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Prominent Detroit synagogue President Samantha Woll was found dead outside her home early Saturday morning, police said.
Police found multiple stab wounds and a trail of blood leading to her home, which is where the crime likely happened, Detroit Police said in an email.
Police haven't determined a motive for the deadly attack and assigned the case to the homicide division.
The 40-year-old leader led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and the re-election campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel, both Democrats.
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Samantha Woll, a prominent Detroit leader and president of a synagogue, was found dead Saturday morning. (Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue/Facebook)
Detroit Police declined to answer Fox News Digital's questions about leads on a potential suspect or if it is considered a hate crime.
"This crime leaves many unanswered questions," said Police Chief James White.
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"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."
White said police plan on updating the community and the media Sunday.
Samantha Woll "had a big heart" and was passionate about helping everyone, her friends told Fox News Digital. (Facebook)
Law enforcement is in a full-court press on the investigation.
"Over the course of the last several hours, the (Detroit Police Department) has mobilized many of its resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation," White said.
The FBI said it's "aware of the incident, and we will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested."
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Michelle Zukowski-Serlin, who met Woll a few times and chatted with her on the phone, described her as "sparky" in an interview with Fox News Digital.
"She just wanted to do good things in the world, and she was very passionate with a lot of energy," Zukowski-Serlin said.
"She wasn't a personal close friend of mine, but she was someone I was friendly with and talked to on the phone. … But I really liked her. She was very passionate. Oh my gosh, she was so deeply committed to social justice."
Samantha Woll, right, was "an amazing leader," her friend, Eric Feldman, center, said on Facebook after learning Woll was found dead. (Eric Feldman/Facebook)
The Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue called Woll's death "unexpected" in a statement.
"At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing."
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Nessel took to social media and said on X, formerly Twitter, "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."
Samantha Woll, a Detroit synagogue president, was found dead outside her home, according to police (Dana Nessel/X)
"My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue and all those who were lucky enough to know her," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.
"She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place. Today, let’s hold one another close. Let’s keep Samantha and all those who loved her in our hearts.
"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."
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Social media tributes continue to be posted as news of Woll's death spreads.
Her friend, Eric Feldman, said in a Facebook post he knew Woll since she was a teenager, "and it was already clear what an amazing leader she would become."
"Today she was murdered at just 40 with so much ahead of her," Feldman wrote. "Sam, you were a light upon our community and we will ensure that your memory endures a blessing. My deepest condolences to her family, her friends and to all of us as we grieve this tragic and horrifying loss to our community."
Another of Woll's friends, Michigan lawyer Kelley Neuman, posted pictures of Woll surrounded by friends.
"Absolutely devastated by the murder of our friend Samantha Woll," Neumann wrote in a Facebook tribute.
"A huge democratic contributor, a synagogue President and a mover and shaker. Most of all a genuine, compassionate and heartfelt friend. These are crazy times friends. Hold each other close."
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Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was "devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders."
"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," Duggan said.
"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."
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Police ask anyone with information about the crime to contact the Homicide Section as soon as possible at 313-596-2260.
Fox News Digital reporter Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
