Trial begins for man accused of killing well-known Detroit Synagogue president

DETROIT, Mich. (WILX) – The accused killer of well-known Detroit Jewish community leader Samantha Woll sat before a jury in Detroit on Tuesday.

The prosecution and defense set up their cases as they gave opening statements surrounding the brutal murder.

“The evidence in this case is going to show you the man that did this to her is the defendant Michael Jackson Balanos,” said Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Ryan Elsey.

Michael Jackson Bolanos has been charged with felony murder, home invasion and lying to police.

Elsey pieced together a murder mystery puzzle, claiming Bolanos stabbed Woll to death during a home invasion last October.

“She was bloody, she was barefoot, she was cold to the touch at that time when the police arrived they found a trail of blood that led to her body to her townhome,” said Elsey.

Defense attorney Brian Brown argued Bolanos is innocent, and brought up the possibility of another suspect, Woll’s ex boyfriend.

“To me, that would indicate a crime of passion,” said Brown.

The prosecution wanted to clear up the confusion.

“He called police during what he would describe as a panic attack… He had essentially convinced himself that he may have killed Ms. Woll but he couldn’t remember anything about it,” said Elsey.

It’s just the beginning of the trial.

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