed to death outside her home in Lafayette Park, Michigan, on Saturday morning. She was 40 years old.
The Isaac Agree Synagogue Downtown Detroit confirmed her death in a Facebook post Saturday: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Samantha Woll, our board president.”
“We have no more information at this time, but will share it when it becomes available,” the synagogue wrote. “May her memory be a blessing.”
Samantha Woll.
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue/Facebook
According to Detroit Free Pressthe Detroit Police Department said in a statement that officers pronounced Woll dead at the scene after finding her body with multiple stab wounds in the 1300 block of Joliet Place.
Authorities discovered a “blood trail” leading to her residence, where they believe Woll was killed, CNN reports. Media reported that police said the motive for the crime remains unknown while the Homicide Unit is investigating.
The FBI said in a statement to CNN that the agency is “aware of the incident and will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested.”
The Detroit Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The Detroit Free Press reported that Woll worked for Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on her re-election campaign before serving on the board of directors of Isaac Agree Synagogue Downtown Detroit.
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Slotkin, who serves in Michigan’s 7th congressional district, issued a press release X (formerly known as Twitter) in response to the synagogue’s announcement of Woll’s death.
“Myself and the entire Slotkin team are devastated by this news,” 47-year-old Slotkin wrote. “Sam has worked for me almost from the moment I became a congresswoman, helping us set up the office and helping run it throughout my first term.”
Nessel shared a photo of her and Woll together, writing to X“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder.”
“Sam was the kindest person I’ve ever known,” continued Nessel, 54. “She was driven by a genuine love for her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to make a better place for everyone.”
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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in statement on X, “I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders – Samantha Woll.”
“Just a few weeks ago I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Synagogue downtown,” Duggan added. “It was a project that she successfully managed with great pride and enthusiasm.”
Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York’s 16th Congressional District, wrote on X that he “feels sick to his stomach when I hear about the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll.”
“As they investigate this horrific crime, I reiterate my call that we MUST focus on our humanity and see that we love one another,” Bowman said after noting some of her accomplishments.
“Enough suffering. May her memory be blessed,” the congressman concluded the message.
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Source: HIS Education