Samantha Woll: a Jewish activist who was stabbed to death by Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos

Samantha Woll was a prominent figure in the Detroit Jewish community, serving as the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and working as a political adviser for progressive causes. She was also a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend to many. On October 21, 2023, she was found stabbed to death outside her home in Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighborhood, in a shocking and senseless crime that left the city and the nation in mourning.

For almost two months, the police had no leads or suspects in the case, until they announced on December 14, 2023, that they had arrested a man named Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos in connection with Woll’s murder. But who is Jackson-Bolanos, and what was his motive for killing Woll? Here is what we know so far about the suspect and the case.

The arrest of Jackson-Bolanos

According to the Detroit News, Jackson-Bolanos, 38, was an acquaintance of Woll, and had made an “ambiguous statement” to the police about her killing. He was arrested on December 8, 2023, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, about 140 miles from Detroit, after giving a declaration to the police about Woll’s slaying. However, the police did not reveal his name or any charges against him at the time, saying that they were still investigating the case and working with the prosecutors.

Under Michigan state law, criminal suspects must be charged within 72 hours of their arrest, or they must be released. On December 10, 2023, Jackson-Bolanos was released from custody without being booked with a crime, as the police had not provided the prosecutors with a request for a warrant containing charges against him. His attorneys, Allison Kriger, and Mark Kriger, confirmed his release to the Detroit News but did not comment further on the case.

The police did not comment on why Jackson-Bolanos was released, or whether he was still a suspect in the case. They only issued a statement saying that the arrest was “an encouraging development” but not “the conclusion of their work” in the case and that they would continue to investigate until they brought closure to Samantha Woll’s family.

The background of Jackson-Bolanos

Not much is known about Jackson-Bolanos, except that he was an acquaintance of Woll, and that he had a criminal record. According to the Detroit Free Press, Jackson-Bolanos had been convicted of several crimes in the past, including assault with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, larceny, and drug possession. He had also been arrested for domestic violence, but the charges were dismissed.

Jackson-Bolanos had also been involved in a civil lawsuit with Samantha Woll, according to the Detroit News. The lawsuit, filed in September 2023, alleged that Jackson-Bolanos had breached a contract with Woll and owed her money. The details of the contract and the amount of money were not disclosed, but the lawsuit was still pending at the time of Woll’s death.

The police have not confirmed whether the lawsuit had anything to do with Woll’s murder, or whether Jackson-Bolanos had any other motive for killing her. They have also not said whether Jackson-Bolanos acted alone or had any accomplices in the crime.

The impact of Samantha Woll’s death

Woll’s death has left a huge void in the Detroit Jewish community, and in the wider circles of social justice and progressive politics. Woll was a passionate advocate for causes such as racial equality, environmental protection, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Samantha Woll had worked as a political adviser for several candidates and organizations, including Rashida Tlaib, the first Muslim woman elected to Congress, and the Michigan Democratic Party.

She was also a devoted leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, the oldest and only remaining synagogue in downtown Detroit. She helped revitalize the synagogue and attract new members, especially young professionals, and families. She also organized various events and programs to celebrate Jewish culture and foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Woll was also a beloved mother of a 10-year-old son, Noah, who was the center of her life. She was also a caring daughter of her parents, Robert and Barbara Woll, who had moved to Detroit from New York to be closer to her. She was also a supportive sister of her brother, Daniel Woll, who lives in Chicago. She had many friends who admired her for her kindness, generosity, intelligence, and humor.

Her funeral was held on October 25, 2023, at the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, Michigan. Hundreds of people attended the service, including Tlaib, who delivered a tearful eulogy. Woll was buried at the Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham, Michigan.

Woll’s family and friends have set up a memorial fund in her name, to support the causes and organizations that she cared about. They have also asked for justice for her, and for anyone with information about her murder to come forward and contact the police.

The ongoing investigation

The police have said that they are still working on the case and that they have not ruled out any suspects or motives. They have also offered a $15,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Samantha Woll’s killer.

The police have asked the public to help them with any tips or clues that could help them solve the case. The police have also urged the public to be patient and trust the process, as they are doing everything they can to find the truth and bring justice to Woll and her family.

“We appeal to the community for any information and appreciate your patience as investigators thoroughly examine every aspect of this case,” the police said in a statement. “Our heartfelt thoughts remain with Ms. Woll’s loved ones.”