Detroit Synagogue President Samantha Woll Murder: Man Charged

TL/DR –

Michael Manual Jackson-Bolanos, 28, has been charged with the murder of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll. There are no facts suggesting that Jackson-Bolanos knew Woll or that her murder was a hate crime. Woll, 40, was found stabbed outside her home in Lafayette Park neighborhood on Oct. 21, with no signs of forced entry into her residence.

Man Charged in Samantha Woll Murder Case, Wayne County Prosecutor Reports

Wayne County Prosecutor, Kym Worthy, announced on Wednesday that Michael Manual Jackson-Bolanos, 28, from Detroit, has been charged with the murder of Samantha Woll, the president of the Detroit synagogue. He faces charges of homicide felony murder, lying to a peace officer, and home invasion.

There’s no evidence suggesting Jackson-Bolanos knew Woll or that the murder was a hate crime, according to Worthy. Woll, 40, the leader of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found outside her home in Lafayette Park on Oct. 21. She had attended a wedding the night before and returned home after midnight.

Investigators believe she was stabbed inside her home with no signs of forced entry. Woll then managed to make her way to her yard, where she was found. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office received a warrant request in this case on Tuesday.

Before the warrant request, Detroit Police mentioned a second person of interest was in custody on Sunday. Another suspect was arrested on Nov. 8, but was released three days later. Worthy clarified Jackson-Bolanos was not the initial arrestee.

Court records reveal Jackson-Bolanos was sentenced in 2014 and 2019 for receiving and concealing stolen property, leading to prison and probation respectively. His probable cause court appearance is scheduled later this month.

Community’s Grief and Hope

“It was frustrating not knowing who did this,” said Rabbi Asher Lopatin. He has known Samantha for over five years and believes the healing can now begin. “Sam was unique, and we miss that. We have to work harder to live up to her standards,” he added.

As Hanukkah is currently being observed, the Jewish community lights candles in Woll’s honor. “Light is an appropriate way to remember her because she was that brilliant light that lit up our community with hope,” Lopatin said.

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