DETROIT – The man accused of murdering a Jewish community leader at her Detroit home has been bound over for trial.
Michael Jackson-Bolanos, 28, appeared in court on Tuesday, Jan. 23 for the continuation of a preliminary examination hearing. Jackson-Bolanos has been charged with felony murder, first-dree home invasion and lying to the police in connection with the Oct. 21, 2023, killing of 40-year-old Samantha Woll.
The prosecution moved to add a count of first-degree premeditated murder, which was granted by the judge.
---> Samantha Woll murder: Prosecutors begin laying out timeline of attack
Woll, a well-known community leader, was found stabbed to death outside her Lafayette Park home, just east of Downtown Detroit.
Throughout the investigation, authorities have repeatedly affirmed that there is no evidence to indicate Woll’s killing was a hate crime.
Jackson-Bolanos was arrested and charged in December 2023. Police believe he killed her during a home invasion and that they did not know each other prior.
During the preliminary hearing Tuesday, Jan. 23, prosecutors detailed the video evidence and showed how Detroit police linked Michael Jackson-Bolanos to Woll’s Lafayette Park neighborhood on the night of her killing.
One video, starting at 12:30 a.m. on October 21st, depicted a subject leaving a Midtown apartment. Police traced this individual through dozens of video sources over several hours, placing them near the crime scene and back to the Midtown apartment.
The defense claims it is unclear that the individual captured in those videos is indeed Michael Jackson-Bolanos.
Prosecutors also presented cell phone evidence indicating Jackson-Bolanos’ whereabouts.
Despite attempts by the defense to cast doubt on the timeline, the judge determined that there was enough evidence to proceed with the case to trial.
If convicted, Jackson-Bolanos faces the possibility of life in prison.
About Woll
Woll served as president of the board of directors for Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue near Capitol Park, and was well known in the Detroit community. She was also a campaign staffer for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, and a former aide to Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin.
Woll was remembered as someone who supported people and people-centered movements, and was credited for her interfaith work, including by Muslim advocacy groups. The community gathered in mourning last October, with loved ones describing Woll as a bright light and leader for her family, the Detroit community, and beyond.
“Our family is sincerely grateful to the hard-working women and men of the DPD Homicide Task Force who worked around the clock for weeks to thoroughly investigate this tragic crime. Through their dedication and tireless efforts, we firmly believe that they have successfully solved this senseless crime. We cannot thank them enough.
“We would also like to thank everyone for their support and prayers. Samantha‘s death is an unspeakable tragedy that has affected not only her family and friends but also those who knew her as a devoted community activist, leader, and bridge builder. She was loved deeply, and her light spread far and wide. We kindly request that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Statement from members of the Woll family in December 2023