48 Hours Presenting Spiral: Murder in Detroit | 1. One of 36 Angels
Nov 3, 2025
A beloved Detroit community leader's tragic murder raises haunting questions about bias and justice. Just weeks after her synagogue reopened, Samantha Woll was found brutally killed outside her home. Suspicion initially pointed to a hate crime, but a young suspect claims innocence, igniting controversy. The investigation reveals chilling details, including security footage and hasty police conclusions. As friends and family recount Samantha's remarkable impact, the search for truth uncovers layers of complexity in a city grappling with fear and unity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Synagogue Reopening Leadership
- Samantha Wall led the synagogue's $6M renovation and spoke at its grand reopening in August 2023.
- She was visibly proud and hands-on, described smiling at the podium in a bright blue dress.
Neighbor Discovered The Body
- Kevin Mull found Samantha's body on the sidewalk around 6:20 a.m. on October 21, 2023.
- He noticed the victim had no shoes and the skin felt cold with no response when touched.
Blood Patterns Point To Indoor Attack
- Blood evidence indicated the violent attack began inside Samantha's home, not outside where her body was found.
- Police used blood patterns to deduce the location and sequence of the attack.