Michigan Jury Finds Michael Jackson-Bolanos Not Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Detroit Synagogue President’s Stabbing
A Michigan jury has found Michael Jackson-Bolanos not guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll in 2023. The jury did find Jackson-Bolanos guilty of lying to police but were deadlocked on felony murder and home invasion charges.
Jackson-Bolanos may face a retrial on the deadlocked counts, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for next Thursday. His attorney, Brian Brown, expressed frustration but optimism for his client, stating that “the truth will come out” and “set him free.”
The jury deliberated for several days before revealing their deadlock on the charges. Prosecutors had accused Jackson-Bolanos of stabbing Woll to death in her home, with her blood found on his jacket. However, Jackson-Bolanos testified that he had only touched her body after finding it outside, claiming he had nothing to do with the murder.
Speculation has been raised about Woll’s ex-boyfriend, who initially claimed responsibility for her death but later recanted, citing medication influence. Police found no evidence linking him to the murder.
The case has garnered significant attention, with the defense challenging the prosecution’s evidence and pointing to inconsistencies in the investigation. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the possibility of a retrial looming.
