Suspect in Jewish Leader Samantha Woll's Murder May Face Retrial After Deadlocked Jury

A Michigan jury found Michael Jackson-Bolanos not guilty of first-degree murder in the 2023 fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll, but was convicted of lying to police. The jury deadlocked on felony murder and home invasion charges, resulting in a possible retrial.

A Michigan jury has found Michael Jackson-Bolanos not guilty of first-degree murder in the 2023 fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll, but the outcome remains uncertain as the jury deadlocked on felony murder and home invasion charges.

Jackson-Bolanos was found guilty of lying to police during the investigation. The jury began deliberations on July 9th, and after initially deadlocking on Tuesday, they were instructed by the judge to continue discussing the case until Thursday.

Suspect in Jewish Leader Samantha Woll's Murder May Face Retrial After Deadlocked Jury

Jackson-Bolanos was accused of stabbing Woll to death in her home last October. Prosecutors presented evidence, including blood found on his jacket, to support their claim. However, during his testimony, Jackson-Bolanos maintained his innocence, stating that he had been breaking into cars that night and found Woll's body outside.

He admitted to lying to police when questioned about the murder, explaining that he did not report finding her body because he was committing a crime at the time. Woll was stabbed inside her home but crawled outside where she died.

Suspect in Jewish Leader Samantha Woll's Murder May Face Retrial After Deadlocked Jury

Jackson-Bolanos' defense team has raised questions about Woll's ex-boyfriend, who initially called police to report that he may have killed her, but later recanted his statement. Police did not find any evidence linking Woll's ex to the murder.

"The accusations they've made against Jeff Herbstman are unsupported," said Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Elsey. "We are accusing the defendant of murder and we backed it up with serious evidence."

Suspect in Jewish Leader Samantha Woll's Murder May Face Retrial After Deadlocked Jury

Jackson-Bolanos' attorney, Brian Brown, expressed mixed emotions about the verdict, saying, "I guess they felt that it was not a premeditation as far as the murder, but they were deadlocked on whether there was a felony, which incorporates the home invasion, first-degree."

Brown added, "The truth will come out. The truth will set him free."

Suspect in Jewish Leader Samantha Woll's Murder May Face Retrial After Deadlocked Jury

The jury's decision has left open the possibility of a retrial on the deadlocked counts. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for next Thursday.

Woll, a respected community leader, was remembered for her dedication to her synagogue and her work in promoting interfaith dialogue. Her murder sent shockwaves through the Detroit Jewish community and beyond.

The outcome of the retrial is eagerly anticipated as the family and loved ones of Samantha Woll seek justice for her untimely death and the community seeks closure on this tragic event.