Detroit man charged in synagogue leader’s slaying
On Wednesday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos, 28, has been charged with felony murder during a first-degree home invasion in connection with the killing of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll.
Authorities believe that Jackson-Bolanos acted alone in the slaying, which occurred on October 21. Worthy stated that the suspect did not know Woll and that he allegedly entered her home and stabbed her to death using a “straight edge cutting instrument.”
Jackson-Bolanos has retained an attorney, who maintained his client’s innocence following a Wednesday arraignment hearing. The attorney stated that police had previously identified a different suspect in the killing.
Woll, who was discovered dead outside a neighbor’s apartment, was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and was well-known among Michigan Democratic leadership.
Although there had been speculation that Woll’s death was motivated by antisemitism, Worthy and Detroit Police Chief James White both confirmed that there is “not a shred of evidence” to support the fact that this was a hate crime.
Authorities have stated that they want to ensure they leave no stone unturned, and they will continue to investigate any and all suspects or persons of interest that may come forward.
Jackson-Bolanos was previously convicted of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, and he had been on probation after being convicted of the same offense in 2019.
The tragic death of Samantha Woll has left Detroiters and local faith communities bewildered, and her memory will continue to impact those who knew and loved her.