Authorities have charged a 28-year-old man, Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos, in the murder of Samantha Woll, the leader of a Detroit synagogue, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Woll, 40, was found dead outside her home on October 21 with multiple stab wounds. Jackson-Bolanos has been charged with homicide, home invasion, and lying to police officers. However, Worthy stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Jackson-Bolanos knew Woll or that the murder was a hate crime.

The arrest of Jackson-Bolanos comes after a person of interest was questioned by investigators in November but was released three days later without explanation. Detroit Police Chief James White said that the latest suspect was taken into custody within an hour of new information surfacing, as investigators were familiar with their whereabouts. White assured the public that there is no danger to the community since the suspect is being held under continuous investigation.

Woll's murder received significant media attention due to her role as the board president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and her involvement in Michigan Democratic politics. She had previously worked for Representative Elissa Slotkin and helped with the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The Detroit Free Press reported that her murder occurred amidst reports of increasing antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the U.S. following the attack on Israel in October.

Authorities have not provided specific details about how Jackson-Bolanos was linked to Woll's death. However, the investigation reportedly included witness interviews, security footage analysis, cellular data examination, and forensic evidence analysis. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy mentioned that the office has informed Woll's family about the arrest.

Friends and loved ones of Woll expressed hope that her killer will be brought to justice. Rabbi Asher Lopatin, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC, stated that finding the perpetrator would provide some closure for those who knew Woll and the community. Ariana Mentzel, a treasurer of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC, emphasized the importance of justice for Woll and her family, adding that some answers would be comforting.

The investigation into Woll's murder has been ongoing since her body was discovered in her yard. She had attended a wedding the night before and was found unresponsive outside her home with a trail of blood leading inside. Police believe that she was attacked inside her home before stumbling outside and collapsing. The medical examiner determined that Woll had suffered multiple sharp force wounds with a straight edge.

Authorities have not released further details about the charges requested against Jackson-Bolanos. They have asked the public for patience as they continue to gather evidence and investigate the case.