Prominent Jewish leader found stabbed to death in Detroit

Samantha Wall was president of a local synagogue

A prominent Jewish leader in Detroit who was praised for her work in connecting Jews and Muslims, was found dead of multiple stab wounds outside her home.

Samantha Wall, 40, was president of a local synagogue and previously worked for two prominent Democrats in Michigan.

Dana Nessel, Attorney General The state Ms. Wall helped re-elect called her death a “brutal murder.”

Her body was discovered near her home in the Lafayette Park neighborhood, east of downtown Detroit, on Saturday morning.

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Ms. Wall has been president of the board of the city's last synagogue since 2022.

Isaac Concord Synagogue in downtown Detroit said it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the death of its board president.

“We do not have additional information at this time, but will share it when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing,» the synagogue said.

The synagogue defines its mission as «to serve as a beacon for the entire Jewish community of metropolitan Detroit» as the last remaining free-standing synagogue in the Midwestern city.

Ms. Wyatt with Dana Nessel, the state attorney general she helped re-elect

The Detroit Police Department said its department A homicide investigation is underway and the victim was stabbed multiple times.< /p>

A trail of blood led to Ms. Wall's home, where police say the crime took place.

She was discovered around 6:30 a.m. after police were called to the scene and found her lying on the ground unconscious.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet confirmed a potential motive.

The well-known community activist was named to The Detroit Jewish News' «36 Under 36» list in 2017.

Ms. Wall previously also worked for Elissa Slotkin, a Democratic congresswoman, as well as Ms. Nessel.

“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam's brutal murder,” Ms. Nessel said.

p> “Sam was the kindest person I've ever known. She was driven by a genuine love for her community, state and country.

«Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.»

Ms. Slotkin said that “It hurts our hearts that we lost someone so dedicated to serving others because of such a senseless act.”

“I will miss her tireless desire to serve and her bright smile that seemed , all over Detroit,” she said.