Suspect arrested in death of Detroit Jewish leader Woll

(Reuters) – Detroit police said on Wednesday they had arrested a suspect in the stabbing death of synagogue leader and Democratic Party adviser Samantha Woll, whose death on Oct. 21 rocked religious and political circles.

Police have said from early on the crime lacked any sign of antisemitism.

Woll, board president of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found stabbed to death outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighborhood. Investigators said they believe she was killed inside her home after returning from a wedding early that morning, and that blood spatter evidence indicated she stumbled outside after she was attacked.

Police Chief James White revealed little in a statement announcing the arrest.

“The details of the investigation will remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain,” White said. “Investigators will be continuing their work with the Wayne County Prosecutors Office until the conclusion of this investigation.”

Shortly after the murder White told a news conference there was no reason to believe the killing was part of increased antisemitic violence in the United States related to the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas that governs in Gaza.

Police have yet to disclose a possible motive.

Woll was an adviser to Democratic politicians, and her death sparked an outpouring of emotion among Jewish and Democratic leaders.

She was remembered as a patron of theater, opera and music and a keen hiker of mountain trails, according to an obituary published on the website of the Hebrew Memorial Chapel, where her funeral was held.

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