DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Detroit police has no motive, and no suspect yet in the murder of 40-year-old Samantha Woll, who was a leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022. She also previously worked for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and for the re-election campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Woll was found dead with multiple stab wounds outside of her home on Saturday and reports indicate there was a trail of blood leading to her home in the city’s Lafayette Park neighborhood where police think the crime was committed.

MORE NEWS: New Homeless Shelter Options in Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo Counties

Although the murder happened during a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East and among Muslim and Jewish communities in the United States and around the world, there is no indication that this was a hate crime. No motive has been been released and Police Chief James White has urged everyone to be patient while there are “many unanswered questions.” In a statement, he said, “This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence…It is important that no conclusions be drawn until all of the available facts are reviewed.” He added on Sunday, “The investigation into the death of Ms. Woll remains ongoing. At this time, however, no evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by antisemitism.”

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit said in a statement on Facebook, “No evidence has been shared to indicate this was a targeted act motivated by antisemitism. We are all eager to understand the circumstance’s of Samantha’s death.”

Woll, who appeared on the list of Detroit Jewish News’ “36 under 36” list in 2017, was described as a “social justice and political activist” who was “instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit – a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths who gather in partnership to learn, celebrate and build community together.”

The Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue released a statement about the death of Woll saying, “May her memory be a blessing.”

AG Nessel went on social media and posted on X about the murder of Woll, saying, ”I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. 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.”

Rep. Slotkin posted on X and said about Woll, “I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news. Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term. She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness. My heart aches that we have lost someone so dedicated to serving others in such a senseless act. I’ll miss her relentless desire to serve & her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area. Team Slotkin shares in the deep grief of her family & her greater community.”

MORE NEWS: City of Alpena Addressing Ballot Shortage

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also issued a statement about Woll over the weekend, saying, “My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue and all of those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place. Michigan State Police have been assigned to support the Detroit Police Department. Together, they will investigate this vicious crime and bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Detroit Police have also reportedly requested FBI assistance to investigate the slaying of Woll.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also made a statement about Woll saying, “Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm. Sam’s loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.”

Chapel service for Woll was held on Sunday at the Hebrew Memorial Chapel in Oak Park. Her obituary describes her as a traveler who loved to explore the world but at the same time, having been born and raised in Detroit, she loved her hometown very much. Her obituary said she was fiercely passionate about the cultural vibrancy of Detroit, including the visual arts and that at heart, Samantha was an artist and a lover of all forms of art. She appreciated music, theater, opera, museums and frequently sought to bring artists of all kinds together in unique ways. She loved being outside and nature was her happy place, whether she was exploring a new park or being out in the mountains on a hiking trail.

The end of her obituary said, “Samantha will always be remembered for her tireless activism and for her passion to make the world a better place. She was an angel and there was truly no one kinder.”