A Wayne County jury found Michael Jackson-Bolanos not guilty of premeditated first-degree murder in the death of Samantha Woll, a beloved synagogue leader and political activist whose stabbing death in fall 2023 devastated the metro Detroit Jewish community and continues to torment her family. The mixed verdict could put the defendant back on trial.
Though the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the charges of felony murder and house invasion, they did find 29-year-old Jackson-Bolanos guilty of lying to the police about his involvement in Woll’s death—the prosecution claimed that Woll was fatally stabbed in her Detroit home.
The maximum term for the misdemeanor charge of lying to police is two years. The attorney for Jackson-Bolanos voiced dissatisfaction with the decision.
Following the reading of the mixed convictions, defense lawyer Brian Brown stated, “I think they should have acquitted him of everything,” highlighting the evidence that pointed to an acquittal on the charges that the jury was unable to agree on.
“It’s somewhat of a small, partial victory — but it’s not the victory that I was anticipating,” Brown stated.
By the end of next week, prosecutors must choose if they will retry Jackson-Bolanos’ case on the two counts that are in dispute. The date of the pretrial hearing is July 25.
“First, I want to thank the jury for their time, dedication, and attention to this case,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said stated. “We were hopeful that a decision could be reached today, but we will press on for justice for the Wolls and will determine our next course of action at the pre-trial hearing.”
Woll’s family released the following statement after the verdict: “We are stunned and deeply saddened by the outcome of this trial, as there is overwhelming evidence that Michael Jackson-Bolanos took our beloved Samantha’s life. Samantha spent much of her life working toward justice, and it pains us that justice for Samantha has not yet been served. We will not rest in our pursuit of justice on her behalf.”
The family added in their statement, “senseless tragedy leaves us with holes in our hearts that will never heal. But Samantha believed in a world of kindness and peace. We hope that as a society, we can continue to strive for good in Samantha’s honor.”
Following the verdict, Wayne County sheriff’s deputies led the jurors out of the courtroom. Noting that the case might be retried on the two deadlocked counts, the judge pleaded with them not to speak with the media. But she did say to them, “You are free to do what you want.”
The defendant turned to face the jurors as they left the courtroom.
Jurors departed without offering a remark. Woll’s pals, who had been watching in anticipation as the jury was ready to render a verdict, felt the same way. That ultimate choice also dealt a devastating emotional blow.
Some sighed as the verdicts were read, Kleenex handy and lips pursed. One individual gripped the bench in front of them while lowering their head into their hands.
The jury has informed Wayne County Circuit Judge Margaret Van Houten three times since the start of the deliberations that it is deadlocked on some of the counts. She said, “We don’t want you to give up quite yet,” which drove them back into discussion to try and come to a decision.
An alternate juror filled in for one of the jurors who was removed on Monday owing to a prearranged vacation. The well-publicized case has attracted much scrutiny and national attention.
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The defense has argued that Woll’s ex-boyfriend was among the other suspects that the police overlooked and that they wrongly detained the wrong man.
According to the prosecution, Jackson-Bolanos killed Woll during a home invasion while on the prowl at night and ran away to avoid being discovered. Later, her blood was discovered on a jacket he was wearing.
Regarding the defense’s allegations that police mishandled the investigation, disregarded other possible suspects, and treated Woll’s ex-boyfriend “kid gloves,” the prosecution contended that the ex-boyfriend never disclosed any information about her murder, that he convinced himself he had killed her while acting in a delusional manner, and that there was no evidence that connected him to Woll’s death.
