by
Samantha Woll
The family of slain Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll responded Thursday after a Wayne County Circuit Court jury found defendant Michael Jackson-Bolanos not guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, but deadlocked on charges of felony murder and home invasion. He was convicted on a charge of concealing facts or misleading police, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
In a statement issued through attorney Brian Legghio, the family said, according to the Detroit News:
"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. ... This 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."
Because deadlocked charges for felony murder and home invasion are unresolved, prosecutors have the option of retrying those counts. A new trial would give authorities more time to further investigate and strengthen the case against Jackson-Bolanos, 29.
Prosecutors theorized that Jackson-Bolanos entered Woll's unlocked home to rob it at 4:20 a.m. on Oct. 21, but was surprised when he saw her. So, prosecutors say, he killed her to make sure she couldn't identify him. Jurors may have decided to acquit on the first-degree premeditated murder charge, thinking there was no evidence of premeditation.
They did, however deadlock on the felony murder and home invasion charges, which indicates some, but not all, believed Jackson-Bolanos broke into the home and stabbed Woll, who stumbled outside afterward.
Jackson-Bolanos testified in court that he was in the area looking for unlocked cars to break into when he stumbled upon her body and checked for life, which explained why he had Woll's blood on his coat and backpack.
