Additional Coverage:
In Detroit, a jury has cleared Michael Jackson-Bolanos of first-degree murder charges in the killing of local synagogue leader Samantha Woll, which occurred in October 2023. However, the jury remained undecided on accusations of felony murder and home invasion, although they did convict him of providing false information to the police.
Upcoming proceedings on July 25 will determine whether to retry the unresolved charges, as announced by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. She expressed gratitude toward the jury for their diligence and reaffirmed her commitment to seeking justice for Woll.
The jury’s deliberations, which began on July 9, hit a snag by July 11 with no consensus reached, prompting Judge Margaret Van Houten of the Wayne County Circuit to request further deliberation. An alternate had to replace a juror due to prior travel plans.
Jackson-Bolanos was implicated in the stabbing death of Woll outside her home in Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighborhood. He testified that he stumbled upon her body while checking for unlocked cars, and after feeling her neck and realizing she was deceased, he left without notifying authorities due to his activities at the time.
Prosecution focused on Jackson-Bolanos’ credibility, pointing out his pattern of dishonesty and arguing that it extended to his motive for murder. Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Elsey emphasized the critical nature of his decision-making during the incident.
Conversely, defense attorney Brian Brown argued that the evidence exculpated his client completely, suggesting that other suspects, including Woll’s ex-boyfriend Jeffrey Herbstman—who had earlier indicated in a 911 call that he might have killed Woll while delusional—were overlooked by the prosecution.
Reacting to the verdict, Woll’s family expressed their profound disappointment and intent to continue seeking justice, while also appreciating law enforcement’s effort and the professional handling of the case by the county prosecutor’s office. They remembered Samantha for her lifelong commitment to justice and advocacy for peace and kindness.