The Detroit Police Department said the case had been assigned to its homicide unit for investigation.
Samantha Woll, the president of a Detroit synagogue board was found dead with multiple stab wounds outside her home on Saturday morning, police said.
The victim, Samantha Woll, was the president of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, which is in downtown Detroit, US, the synagogue said in a Facebook post.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President.
“At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing,” the synagogue said.
Officers were called Saturday morning about a person lying on the ground unresponsive and when they arrived at the scene, they found a “trail of blood” leading them to Woll’s home, according to a statement from the Detroit Police Department.
According to CNN, police believe the crime took place inside her home. Officers found Woll’s body with multiple stab wounds and she was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
The Detroit Police Department said the case had been assigned to its homicide unit for investigation.
Police Chief James White said in a statement Saturday that the stabbing was being fully investigated and a motive was not yet known.
“Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions,” White said. “This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence.”
He asked the community for patience as authorities investigated the death.
“It is important that no conclusions be drawn until all of the available facts are reviewed,” said White, adding that officials plan to release additional information about the investigation on Sunday.
The FBI in Detroit is assisting police in the investigation, the agency said in a statement to CNN. The Michigan State Police has also been assigned to support local law enforcement officials in the investigation, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place,” Whitmer said in a statement.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Woll’s death “has left a huge hole in the Detroit community.”
In a statement, Duggan said he and Woll were celebrating the newly renovated synagogue together just a few weeks ago.
“It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm,” Duggan said.
“This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death,” the mayor added.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also shared her condolences in a statement on Facebook, saying, “Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country.”