Detroit Police Chief James E. White said early in the investigation that there was no evidence the stabbing was a hate crime, amid rising sentiment anti-Semites and Islamophobes across the country, fueled by the war between Israel and Gaza. He also said the FBI was called in to help analyze evidence and determine a timeline of events that led to Woll’s death.
On Wednesday, police announced they had a suspect in custody, but they did not share any information about that individual. Michigan law allows police to detain someone without charge for up to 72 hours.
“While this is an encouraging development in our desire to bring closure to Ms. Woll’s family, it does not represent the conclusion of our work in this case,” Detroit police said in a statement. . Tweeter Wednesday.
The police later added that details of the investigation, including the name of the suspect, would remain confidential. “Investigators are at a critical time in this case and are working … to close this case,” police said Thursday.
Detroit police declined to comment on the case. The unnamed suspect’s attorney, Allison Kriger, also declined to comment further.
“My client was released on Friday,” Kriger said in an email. “I have nothing else to add. I do not believe it is appropriate to comment on ongoing investigations.”
Woll has been involved in Democratic politics, working on campaigns for local candidates and serving as political director for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s 2022 midterm re-election campaign. Woll also served as deputy director district of Rep. Elissa Slotkin (Mich.) for two years, according to her LinkedIn page.
Slotkin, in a social media post, said Woll helped create and run his office during his first full term.
“She did for our team as assistant district director what came so naturally to her: helping others and serving constituents,” Slotkin said. “I will miss his relentless desire to serve and his bright smile seemingly everywhere in the Detroit area.”
The synagogue also mourned Woll’s death. “We are shocked and saddened,” the synagogue said in a statement on Facebook. “At this point we do not have more information, but we will share more when it becomes available. May his memory be a blessing.
Woll has described herself online as someone who is passionate about serving her community, especially those who are most vulnerable.